Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Advent Sale - Save $131!
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Using Your Imagination -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to use their imagination for good.
Seed Time -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To see death as a time of new life.
The Idle Tale -- Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
The small, furry, green caterpillar ate its way up the stalk of grass.
The Wind Sock -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show that we need God's love and wisdom to give our lives proper direction.
The Light Of The World -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show how our lives need to reflect what we believe.
The Twice-Traveled Road -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace were Alison's favorite friends in church.
A Bucket Of Water -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to actively seek the things of our faith.
Let Your Light Shine -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to share.
The Identifying Scars -- Luke 24:36-43, John 20:24-29 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
"Alan, you are late again!" Alan's father's jaw twitched, which meant he was not pleased.
Learning From A Flower -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show why we should be thankful to God.
The Do-It-Yourself Kit -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to use their God-given powers.
The Dispelled Doubt -- John 20:19-29 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Once there was a child who lived during a war. His name was Norman.
A Disappearing Act -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: It is not necessary to see God; but we can still experience God.
The Propelling Word -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
"You are under arrest," the policeman said to the old man, caught for stealing a loaf of bread, beca
Hidden Treasure -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: True life with God is like a great treasure.
The Wasted Ointment -- Matthew 26:6-13, Luke 7:36-50 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Our sacred story for today is about a woman who came to Jesus with a jar of very expensive oil and s
The Shortest Distance -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to stick with a task until it is finished.
The Sustaining Promise -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Long ago King Philip of France issued a decree ordering all Jews under the penalty of death to leave
Pieces Of Paper -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Understanding values.
The Pointing Table -- Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-28 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
There once was a mean dwarf who pushed and shoved, grabbed, and was always first in line.
Fine And False Speech -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to tell the truth.
The Rich And The Poor -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage the children to be friendly to new children in the church.
The Jumping Flame -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to try new things.
A Lesson From Paper -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To help the children understand that as we grow older,
The Arrow Of Friendship -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about the meaning of true friendship.

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

SermonStudio

O Come, Let Us Sing To The LORD! -- Psalm 95 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O come, let us sing to the LORD;
Help, O LORD, For There Is No Longer Anyone Who Is Godly -- Psalm 12 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
You, O LORD, will protect us; you will guard us from this generation forever.
A Christmas Journey: A Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
Home Alone For Christmas
A Christmas Journey: A Christmas Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
The Christmas Cross
Proper 20 -- Mark 9:30-37 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Mark 9:30-37
Easter 6 -- John 15:9-17 -- William W. Helland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
John 15:9-17
Proper 21 -- Mark 9:38-50 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Mark 9:38-50
Easter 7 -- John 17:6-19 -- William W. Helland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
John 17:6-19
Proper 22 -- Mark 10:2-16 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
Mark 10:2-16
The Resurrection Of Our Lord / Easter Day -- John 20:1-18 -- William W. Helland -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
John 20:1-18
Proper 23 -- Mark 10:17-31 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Mark 10:17-31
Epiphany 2 -- John 1:43-51 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
John 1:43-51
Proper 24 -- Mark 10:35-45 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
Mark 10:35-45
Epiphany 3 -- Mark 1:14-20 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Mark 1:14-20
Proper 25 -- Mark 10:46-52 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Mark 10:46-52
Epiphany 4 -- Mark 1:21-28 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Mark 1:21-28
Proper 26 -- Mark 12:28-34 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Mark 12:28-34
Epiphany 5 -- Mark 1:29-39 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
Mark 1:29-39
Proper 27 -- Mark 12:38-44 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Mark 12:38-44
Epiphany 6 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Mark 1:40-45
Proper 28 -- Mark 13:1-8 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Mark 13:1-8
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Mark 9:2-9 -- William W. Helland -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Mark 9:2-9

Drama

SermonStudio

The Men -- William Grimbol -- 1984
SETTING: Four men gathered in a courtyard garden for conversation
The Children -- William Grimbol -- 1984
SETTING: Seven children gathered in a courtyard garden for conversation
The Youth -- William Grimbol -- 1984
SETTING: Three scenes, in a courtyard garden, where two young people are engaged in conversation
The Elders -- William Grimbol -- 1984
SETTING: Two elderly couples dining together in a courtyard garden
The Family of Judas -- William Grimbol -- 1984
SETTING: Monologues by the father, mother, brother, sister and grandmother of Judas
The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of Christian love and concern for a narrator, Jesus, a Lawyer, and four solo voices.
The Unjust Steward -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of honesty and love for God, for a narrator, a rich man, an accountant, and three solo voi
The Wedding Feast -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of the Kingdom of heaven for a narrator, a king, and three solo voices (or a narrator and
The Unforgiving Servant -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of forgiveness for a Narrator, Jesus, and four solo voices who double as Peter, the Lord,
The Prodigal Son or The Merciful Father -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of mercy and forgiveness for a Narrator, Jesus, the youngest son, the Father, and four sol
The Rich Man and Lazarus -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of final separation for Jesus and four solo voices.
The Ten Virgins -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of the Kingdom of heaven for a narrator, Jesus, and four solo voices.
The Talents -- Matthew 25: 14-30 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of stewardship for a narrator and four solo voices.
The Sower -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of unfruitfulness for a narrator and five solo voices (Solo 3 doubles as Isaiah and Solo 5
The Great Banquet Feast -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of God's Kingdom for a Narrator, the Master, and four solo voices.
John, the Baptizer -- R. Blaine Detrick -- 1976
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord."
Levi, the Publican -- R. Blaine Detrick -- 1976
"All went to be taxed."
Nathan, the Shepherd -- R. Blaine Detrick -- 1976
"Unto you is born this day ... a Savior."
Jacob, the Innkeeper -- R. Blaine Detrick -- 1976
"There was no room ... in the inn."
Balthasar, the King -- R. Blaine Detrick -- 1976
"We have seen his star in the east ..."
Joseph, the Carpenter -- R. Blaine Detrick -- 1976
"Call his name Jesus ..."
Looking the Part -- R. Blaine Detrick -- 1976
Marguerite Detrick
The Faith Bridge -- Joseph Mcbee
CastWaiter: A man or woman
All Too Important -- Joseph Mcbee
CastJim: A busy manKaren: Jim's wife
Caiaphas -- Exodus 40:12-16, Matthew 26:57-68 -- Scott A. Bryte
Good evening.

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14
The (Demonic) Empire Strikes Back -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Miracle Six The (Demonic) Empire Strikes BackThe Text
Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Job 38:1-7 (34-41) or Isaiah 53:4-12 Hebrews 5:1-10
Rainbow-colored Coats And Green-eyed Monsters -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: I think one of the "seven deadly sins" is jealousy, which may be a temptation
One Bible -- So Many Churches! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Why are there so many different denominations?
Will Sports Craziness Infiltrate The Church? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Will the fanaticism we see in spectators at sporting events ever become a part
"Feel Good" Religion: A Contemporary Theology -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose statement: Has the trend in our religion or faith today deteriorated to the point where o
Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17
The Gift Of Life For The Givers Of Life -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Miracle Seven The Gift Of Life For The Givers Of LifeThe Text
Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 or Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Job 42:1-6, 10-17 or Jeremiah 31:7-9 Hebrews 7:23-28
A Buddhist, A Mormon, And An Atheist Were Out In A Boat Fishing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Dialogue with other faiths and denominations leading to better understanding a
Guns  Rn't Us -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We must explore whether guns are worth the cost of life and limb.
Batman, Wonder Woman, Jesus, And Other Superheroes -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How is Jesus like, and not like, our superheroes?
Take This Religion Test -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Periodically, each pastor should challenge each of us with the question, "Are
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 or 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16
Leftover Grace -- John 6:1-21 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias.
Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day In Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God is near at hand.
A Blueprint For Dying -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A Christian should prepare for death and find ways of serving even after death
Ate With Any Wicked People Lately? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: As Christians are we allowed to associate with "bad" people?
How Do You Define Yourself? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Who are we and what do we let determine who we are?
Could Uncle Tom Be A Christ Figure? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It could be possible many Christians are unappreciative of the significance of
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43
Getting Back Into The Conversation -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Miracle Eight Getting Back Into The ConversationThe Text
Abandon Truth All Ye Who Enter Here -- Larry Lange -- 2005
Developing A Sermon Which Retells A Biblical Story
Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day Jesus encourages proportionate giving.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Road No One Wants To Travel -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Some time ago, I was riding a train through central England and a man boarded at one of the stops.
Experiencing Second Chances -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Why is it that if someone says there are a billion stars out, we never question the accuracy?
All Who Share This Hope -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Chris Ewing -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
There's nothing like a week with two funerals, a wedding, Halloween celebrations, a community farewe
Humility: We Know It When We See It -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the Illinois Republican Presidential nomination in this way: Lincoln's
Mentoring Matters -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
A man, a woman, a house, and a pitchfork.
Foreign Territory -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
I grew up "poor" -- or so I thought.
Faith To Follow -- John 3:1-17 -- Lee Griess -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
How much faith does it take to follow? How much trust in God must we have?
Being A Blessing -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Have you ever been blessed by someone?
Looking At Jesus From Behind Prison Bars -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
How different things must have looked for John behind prison walls.
Personal Politics -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Thomas Browne said that "the vices we scoff at in others laugh at us from within ourselves." More th
Lent 4 -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-24 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
Masks -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
There are going to be a lot of people running around out there with masks on this week.
The Ordinary In God's Hands -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
The apostle Paul writes to a church where he was the founding pastor.
Tomb It May Concern -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
One of the first things Pastor Susan heard about when she moved from Ohio to the mountains of North
Are You Ready For Christmas? -- Isaiah 40:3-4, Luke 2:1-7 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
As we approach Christmas, the question will be heard on many lips: "Are you ready for Christmas?" A
Streams Of Living Water -- John 4:5-42 -- Lee Griess -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Streams of living water ...
Center Stage -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Now that Matthew has finished his genealogy, he starts his narrative.
How Beautiful The Feet -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
The whole thing is stupid and unnecessary, Judy was thinking as she was driving to the nursing home.
Experiencing Extravagant Worship -- John 12:1-8 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Gentlemen, imagine that you want to take your wife or girlfriend on an extravagant date.
Ready For God's Reign -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
This parable has to be one of the least liked in the whole Bible.
A Friday We Call "Good" -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- David O. Bales -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
After our last trip to Israel, a number in our group met to share photos and memories.
How, Then, Shall We Live? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
I saw on America's Funniest Videos recently a little girl, about five or six years old, in a
Christmas Is For The Young -- Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 2:1-14 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Christmas is usually associated in our memory as a time of great joy.
A God Who Suffers With Us -- John 9:1-41 -- Lee Griess -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Sometimes you have to wonder.
Are All Your Sons Here? -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
I remember sixth grade as though it were yesterday.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One new mom wrote back to her mother that she had worked without ceasing from son-up to son-down!
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Being alive unto God comes through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother never realizes that her children are no longer children." (Holbrook Jackson)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The moral cesspools of life are removed by the whirlpools of the Spirit.
A Religious Dilemma -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Maia knew she was carrying twins.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas -- Birthday
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Involvement
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Revival
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Of all the men I have known, I cannot recall one whose mother did her level best for him when he wa
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly lov
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Forgiveness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Marriage
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy." (Spanish proverb)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is wholeness -- the wholeness of Christ in the whole of life for the whole of eternity.
Oh, To Be Quiet! -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Lucy had a big mouth. Not literally, for she had a beautiful mouth.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Death
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin." (Henry Beecher)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness removes the selfish sin.
Rainbow -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
The clown came walking ever so slowly up the aisle, smiling. She looked around.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas -- Gift
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Jealousy
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Revival

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipPsalm 19 Leader: The heavens sing of the glory of God;
A Christmas Gift -- Rod Tkach -- 2005
A Christmas Gift Order Of Worship Gathering Music
Theme: You Explain It -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 118:1-2, 8-9, 14, 18) One:
NULL -- Acts 2:44, 45 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: All the believers were together and had everything in common.
NULL -- Leviticus 27:30 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: " 'A tithe of everything from the land,
NULL -- Deuteronomy 8:18 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But remember the Lord your God,
Theme: What Good Is That? -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Acts 4:7 and 12)One:
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipThis is what Jesus was born for. Leader:
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Theme: Fashion Report -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 6:1)
Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipPsalm 1:1-3 (The Message)Leader:
O Come, Emmanuel -- Jeffrey A. Whitman -- 2005
Introduction
Theme: Pass Around Passover -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
NULL -- Acts 3:6 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 7:18, 19b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereig
Theme: Try And Stop Us -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA general Call To Worship. Leader:
Second Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Theme: Too Late To Be Quiet -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 148:11-13) Older:
Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 124. Leader:
A Sense Of Past And Future -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
NULL -- Acts 4:34-35 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: There were no needy persons among them.
NULL -- 2 Kings 12:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Joash said to the priests, "Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerin
Theme: That'll Show Us -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 98:1)
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2005

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?
1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL