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Worship

SermonStudio

Advent 3 -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Be patient! the time is coming
Advent 4 -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We gather in preparation
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Thom M. Shuman -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Greeting One: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- Thom M. Shuman -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Wonder of wonders, God has come to us!
Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: All God's people -- boys and girls, women and men,
Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: On this day, we remember the gift of God's Word
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: He came as a baby, to bring laughter to children;
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: When the floods and storms of the world threaten
Epiphany 2 -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Gathered in winter's grayness, we wait,
Epiphany 3 -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: You call us, O God, to have the same mind

Drama

SermonStudio

Mrs. Johnson's Rummage Sale -- Jeff Wedge -- 2003
a drama about supportThe Players
Putting In Time -- Jeff Wedge -- 2003
a drama about participatingThe Players
Where'd It Come From? -- Jeff Wedge -- 2003
a drama about sourcesThe Players
Build What? -- Jeff Wedge -- 2003
a drama about the stewardship of creationThe Players
Wow! Baby Jesus Is Born ... For Me! -- Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- John A. Tenbrook -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Transfiguration -- 1 Kings 19:9-18, 2 Peter 1:16-19 (20-21), Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 27 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Barbecue Bob And The Fresh Wineskins -- Hosea 2:14-23, Mark 2:18-22, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
A Hiding Place -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Heal! -- 2 Kings 5:1-15ab, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 42 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Whatever ... -- 2 Kings 4:8-37, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39, Psalm 142 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts"Whatever."

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Tale Of Two Peters -- Acts 5:27-32 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
When the curtain opens on Scene Two, we see a familiar scene.
God All Along -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
See him as he travels along the road to Damascus: the intensity in his eyes, the purposefulness of h
The Good Works We Leave Behind -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It's a poignant scene: the gathering place of mourners.
Look Who's Talking -- Acts 11:1-18 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Professional sports has no statistic for measuring talking.
The Man Who Wasn't There -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
I've never had a vision -- at least not of the sort that Paul had.
A Stupid Question -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Generous teachers sometimes assure their students that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
The Place Of Prayer -- Acts 16:16-34 -- David Kalas -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
"Where is the place of prayer?" they asked. "We're looking for the place of prayer."
Birthdays And Marriages -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
It is common to speak of Pentecost as the birthday of the church.
God's Playful Wisdom -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
If I mentioned Sophia to you, what memories would it evoke?
Mugwumpers -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
In certain streams of Christianity, it is common to speak of people being "born again." The phrase c

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Fox -- Luke 9:57-58 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Amazing Ability To Adapt
Goat -- Proverbs 27:26-27 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Basic Provider For Basic Needs
Honey Bee -- Psalm 19:9-10 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
A Willing Worker
Lion -- Proverbs 28:1 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Boldness
Lizard -- Proverbs 30:24, 28 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Inconspicuous, Yet Clever
Locust -- Exodus 10:10-15 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
A Warning From God
Ostrich -- Job 40:18 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Strength For Sensational Speed
Owl -- Isaiah 43:20 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Wisdom Is A Virtue
Peacock -- 1 Kings 10:22 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Beauty -- A Gift From God
Pelican -- Psalm 102:1-2, 6 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Sacrificial Care For Others

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Easter Imperatives -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Easter Day - A -- 2009
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, you have broken the power of
Jesus Doesn't Divide The World -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- 2009
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdo
Confidence In Prayer -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2009
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but tha
How Well Do You Know Him? -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2009
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do peopl
Work And Rest -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Luke 14:25-33 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I w
Nothing, Some, Or All -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2009
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
Character Is A Lifetime Job -- Ecclesiasticus 44:1-10, 13-14, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- All Saints Day - A -- 2009
Some of them have left behind a name, so that others declare their praise.
The Bible As Homiletics Professor -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
Literary Devices
Parallelism For Preaching Without Parallel -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
What It Is And Its Different Forms
Nothing In The World Better Than Hyperbole -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
In Preaching the Psalms, J. Clinton McCann Jr. and James C.

Stories

SermonStudio

Perfect Sleeper Protection -- John 17:6-19 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Perfect Sleeper Protection
The Crucifixion Of Monty -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
The Crucifixion Of Monty
Tingling Ears -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
Tingling Ears
Personally Invited -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Personally Invited
Casting Out Demons -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Casting Out Demons With Authority
Sixty -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Gregory L. Tolle -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Sixty
The Priest And The Professor -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
The Priest And The Professor
Worth More Than Ten Bucks -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Worth More Than Ten Bucks
No Shortcuts To Cleanliness -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
No Shortcuts To Cleanliness
Who's The King? -- John 18:33-37 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
Who's The King?

Prayer

SermonStudio

Lord versus the law -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Dennis Koch -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Lord versus the lawGospel Note:
The rejected stone has become the head of the corner -- John 12:1-8 -- Dennis Koch -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The rejected stone has become the head of the corner
Symbolic food for a shared future -- Luke 22:7-20 -- Dennis Koch -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Symbolic food for a shared futureGospel Note:
The compassion and the Passion of the Christ -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Dennis Koch -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The compassion and the Passion of the ChristGospel Note:
The pedagogy of the Paraclete -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Dennis Koch -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The pedagogy of the ParacleteGospel Note:
The needy as neighbor, liberation as love -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The needy as neighbor, liberation as loveGospel Note:
Distractions versus discipleship -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Distractions versus discipleshipGospel Note:
Positive praying -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Positive prayingGospel Note:
The false security of material possessions -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The false security of material possessionsGospel Note:
Christian priorities and preparedness -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Christian priorities and preparednessGospel Note:

Devotional

SermonStudio

Field Trip To The Doctor -- Mark 5:22-23 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came out and, when he saw him, fell at h
Pick Up Your Underwear! -- Ephesians 5:25 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Fun Things To Do At 3 A.M. -- Matthew 18:1-5 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of hea
The Future! -- Proverbs 22:6 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.
Talk To Your Dad (And Mom)! -- Proverbs 4:1-4 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight; for
Telling Stories -- Luke 15:11-12a -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Then Jesus said, "There was a young man who had two sons.
Quiet Time -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed hi
Now You Know About Unconditional Love -- Ephesians 2:8-9 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; it is the g
The Best Month Of Your Life (So Far)! -- Psalm 150 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary;
Rhythms Of Life -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4, 7b -- Steven Molin -- 2008
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

Poems

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Candlelighting service

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Spirituality

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Inspirational

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

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Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

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Observance

Christian

African-American History

Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

Men's Day

Church Leaders

Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

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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