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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

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
Trumpet Medley -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Listen to the sound of the trumpet. What do you hear?
Anatomy Of A Testimony -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You see a man busily writing. His face reveals the intensity of his focus.

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

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.

Worship Service

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.

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For October 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Amanda Squirrel hummed as she put the finishing touches to the icing on the huge cake she had made earlier that day. "Will this do?" she asked her friend Hetty Hedgehog.

"Do?" gasped Hetty. "Why, it's the best and biggest cake I've ever seen!"

Amanda had been planning this party for months. All the invitations had been sent out weeks ago, and Amanda and Hetty had been hard at it for several days, preparing the food and sweeping and cleaning and decorating the animal hall.

StoryShare

Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Craig Kelly
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"A Lot of Bull" by Alex Gondola
"Rejoice in the Lord Always" by Alex Gondola
"Second Chances" by Craig Kelly
"American Idol" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"American Idols" by Keith Heweitt
"Invitation to Peace" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


American Idols
by Keith Hewitt
Exodus 32:1-14

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
Psalm 106 is recitation of the sins of Israel, an enumeration of the ways in which the nation failed to trust their well-being to the Lord. In verse 6, the psalmist confesses that his own generation has been as sinful as their ancestors, but the catalog of sins that follows sticks to those of the forebears.
William E. Keeney
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come.
John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (C)
The Israelites worship a golden bull. Thinking Moses had deserted them as well as Yahweh, the people persuaded Aaron to make a golden bull out of their jewelry for worship. It is a return to an Egyptian god, Amon-Re, represented by a bull. Yahweh was so angry at their desertion of him, that he threatened to destroy them. Upon Moses' intercession, their plight was avoided.

Lesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-10 (RC); Isaiah 25:1-9 (E)
 On Mount Zion, God will make a feast for all peoples on the last day.
Argile Smith
When we get nervous about the unknown, we can make mountains out of mole hills. But we aren't by ourselves. Loads of people down through history have made the same mistake.
Joseph M. Freeman
Jesus' use of parables is his way of communicating a striking truth with significant love. In my own journey as a Christian person, the most amazing quality of God which has been so instructive to me is that He approaches us with equal doses of love and truth. How different He is than us. When I see someone in error and that error has personally hurt me, I go for that person's jugular, to deliver the truth, but little or no love accompanies it. Hence, the person becomes defensive and flatly refuses the truth which could correct the error.
George S. Johnson
This morning I want to talk to you about becoming a Christian - the invitation of Jesus to come and follow him. It is not my intention to judge who is or is not a Christian, or criticize anyone's experience of salvation, or to suggest that you are not already a member of God's family. My intention is rather to allow this text to speak clearly to us about Jesus' invitation. My purpose is to give voice to Jesus' call to discipleship.

I approach this text from Matthew with a few assumptions, a few underlying givens. Let me share with you what they are.
Richard C. Brand
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord." We have no idea what in the world these two women were quarreling about. Perhaps if we had had Entertainment Weekly or the National Enquirer or MSNBC or the investigative potential of the Internet we would have more information about the nature of the split. But we have no idea what had set these two women against each other.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Confession And Absolution
P: We hold back your goodness from one another.
We hold back, pretending it is our own.
C: Break open the tombs of pride and fear that we build,
so that in giving what is yours,
we might find what we truly need.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: The Lord is your shepherd: you shall never be in want.
Such goodness and mercy will seek you,
and they will find you;
so that in the banquet of love, you will forever be filled.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart (UM160, 16l, NCH55, 71, PH145, 146, LBW553)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (UM427, CBH405, NCH543, PH408)
Sweet Hour Of Prayer (CBH11, UM496, NCH505)
Rejoice, The Lord Is King! (CBH288, UM716, NCH303, PH155)
What A Friend We Have In Jesus (NCH506, CBH573, UM526, PH403)
I Would Be True (NCH492)
Lead On, O King Eternal (LBW495, NCH573, PH447, 448, UM580)
We Come As Guests Invited (PH517)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
As I was driving home from the office the other day, I was waiting at a traffic light downtown, when I saw one of my parishioners cross the street in front of me. It's still my first year in my present appointment, and it occurred to me that I had never seen him outside of church. He is in church quite faithfully, but I had never seen him outside of that context. The sight of him in more casual clothes ... chewing gum ... and coming out of a store reminded me of a ridiculously simple fact: He has a life outside of that pew where I am accustomed to seeing him each Sunday morning.
Wayne Brouwer
His shrunken frame and age-diminished voice were almost lost at the front of our large church auditorium. He had been a medical intern at a small hospital in Arnhem when Hitler's war machine rolled through the Netherlands and set up a puppet Nazi government. Radios were destroyed to prevent BBC "propaganda" from demoralizing folks who needed nothing other than German "truth."

CSSPlus

Have you ever seen a movie or a television show that was scary? (Let them answer.) I have! Sometimes a show will get so scary that my heart starts pounding and it seems so real. When an action scene gets too real, what are some things people can do to remind themselves that this is only a show and not real? (Let them answer.)
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus asks us to join God's family and how we respond is important.

The Lesson: Welcome, boys and girls. Thank you for coming forward to share this teaching moment with me.
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