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Worship

SermonStudio

The Resurrection Of Our Lord -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: This is the day
Easter 2 -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Easter 3 -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Where shattered hearts are made whole,
Easter 4 -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: This is God's church: the gate to discernment.
Easter 5 -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We are God's household,
Easter 6 -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We have come to seek God
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We gather in this holy place, some empty, some filled,
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: The hour has come to worship our God,
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: The day of Pentecost is upon us.
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: God, who created all things and named them "good,"

Drama

SermonStudio

John, the Beloved Disciple -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: John, sometimes described as Jesus' beloved disciple, never attained the prominence of Pet
Judas -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Defender: As children we had little trouble understanding Judas.
Barabbas and Simon of Cyrene -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Presenter: Two men were thrust into the trial and death of Jesus. They had no warning.
Mary Magdalene -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: The biblical record of Mary Magdalene is sparse.
Thomas -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Presenter: If it had been left up to Matthew, Mark, and Luke we wouldn't be talking about Thomas tod
Caiaphas -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: If one person was more responsible for Jesus' death than any other, it would have to be Ca
Pilate -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: Pontius Pilate was a black-and-white-sighted man living in a world of many colors and shad
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethea -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: Two of the lesser players in the account of Jesus' death are Nicodemus and Joseph of Arime
Mary, Mother of Jesus -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: Mary and her devout parents may have once lived in Jerusalem, but while Mary was quite you
Blessed -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For Blessed

Sermon

SermonStudio

Garden Gone Bad -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
This summer I decided to take up some simple vegetable gardening. I knew it would happen someday.
When God Calls -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
Today, and for the next several weeks, the Revised Common Lectionary devotes attention to one of the
Finding Fault With God -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
It is never a pleasant prospect to deal with someone who has a complaint with you.
In The Potter's Hands -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
I am not a potter, and I do not play one on television!
From Life To Death To ... -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
How many of you remember the movie Duck and Cover?
When There's Nothing Left To Do But Mourn -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
When a person is diagnosed with a serious disorder, one that threatens their very existence, life as
Sold! -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at t
The ABC's Of Grief -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
Grief is one of the universal experiences of humankind.
Making Ourselves At Home -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- R. Kevin Mohr -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
In a scene from the romantic comedy, While You Were Sleeping, "Ox" Callaghan is waxing eloque
Not Another Rerun! -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- R. Kevin Mohr -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
Not another rerun!

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

A Hearing Problem -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To teach the children the importance of listening.
Big Changes -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: As we grow in life and as we grow with God, we will always have to deal with
Little Big Man -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: How to be big in God's eyes.Props: Measuring tape.
Stick-to-it-tiveness -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Practice won't make you perfect, but persistence will surely get you closer t
Building Blocks -- 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 -- Tim Carpenter, Brett Blair -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To demonstrate the Bible's gift of instruction.
Oh, Lord, It's Hard To Be Humble -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To teach humility before God in prayer.Props: None.
A Little Forgiveness Goes A Long Way -- Luke 17:3-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: We do not need a lot of faith to exercise forgiveness.
Thankful For The Little Things -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Appreciation for the little things.
Take Care Of Your Wagon -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: If you take care of your toys today you will be entrusted with greater things
Richie Rich -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: We must show concern and care for others.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Once Before There Was A Time -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of predestination as a story
If Only You Had Been Here -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of death and eternal life as a story
I Am Sending You -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of resurrection and mission as a story
Once Upon A Christmas -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of incarnation as a story
Salt And Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Sometimes I think preachers would do best by getting out of Jesus' way.
Why Sheep? -- John 10:1-10 (Luke 16:19-31) -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Why sheep?
Fairy Tale Or God's Word? -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
When we ordain elders and deacons and ministers in the Presbyterian church we ask a number of questi
Listen To Yourself -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Sometimes the best way to start reading your Bible is with the footnotes.
Explanations Or Truth? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
So, what's that all about?
Storytelling -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Jesus loved to tell stories. Much of his teaching was in the form of stories we call parables.

Stories

SermonStudio

Foolish Is As Foolish Does -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Foolish Is As Foolish Does
The Salvation Sedan -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The Salvation Sedan
The End -- John 12:20-33 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The End
Sunday Dinner -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2005
Sunday Dinner
Humbled For Love -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
Humbled For Love
Risky Spirituality -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Risky Spirituality
Diamonds In The Rough -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Diamonds In The Rough
Mothers, Brothers, And Sisters Of God -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Mothers, Brothers, And Sisters Of God
What's Your Standard? -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
What's Your Standard?
Miracle -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Miracle

Prayer

SermonStudio

The pitfalls of prideful piety -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The pitfalls of prideful pietyGospel Note:
Grace that begets grace -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme: Grace that begets grace Gospel Note:
God of the living, Guarantor of life -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme: God of the living, Guarantor of life Gospel Note:
Testimony and triumph amid tribulations and trials -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Testimony and triumph amid tribulations and trials
The power of faith -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The power of faithGospel Note:
The redemptive presence and restorative power of God -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The redemptive presence and restorative power of God
Love as the result of forgiveness -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Love as the result of forgivenessGospel Note:
The cross is a consequence of Christian confession -- Luke 9:18-24 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The cross is a consequence of Christian confession
The demands of discipleship -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The demands of discipleshipGospel Note:
The urgency of the Christian message -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The urgency of the Christian message

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 2 -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held
Easter 2 -- Psalm 16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Easter 2 -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
...
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are r
Easter 3 -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were a
Easter 3 -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and a
Easter 3 -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mut
Easter 3 -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
Easter 4 -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions an
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup

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

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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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