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Worship

SermonStudio

Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas Day For John 1:1-14
Is This the Road to Bethlehem?: A Children's Liturgy for Advent -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 2006
Order of Service Prelude Welcome Procession Of Acolytes
A Christmas Journey: A Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
Order of Service Gathering Music
Christmas Letters: Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
Order of Service Gathering Music Singing Of Christmas Carols
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 33:14-16 Theme: Empires Come And Go -- God Lasts
First Sunday Of Advent -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Theme: Night And Day
First Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:25-36 Theme: God Is Near Again
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4 Theme: My Messenger
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 1:3-11 Theme: Blessed Be The Lord!
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:1-6 Theme: Get Ready For God

Drama

SermonStudio

By Thunder -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
ThemeWhat is it that makes people follow Jesus?Summary
Demon Drop -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
Theme
Past/Future -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
ThemeOnly Jesus can free us from our hurtful past.Summary
Moses -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Theme
Opening Up To Jesus -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
ThemeJesus fulfills all our needs.Summary
U R Fair I C -- Mark 2:18-22 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
ThemePharisees need to be shocked out of their ridiculous religiosity.
Forced By The Spirit -- Mark 1:9-13 -- Robert F. Crowley -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme
Suffering -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme Why do believers suffer?Summary
Stand Up For Jesus -- John 2:13-22 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme Who will speak out for Jesus when it becomes necessary?
In The Heavenly Places -- Ephesians 2:4-10 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

Sarah -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Scott Suskovic -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Don't be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun.
No Work, No Food! -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Scott Suskovic -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
Whoever does not work should not eat! -- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT)
This Is A King? -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Scott Suskovic -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in hea
A New Resolve -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Scott Suskovic -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
"Stand firm in the Lord" (Philippians 4:1).
Don't Burn The Cookies! -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Today we enter the season of Advent.
Go, Johnny, Go, Go, Go! -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Every Sunday, a church broadcasts a one-hour service over the waves of 1450 WMIQ, the local radio st
The Coat Off Your Back -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Thanksgiving -- cornucopias, fall harvests, turkey and pumpkin pie, corn stalks, and scarecrows -- o
A Concert Of Praise -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The Christmas concert was about to begin. The professional musicians were ready.
Christmas Grass And Easter Tinsel -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
I think there are two items that seem never to disappear.
Tradition Can Be Changed -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Let Me See Your Shoes! -- John 13:4-5 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
This morning I greet the children with a question and a request: "Does everyone have shoes on?" The
The Treasure Of Christmas -- Matthew 2:9-11 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Have any of you ever found something that surprised you because it was in a place where you didn't
Christmas Presence -- John 1:1, 14 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
It is the first Sunday following Christmas.
Anger -- John 2:13-16 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
After the children gather, I shake the small cardboard box I have brought.
Prayer And Bumblebees -- 2 Corinthians 4:18 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Every week the hard-working folks in our church office put together a bulletin for our worship serv
Mending -- Ephesians 4:31--5:2 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children gather on the steps of the chancel area in the sanctuary, I pull a piece of red-and-
A Tale Of Two Trees -- 1 Corinthians 13:13 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children gather, I bring over a flowerpot in which I have placed a small cedar tree that "vol
Freedom -- Acts 22:27-28 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Does anyone know today's date?" I ask the children who have just gathered on the chancel steps.
Happy Birthday! -- Acts 2:1-2 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Did any of you notice anything unusual outside the sanctuary this morning?"
"Put Yourself In My Shoes!" -- 1 Corinthians 9:22 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Have any of you ever had a new pair of shoes?" The children greet this question with looks of surp

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle B, for an alternat
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 8 -- James Evans -- 2006
(See Trinity Sunday, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Psalm 96 is an enthronement psalm.
Proper 5/Pentecost 3/Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 146 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
(See Advent 3, Cycle A, for vv.
Easter 2 -- Psalm 150 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Psalm 150 offers eloquent testimony to the power of repetition.
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30 -- James Evans -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(For alternative approaches, see Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B; and Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Or
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- James Evans -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)
Easter 5 -- Psalm 148 -- James Evans -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(See Christmas 1, Cycle A; Christmas 1, Cycle B; and Christmas 1, Cycle C for alternative approac
Easter 6 -- Psalm 67 -- James Evans -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
The opening verse of this psalm echoes the blessing of Aaron found in Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord ble
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stan Purdum -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns cel

Stories

SermonStudio

Inside A Tornado -- Luke 1:47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Carolyn Peake
Is It Asking Too Much? -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
C. B. "Cleve" Bishop
Prayer At Midnight -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Prayer At Midnight
Stand Still And See! -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Bonnie Compton Hanson
That You May Not Grieve -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
John Sumwalt
A Different Realm -- Psalm 123 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Susan D. Jamison
Sufficient Grace -- 2 Corinthians 12:8, Psalm 46 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Joyce Schroer
High And Lifted Up -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
Laurie Woodard
I Gave You To God -- 1 Samuel 1:27-28, Genesis 18:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
Andrew Oren
A Doula's Prayer -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, LaNette J. McQuitty -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
By LaNette J. McQuitty and related by John Sumwalt.

Prayer

SermonStudio

PRAYERS FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
The Advent Wreath is a beautiful symbol of preparation during the season when we ready ourselves - s
Christmas Day -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Pastor:Lord God, you have sent many messengers to your people.
Epiphany 7 -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Assistant: One of the ways in which we understand that we are your people, O God, is to picture ours
Passion or Palm Sunday -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
(Based on a hymn text by Henry H. Milman)Assistant: Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Easter 7 -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Pastor:
Proper 10 -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Pastor:
Proper 20 -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Pastor:
Proper 28 -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Assistant: O God, what is the purpose of our lives?People:
FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, Luke 21:25-36 -- B. David Hostetter -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT -- Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / OT 20 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
...
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
... Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we.
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side ...
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
... Who do people say that the Son of Man is? -- Matthew 16:13
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / OT 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
... I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / OT 22 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. -- Psalm 105:4
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / OT 22 -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual a
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / OT 22 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / OT 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
...

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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

Schuyler Rhodes
This story about Stephen is a hard one to preach about these days. Lately, the idea of martyrdom has fallen under a bit of a cloud, don't you think? What do you think of when you hear about martyrs? In my experience, a martyr is either reduced to a psychological complex foisted off on someone who does too much for others, or it's a poor child with a dynamite vest ready to doom himself or herself and plenty of others for the sake of the cause, and the cash benefits paid to the family, after the fact. There's no question about it. The stock on martyrdom is way, way down these days.
David E. Leininger
"Christ is our cornerstone!" That motto was chosen over a century ago for the congregation I now serve. It was October 29, 1895, at 2:30 in the afternoon, that the grandparents and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the forebears of today's congregation, gathered outside in Pennsylvania's autumn chill to see the laying of the cornerstone of the church building that has been in use ever since.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.

First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
The Stoning Of Stephen
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
God is ready to swoop down and rescue us from the burdens we carry and to lift the heart aches! Our God has known us since birth through old age and gray hair and He will sustain us today!

OFFERING THOUGHT
The secret of money is enjoying the opportunity of giving it away for the glory of God.

BENEDICTION
May the God who transforms disappointments to joy do that for you this week. Amen.



SERMON BRIEFS

Holiness, The Trademark Of A Holy Person
Lee Griess
The great American humorist, Will Rogers, had the reputation that he could make anyone laugh. President Calvin Coolidge, on the other hand, had the reputation that he never laughed. Want to know what happened the time those two met? Rogers was invited to visit the White House and as was the custom, the president's assistant brought Rogers into the Oval Office. As was the custom as he entered, the assistant said, "President Coolidge, this is Will Rogers. Mr. Rogers, this is President Coolidge." To which Rogers leaned forward and said, "I'm sorry.
Richard L. Sheffield
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14:1 NRSV).

Since everything that follows for the rest of the passage I just read from John is commentary on that, we need to hear that clearly, before we hear anything else.

This is the closest English can get to the Greek of John's Gospel: "Let not be troubled of you the heart; Believe in God, also in me believe."1

And here are the translations of others who have listened and interpreted these words for you and me:
Robert J. Elder
In the earliest experience of the church, the apostles soon discovered that their teaching and preaching duties were taking an incredible amount of energy. As the community of believers grew in numbers, and they continued in their commitment to hold all things in common, it became obvious that some details of the life of the community would need more attention than the twelve apostles themselves could give. It was decided to appoint deacons to serve the needs of the church, particularly the needs of the poor and widows who could no longer care for themselves. Seven were appointed.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Forgiveness
P: We gather for worship in the name of the one who is
the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: The journey before us is one of letting go and taking hold.
As he prepares a place for us,
let us name the sin that clings to us, that we may find release.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: Unbelief, hatred, revenge,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
P: Gossip, despair, deceit,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)

One: My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

All: Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.


Collect
 Strengthen us, Lord, in the time of testing and trial, calling to mind the example of the martyrs who died for our faith. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For May 3, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
It is hard for us, living after the resurrection, to understand how Jesus, who was clearly a mortal man, could come to be worshipped as though he were God. Since we believe that Jesus did rise from the dead, we tend to endow his ministry with a divine glow. How could the authorities not see that Jesus was, indeed, the son of God? How did they explain away his miracles? How did they ignore how the average people felt about him?
David Kalas
What do you do between Act 2 and Act 3 of a performance? That depends upon who you are.

If you are like me, then you have attended a great many more shows, plays, and performances than you have participated in. And, as members of the audience, the time between acts is an intermission -- an opportunity to stretch your legs, to use the restroom, to enjoy some refreshments.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In our worship today, let us explore these words and find out how to reach God through Jesus.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, show me the right way to God.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, lead me into the truth about God.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, give me the eternal life which you have promised.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
Scott Dalgarno
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Encounter in the Darkness" by Keith Hewitt
"Please Don't Forget Me" by Scott Dalgarno
"An Unwanted Gift" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
Peter Andrew Smith
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Words of Power" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Refuge" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Words of Power
by Peter Andrew Smith
Acts 7:55-60

The principal looked at the boy holding the cloth up to his nose. His hair was dishevelled, his lip swollen, and his clothes bore the stains of the muddy playground. The nurse examined him but his bleeding nostrils seemed his greatest injury.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. (Show the rubbing of the cornerstone.) Does anyone know what I'm holding? (Let them answer.) This is a rubbing of the cornerstone of our church building. (Read to them what the cornerstone says. Tell them where the cornerstone is located.) I hope that when church is over this morning you can go out and look at and touch the real cornerstone. Cornerstones are very important. Does anyone know the purpose of a cornerstone? (Let them answer.) It's important because it is at the very foundation of our building. The church building is built on top of it.
Good morning, boys and girls. (Have your road map opened as you talk. Examine the map as you greet the children.) If I wanted to take a trip to (name a familiar city in your area) but I wasn't certain how to get there, what could I use to help me? (Let them answer.) A road map! I just happen to have one here. I'm looking for my direction right now. (Point out the way to your destination.) When you go on vacation do your parents sometimes give you road maps to follow? (Let them answer.) A road map is very important when you are going places that you've never been before.

Special Occasion

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