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Worship

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Psalm 80:1-7 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Fourth Sunday In Advent For Psalm 80:1-7
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Fourth Sunday In Advent For Hebrews 10:5-10
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Fourth Sunday In Advent For Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Eve For Isaiah 9:2-7
Christmas Eve -- Psalm 96 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Eve For Psalm 96
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Eve For Titus 2:11-14
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Eve For Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Day For Isaiah 52:7-10
Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Day For Psalm 98
Christmas Day -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Day For Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)

Drama

SermonStudio

Who Are You? -- John 1:6-8,19-28 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
ThemeKnowing who you are and who you aren't.Summary
The Meeting -- Luke 1:26-56 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
ThemeGreat faith encourages the worship of God.Summary
Jesus' Visit -- John 20:19-31 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Theme
The Cure For The Slump -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
ThemeIf we could talk to Jesus, how would that change us?Summary
The Shepherd, The Wolf, And The Sheep -- John 10:11-16 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
ThemeThe Good Shepherd, Jesus, will look after you if you know him.
The Orphan -- John 14:15-21 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Theme
Father & Son -- John 15:9-17 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Theme
Search For The Treasure -- John 17:11b-19 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Theme
Making A Christian -- Mark 1:7-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
ThemeDepending on the leading of the Holy Spirit is better than some pattern.
The Chosen One -- John 1:43-51 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
ThemeThe call to follow Jesus is not without difficulty.Summary

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Utmost Patience For The Foremost Sinner -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Scott Suskovic -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
We usually don't spend too much time thinking about our own sinfulness.
A Peaceful Life In An Unpeaceful World -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
I'm tempted to ask for a show of hands.
How Rich Is Rich? -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
We can simply stay away from some of the things that are bad for us.
Guarding The Treasure -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
Most of us have a long list of passwords, PINs, and usernames to type into our cell phones, our comp
Living In Chains -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Scott Suskovic -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
"... suffer as I do" (2 Timothy 1:12).
The Word Alone -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Scott Suskovic -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
"All scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Endurance -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Scott Suskovic -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Saint And Sinner -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Scott Suskovic -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
"Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
The Final Word -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Scott Suskovic -- All Saints Day - C -- 2009
...
Worthy Of Your Call -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Scott Suskovic -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
... we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call....

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Crumbs -- Matthew 15:26-27 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
This is a difficult text even for adults.
Listening -- Matthew 13:1-9 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Why are you here this morning?" I ask the children who have assembled on the chancel steps -- at my
Strength In Meekness -- Matthew 5:5 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"We have been talking about the Beatitudes the last few weeks.
People And Pencils -- Matthew 18:21-22 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Suddenly it's September, which for many of us brings the beginning of school," I begin.
Peanuts For Breakfast -- Romans 14:2-4a, 7-8 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
It seemed to me, as I thought about this text, that the best way to get its message across to young
Tears -- John 11:32-36 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"This morning I have brought something all of you will probably recognize.
Turning Around -- Mark 1:14-20 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children gather on the chancel steps, they sit down as usual.
"... For You" -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Have any of you ever had trouble remembering things?" I ask the assembled children.
Yahweh -- Exodus 3:13-14 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children come up to the front of the sanctuary, I place the posterboard face down in front of
The "Rips" -- John 13:34-35 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
When the children have gathered on the chancel steps, I ask, "Do any of you have any pets?" Everyon

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
(See Proper 26/Pentecost 24/Ordinary Time 31, Cycle A, and Lent 4, Cycle B, for an alternative ap
Proper 14/Pentecost 12/Ordinary Time 19 -- Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
(For an alternative approach to vv.
Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20 -- Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
(See Advent 4, Cycle A, and Advent 1, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Psalm 71:1-6 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 6/Pentecost 4/Ordinary Time 11 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
There are several things in the course of a lifetime that have the power to cause us to question our
Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 12 -- Psalm 42 and 43 -- James Evans -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Though numbered separately in almost all texts, Psalms 42 and 43 are actually one psalm.
Proper 8 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- James Evans -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
There is nothing quite as unsettling as being lost.
Proper 9 / Ordinary Time 14 / Pentecost 4 -- Psalm 30 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)
Proper 10 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 15 -- Psalm 82 -- James Evans -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Often, a distinction is made between the pastoral or priestly work of the church and the prophetic w
Easter 7 -- Psalm 97 -- Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(See Christmas Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Stories

SermonStudio

Too Churchy -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Paul Karrer
Angels In Haunted Places -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Richard H. Gentzler, Jr.
A Time To Weep -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Christina Berry
Help In The Name Of The Lord -- Psalm 124 -- Sandra Herrmann, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
In 1972, I had the opportunity to go to the Soviet Union and get educational credit for the adventur
Response -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Marie Regine Redig
The Winds Of God -- Romans 13:8-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Larry WinebrennerMy grandmother was an unforgiving woman.
Louise -- Exodus 14:19-30, Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
Louise
Worth Waiting For -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Ruth F. Piotter
Nothing In My Brain -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Cindy Loomis-Abell
Looking Forward With Love -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Lois Ann Weihe Bross

Prayer

SermonStudio

The puzzling identity of Jesus -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark constructs his narrative of this storm-stilling incident
Compassionate faith -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark tells of a healing and a resurrection. The stories are
Those who know Jesus best may know him least -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark places the rejection of Jesus by people in "his own
The astonishing event of resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
Gospel Note:
Fumbling in the face of the fantastic -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Dennis Koch -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark's description of the transfiguration of Jesus, though
The existential, practical Trinity -- John 3:1-17 -- Dennis Koch -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The story of Nicodemus brings together the basic elements of
Delayed hopes Ä devoutly trusted, divinely fulfilled -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Dennis Koch -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The elderly Simeon and Anna, both models of patient faith in
Jesus is the incarnate Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The Word is God in his pre-Jesus existence and his coming
God's Word in fullness and flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- Dennis Koch -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: John's reworking of this pre-Christmas hymn implies an irony:
News too good to keep -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Dennis Koch -- 1993
Gospel Note: The shepherds, having heard the angelic message, go to

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / OT 18 (Psalm 17:1-7, 15) -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholdin
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants....
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
... the disciples came to him and said ...
Proper 14 / OT 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
... and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver....
Proper 14 / OT 19 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
He had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. -- Psalm 105:17
Proper 14 / OT 19 -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." -- Romans 10:13
Proper 14 / OT 19 -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
... You of little faith, why did you doubt? -- Matthew 14:31
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / OT 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / OT 20 -- Psalm 133 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / OT 20 -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
... the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. -- Romans 11:29

Poems

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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
Contents
"Reason for Hope" by John Fitzgerald

Reason for Hope
by John Fitzgerald
1 Peter 3:13-22

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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