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Worship

SermonStudio

Baptism Of Jesus (C) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Transfiguration (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
These prayers all focus in on the Transfiguration texts but can also be used during the season of
Transfiguration (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Lent -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The references in this prayer to the covenant makes it especially applicable to Lectionary Cycle
Maundy Thursday -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is applicable for Maundy Thursday as it recounts the Exodus and ties it into the Last
Easter Sunday (A) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
These three communion prayers are written around the Easter stories for the gospels highlighted i
Easter Sunday (B) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer makes reference to the stories highlighted in the Old Testament and gospel through th
Easter Sunday (C) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Pentecost -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Worldwide Communion -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

Drama

SermonStudio

Some Day, My Prince Will Come .. -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
As I perused the readings for Easter 6, I was struck by their focus on the future glory of God -- an
Let Everyone Who Is Thirsty Come -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Everyone, Lord? Even those (fill in the denomination) who (fill in the alleged heresy)?
The Temptation Of Sally Vation -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Saint Paul reminds us that "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14) and
As Many As The Stars? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I love the movie Oh, God! Some may take issue with its theology, but George Burns as God is i
Moses The Fig Tree -- Exodus 3:1-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Perhaps I was too hard on Moses. But you have to admit, Moses was a bit of a whiner:
Percival Prodigal Ponders A Pithy Point -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
For several years, my wife and I have been involved in a prison ministry at our local county house o
God, You're Just Politically Incorrect! -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 126 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
This may not be a popular play. So be it.
The Spiritual Struggle Of Sidney Centurion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
What really happened to the centurion who presided over our Lord's crucifixion?
Six Christmas Testimonies -- David H. Covington -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionPatterns For Six Ornaments
The Christmas Gift -- Janet K. Gardner -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionProp ListThe Christmas Songs

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Measure Of Success -- Matthew 7:24-29 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built h
Why Did You Bring Us Out Of Egypt? -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2009
I am a baby boomer. I am part of that generation that emerged following World War II.
God's Gift -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Margery Tallcott relates that during the Depression she and her husband were barely making the money
Finding Redemption In The Midst Of Judgment -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
A vase shatters, brushed by a careless elbow; a toy breaks, handled roughly by young fingers; and fa
Hope Again! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Charles Swindoll wrote a book titled Hope Again, with the subtitle "When Life Hurts and Dream
Born At Bethlehem -- Hope -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Ellyn Sanna was twelve years old when she went on a camping trip to New England with her family.
Born In Bethlehem -- Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Have you ever awakened in the early hours before dawn? Thick darkness covers the earth.
Hidden Potential -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Home and Garden television produces a program titled Hidden Potential hosted by Brandie Malay
From Tragedy To Salvation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
On January 13, 1982, Washington DC and the surrounding area experienced a blizzard that paralyzed ev
To God Be The Glory! -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
One of the most prolific songwriters of the nineteenth century was Fanny Crosby.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Intercession -- Matthew 5:43-48 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There was once a man who dreamed of a beautiful home, and soon all of his time, energy, money, and a
A Sunny Day -- Romans 8:26b -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's raining!" Brad said, sadly.
Brother Lawrence -- Psalm 150:6 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The greasy, sticky pots and pans were piled precariously on the sink.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses -- Luke 11:4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once Abraham invited a beggar to his tent for a meal.
Teach Us To Pray -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story for today, Jesus went up the mountain by himself to pray.
The Lord's Prayer In "New Haven" -- Luke 11:2-4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time in a town called "New Haven," the mother sat on her son's bed and they talked toget
The Lord's Prayer -- Luke 11:14 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Jesus sat in the garden with a friend. The air was still. The garden was quiet.
In The Presence Of God -- Psalm 13 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"But, Grandma, I gave all of my Halloween candy but the M and M's to Brad," she gulped between tears
The Gifts -- Matthew 2:11 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Where are the gifts?" the first wise man asked the other two wise men.
The Shepherd And His Sheep -- John 10:14, 26-27 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
Jesus is the Good Shepherd of those who listen and follow him.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 137 -- Psalm 137 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This most poignant of psalms escapes as a cry from a people in exile.
Psalm 138 -- Psalm 138 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Few people write thank-you notes anymore.
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There's something about someone who knows you really well.
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
One of the marvelous things about a long and happy marriage is that the partners really come to know
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The definition of a true friend is someone who knows all there is to know about you and still loves
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The words of the ancient Sunday school teacher still ring clear in memory.
Psalm 146 -- Psalm 146 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "
Psalm 146 -- Psalm 146 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2009
There is a well-worn axiom that warns against mixing religion and politics.
Psalm 146:5-10 -- Psalm 146:5-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In this season of waiting there is a prior question that comes to mind.
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes life gets to be simply too much.

Stories

SermonStudio

You Win Some -- You Lose Some -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town
Living The Lesson Of The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man w
Lost In Jesus -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed
Mrs. Tolle's Persistent Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at lea
And Yet The Stars Shined -- Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
The Faith Factor -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen....
Running With The Holy -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
Being Right Versus Doing Right -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to
Looking Past The Beautiful Blonde -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
"For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Are You Smitten? -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I w

Prayer

SermonStudio

GOD-ESTEEM -- John 17:6-19 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 17:6-19
TEAM EFFORT -- John 17:20-26 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 17:20-26
LITTLE MATTERS THAT MATTERED -- John 18:15-27 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 18:15-27
NOONTIME PRAYER SERVICE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING
The snare-like suddenness of the Second Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Dennis Koch -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The snare-like suddenness of the Second Coming
An advent announcement for all -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:An advent announcement for allGospel Note:
The fruits of repentance, reserves for the future -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The fruits of repentance, reserves for the future
The basis of blessedness -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Dennis Koch -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The basis of blessednessGospel Note:
Awaiting the power that authenticates -- Dennis Koch -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Awaiting the power that authenticatesGospel Note:
Piety as private, not public -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Piety as private, not publicGospel Note:

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
Ruth 1:1-18
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 23:1-7
God Knew What You Just Found Out! -- Psalm 139:13, 15-16a -- Steven Molin -- 2008
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb....

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 5
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
22 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
21 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

SermonStudio

Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedroom. Before this, whenever Charlie needed to use a mirror, he went to the bathroom, but there he was only able to see his head and possibly his shoulders. When he got dressed up he used his parents' full-length mirror in their bedroom. Charlie was happy with his new mirror; he spent many hours in front of it.
Elizabeth Achtemeier
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God. Such a belief rises partly from a feeling of awe before the divine -- the feeling that God is so unfathomable, so other, so beyond our feeble understanding that we cannot possibly experience who he truly is in all of his fullness and perfection. And perhaps that is the reason that the Athenians have erected that idol "to an unknown God" that Paul encounters when he visits their city. They know that there is a god beyond them, but they cannot define him or name him.
Stan Purdum
(See Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-12.)

Psalm 66 is a song of communal thanksgiving, probably composed to celebrate some national deliverance. Because of the personal language of verses 13-20, there is some speculation that this psalm was originally two hymns, but as it stands, it contains a combination of corporate and personal prayers, both appropriate in worship.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E, L)
Schuyler Rhodes
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan? Do you make your commitments and focus your energies on one thing, but have an alternative in mind just in case things don't work out with the first one? You might call it "Plan B" or something else, but basically you're hedging your bets and covering yourself in case the situation goes south.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was still in the middle of his farewell discourse to his disciples. He was trying to comfort the despair that they were feeling when they had first heard the news (during the last supper) that Jesus would be leaving them (John 13:21, 33; 14:1). He had comforted them with the good news that he was on the way to God the Father, that in associating with Jesus, the disciples had been in fellowship with the Father (John 14:6-11). Whoever believed in him, Jesus said, would be able to do the works that he had done, even greater works (John 14:12).
Albert G. Butzer, III
Here are two statements about the world. Tell me if both of them ring true for you. The first of them is this: "The world is a beautiful place." And the second statement is this: "The world is a terrible and dangerous place." Both statements are true - don't you agree? - and yet, ironically, they seem to say the exact opposite thing. How much easier it would be to affirm one statement or the other, but not both.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contribution to humanity will live on in the minds of many under a different title, "The Birdman of Alcatraz." By nature, Robert Stroud was not a congenial man. As a youth he was always getting into fights, disagreements, and various altercations. When he was only nineteen he killed a man in a barroom brawl, was convicted of second--degree murder, and was sentenced to the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, since the crime was committed on Federal land.
Richard W. Ferris
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ. On a particular Saturday afternoon, the sexton was making one final check of the choir and organ loft high in the balcony at the back of the church. As he was making his inspection, he was startled to hear footsteps echoing up the stone stairway behind him. He thought the doors were all locked and that no one else was in the church. He turned to see a man in slightly tattered traveling clothes coming toward him.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31
Theme: To A Known God

Call To Worship
Leader: God is a known God who continually gives us evidence of presence.
People: God is a knowable God who extends to us the hand of hope.
All: Come, let us worship God. Amen.

Collect
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Our Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (PH376, UM384, LBW315, NCH43)
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (PH321, UM465)
There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit (PH398, UM334)
Thy Holy Wings, O Savior (UM502)
Come Down, O Love Divine (LBW508, NCH289, PH313)
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (OBW492, NCH502, PH357)
My Song Is Love Unknown (LBW94, NCH222, PH76)

Anthems
Praise The Lord, Service Music, Hal Hopson, CGA, Unison 2--part

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 10, 2026:

StoryShare

John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Reason for Hope" by John Fitzgerald

Reason for Hope
by John Fitzgerald
1 Peter 3:13-22

Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the classic Little House on the Prairie series neared an end to her
life. At this juncture she penned an essay about hope in face of the constant current of change. Here is an excerpt from that writing: 
Frank Ramirez
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez
"Looking for God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"A Gentle Profession" by Peter Andrew Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter direct us to sermons on the great things God’s love does, appreciating in two cases this love’s cosmic character (especially leading to a stress on justification by grace). This is an appropriate theme with the festival of the Ascension in view, which celebrates Christ’s almighty power and cosmic vindication. 

Acts 17:22-31
William H. Shepherd
Schuyler Rhodes
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells the class about Gandhi's assertion that if God ever came to India, he'd have to come as bread, in order to get the attention of the starving peasants. The teacher then asks the class what form God would have to take in order to get the attention of their high school. "Beer," says one student. "Yeah," another chimes in, "it's the only thing to do around here."

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

CSSPlus

Hi there, boys and girls! How many of you have rules that you have to follow at home? (show of hands) What are some of the rules you have? (let them tell you) What about at school? Do you have rules there? What are they? (let them tell you)

Why should we even have rules? (see what they think) I think we have rules because it makes it easier for us to be together. If we are all kind to each other, we will all be happier. If there are rules, then maybe people will fight less.

Special Occasion

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