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Worship

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Thanksgiving Sunday -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer focuses on food and God's gifts to us so while appropriate for Thanksgiving, this mig
Christ The King (A) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
These prayers are specifically written for the last Sunday of the church year.
Christ The King (B) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Christ The King (C) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Confirmation (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Confirmation (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer could also be used for a church anniversary.
Reaffirmation Of Faith -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Stewardship -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Times Of Difficulty -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
While written for congregational use, this prayer is also easily used for communion with shut-ins
Celebration Of Women's Groups -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

Drama

SermonStudio

Two Christmas Dramas -- Rochelle M. Pennington -- 2003
ContentsWho Are You In Bethlehem?
Four Christmas Plays -- Mary Connealy -- 2003
ContentsRevelations Of Jesus
Watch For The Signs! ... Yo, What Signs? -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36, Psalm 50 -- John A. Tenbrook -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts
INYERFACE With The Baptizer -- Baruch 5:1-9, Luke 3:1-6, Psalm 126 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Restoration Rules! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-9, Luke 3:7-18, Psalm 85 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Face Of Salvation -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Psalm 80 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Bruce Reed And Demetrius Wick -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- John A. Tenbrook -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Whose Gift Is It, Anyway? -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Body -- Nehemiah 8:1-10, Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 113 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts
So, You Wanta Be A Prophet, Huh? -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Sermon

SermonStudio

A New Life -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2009
The old traditional idea of camping out under the stars with only a blanket or sleeping bag next to
A New Name -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
Let's play a game. I am going to say a name and you think about that person.
The Winning Word -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
Tom Barnard tells of his great love for sports stories, especially where an athlete survives an ugly
The Call Of God -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
Jeremiah had a task, a vision, and a promise from God.
The Call Of Holiness -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
These were not the best of times for Israel. Bleakness, despair, and frustration ruled the day.
Lessons From A Hurricane -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
It developed as a tropical wave leaving the coast of Africa on September 9, 1989, and within a few d
Breaking The Cycle -- God's Answer In Forgiveness -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
People often mistake forgiveness for a feeling, but it goes much deeper.
Restarting Joy -- Rejoice -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
Joy does not depend on the external events of life.
Strengthening Your Grip On Prayer -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2009
In 1982, Chuck Swindoll wrote a book titled Strengthening Your Grip.
The Radiant Life -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2009
We are not citizens of this world trying to make our way to heaven; we are citizens of heaven try

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Shepherd Knows -- John 10:3b, 14, 27 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
Jesus the Good Shepherd loves us, knows our name and all about us.
The Sheep Hear And Follow -- John 10:4-5, 27 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
Jesus our Good Shepherd wants us to spend time with him.
Jesus Is The Gate -- John 10:9, Psalm 23 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
It is through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, that we become part of his flock.
Other Sheep, One Flock -- John 10:16, Ezekiel 34:11-16 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, brings us together with all kinds of people.
Willing To Die -- John 10:11-13, 15, 18 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, died for us, his sheep.
The Shepherd Is Alive! -- John 10:17b-18, 10, 28, Psalm 23 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is alive!
Shepherd's Helpers -- John 21:15, 1 Peter 5:1-4, John 21:1-19 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
We are the Good Shepherd's helpers.
To Rebuild Or Not To Rebuild -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To explain that we should not keep doing things that we know are wrong.
There Is No Law Against Such Things -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: For some things there are no laws.
Ant -- Proverbs 6:6-8 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
The Wise Worker

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Into everyone's life comes a moment of complete abandonment of all the careful boundaries and filter
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Enthusiasm is not in vogue these days.
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What better way to begin a new year than with unqualified praise for our God!
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Most people spend their lives hungering after praise.
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The very words, "Praise the Lord," have, in some circles, taken on a tone of mockery and scorn.
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Within the confines of our cultural reality, those who take things into their own hands are showered
1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Comparisons are something we humans seem unable to avoid.
Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
After a long and grueling foot race, a runner reached for a glass of water puffing out the words, "T
Luke 1:47-55 -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A common gift to young children is a magnifying glass.
Luke 1:68-79 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Jesus has many names. Even a brief pause to imagine it conjures up an ever-lengthening list.

Stories

SermonStudio

Pigs Are Sheep Dogs, Too -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
The Un-taming Of The Shrewd -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of
Faith Fight Club -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, enduranc
Just A Little Bit Of Faith -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size
Who Packs Your Parachute? -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him.
The Instruction Manual -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you lear
The Forgiven -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded
Better Not Get Gekko -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to t
Are You My Husband? -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, "Te
The Church Is Not A Welfare State -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers wh

Prayer

SermonStudio

The king who rules from a cross -- Luke 12:9-19 -- Dennis Koch -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The king who rules from a crossGospel Note:
Seeing and believing -- John 20:19-31 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Seeing and believingGospel Note:
The church's mission under the Christ's direction -- John 21:1-14 -- Dennis Koch -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The church's mission under the Christ's direction
God's activity in the Christ -- John 10:22-30 -- Dennis Koch -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:God's activity in the ChristGospel Note:
Christian love ''in house'' -- John 13:31-35 -- Dennis Koch -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme: Christian love ''in house''
The legacy of Jesus -- John 14:23-29 -- Dennis Koch -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The legacy of JesusGospel Note:
Shared glory as the basis of Christian unity -- John 17:20-26 -- Dennis Koch -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Shared glory as the basis of Christian unityGospel Note:
The momentous witness of the wise men -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The momentous witness of the wise menGospel Note:
The social-spiritual side of baptism -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dennis Koch -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The social-spiritual side of baptismGospel Note:
From confusion at Cana to clarity at Calvary -- John 2:1-11 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:From confusion at Cana to clarity at CalvaryGospel Note:

Devotional

SermonStudio

What's In A Name? -- Isaiah 9:6b -- Steven Molin -- 2008
And he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Homecoming -- Joshua 24:15b -- Steven Molin -- 2008
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. -- Joshua 24:15b
Wise Ones From The East! -- Matthew 2:11 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid h
Sleep Is A Myth -- Luke 18:1-5 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.
Love So Amazing! -- 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8, 11-12 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
But we were gentle among you, like a nurse [nursing mother] tenderly caring for her own childr
Giving Thanks -- Philippians 4:6-7 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving le
Baptism: Blessed For The Journey -- Luke 2:21 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the
Joy And Responsibility -- Ephesians 6:1-4 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Partners In Parenting -- Luke 2:43-46 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusal
Flying Solo -- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12b -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

Poems

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Easter

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Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

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Mother's Day

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Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

Fellowship

Christian Faith

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
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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