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Worship

SermonStudio

Music For The Service -- 2006
Music has tremendous power to touch human hearts and minds, and therefore, it is a very useful tool
Hymns -- 2006
Singing is healing.
Other Music For Congregational Singing -- 2006
There are also many contemporary pieces of music that are appropriate for congregational singing at
Choral Music -- 2006
If you are lucky enough to be able to arrange for a choir to sing here are some suggestions for anth
Soloist Music -- 2006
This music can be found at religious supply stores and online.
Helpful Websites -- 2006
Here are a few websites I found that have helpful resources for funerals.
First Sunday In Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
First Sunday In Advent For Jeremiah 33:14-16
First Sunday In Advent -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
First Sunday In Advent For Psalm 25:1-10
First Sunday In Advent -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
First Sunday In Advent For 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
First Sunday In Advent -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
First Sunday In Advent For Luke 21:25-36

Drama

SermonStudio

Is Your Christmas A Compromise? -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
Like the rest of the world, Christians often get so caught up in the gift giving and festivities
It's Part Of The Plan -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This drama centers on the relationship between Joseph, Pharaoh's second in command, and Joseph's
Joy For The Journey -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
Each scene of this intense drama portrays a different situation in life, in three different time
A Widow's Plight -- Luke 18:1-5 -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This play is written in three parts.
What Does God Require? -- Leviticus 2:1-3, 11-15, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This short drama, in two scenes, presents a visual contrast between the sacrificial demands of th
The Spirit Of The Lord Is Upon Us -- Ezekiel 37 -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This intense drama takes the dry bones vision of the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37 and ties it wi
All Things Hidden Will Be Revealed -- 1 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 10:17 -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
God admonishes his people to be unified and have no divisions among themselves but be made comple
The Compelling Call -- Acts 13:1-3 -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This set of four scenes is especially suitable to accompany a series of sermons or studies on the
To Jericho -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
Moses readied the younger Joshua over many years to assume his role in leading the children of Is
The God Of Naomi -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This drama is enhanced by the Biblical character, Ruth, wandering about the sanctuary as she talk

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Glimpse Of Glory -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
(Sing the first verse and chorus of "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic.")
It's A Good Thing He's Gone! -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Today I want you to participate in the proclamation of today's message.
All In God's Time -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
"Why do bad things happen to good people?" is the way we say it today.
Getting The Big Picture -- Romans 8:14-17 -- April Yamasaki -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
A "global positioning system" can tell you the fastest way to drive from Point A to Point B -- which
God's Chain Reaction -- Romans 5:1-5 -- April Yamasaki -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
In 1980, NBC introduced a new television game show called Chain Reaction.
An Uncomplicated Gospel -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Dear John,
But When God ... -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
In the early Christian church, there were no pulpits.
Living With Integrity -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
"Justification by faith" -- to a theologian these words express one of the most basic principles of
Thicker Than Blood -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
In the classic movie, Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews plays a no-nonsense, yet delightful, nanny
Freedom Calling -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
Free! No obligation, no sales person will call! Free! Don't miss this opportunity! Free!

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Expect The Unexpected -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: When Jesus comes back it will be a surprise.
Wings -- Luke 17:20-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Without a doubt, Julia was a caterpillar!
Tall Enough -- Psalm 121:1-2 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Is anyone here this morning who is eight years old?" One young lady, somewhat shyly, holds up her
Living Water -- John 4:10 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children gather on the steps they see I am holding a small cactus planted in a pot shaped lik
Masks -- 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Good morning, children! Some of you are laughing. Why is that?"
"Invisible" Milk -- Proverbs 29:20 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"I have a story to tell you this morning about something that happened when I was five.
Leaping On The Laundry -- Joshua 1:9 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Is today a special day for someone in your family?" Heads nod eagerly; faces light up with knowing
Rainbows -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"This morning I need all of you to help me understand a verse of scripture.
Gifts Of Love -- John 3:16 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"What happened in some of your lives this week that hasn't happened all summer?"
Cats, And Mice, And Mercy -- Matthew 5:7 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
Before I have even said, "Good morning," to the gathered children, one of the younger ones (who is a

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day We are all wanderers, dependent on the providence of God.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Advent is a time for seeing the promise.
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Jesus Christ is God incarnate.
First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Jesus Christ is God's autobiography.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day The Magi were people of high resolution.
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day

Stories

SermonStudio

I Will Not Leave You Orphaned -- John 14:15-21, Psalm 66:8-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Lori Hetzel
Lambasting God -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-1 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Maria Seifert
An Unexpected Song -- Isaiah 49:1b, Psalm 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Derrick Sanderson
A Dog's Life -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, David Michael Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
The phone rang at precisely 9 p.m.
A Comforting Dream -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Harold KlugMy healing vision from God came in a dream.
The Horse Whisperer -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
William Lee Rand
An Old Enemy -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
Kendall W. Anderson
Discerning God's Direction -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Jane Moschenrose
I Will Not Forget You -- Matthew 6:34 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
J. Michael Mansfield
Metacosmic Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
...

Prayer

SermonStudio

The urgency of the Christian mission -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: In these verses, in which Mark concludes one pericope and
The Christ who feeds the hungry -- John 6:1-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded by all
The spiritual satisfaction in the bread of life -- John 6:24-35 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: While the pericope preceding this one dealt with the
God's gracious spiritual nourishment -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The two "I am the bread" sayings here are followed by a series
The living bread from above -- John 6:51-58 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage continues the "I am the bread" sayings of the
Disciple disbelief and defection -- John 6:56-69 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: After concluding his apparently sacramental remarks about his
Human customs versus divine commandments -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: These excerpts deal with two rather loosely related issues:
Proclaiming the incredible -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The point of the story for Mark appears not to be to signal
Bearing the mark of Christ -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The famous saying of Jesus about discipleship and "taking up his cross''
A different sort of greatness -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note:

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
... so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / OT 13 -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
...
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Psalm 45:10-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
...
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war wit
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Proper 10 / Pentecost 8 / OT 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of his game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Proper 10 / Pentecost 8 / OT 15 -- Psalm 119:105-112 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. -- Psalm 119:105
Proper 10 / Pentecost 8 / OT 15 -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those w

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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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