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Worship

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Theme: No Peeking
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Theme: The Father We All Share
First Sunday In Lent -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 10:8b-13 Theme: The Word Is Near You
First Sunday In Lent -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:1-13 Theme: Satan's Best Shot
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Theme: Just In Case You Forget ...
Second Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:17--4:1 Theme: Your Belly Or Your Life
Second Sunday In Lent -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:31-35 Theme: Oh, Jerusalem
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:1-9 Theme: For God Will Abundantly Pardon
Third Sunday In Lent -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Theme: There's Always A Way Out
Third Sunday In Lent -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:1-9 Theme: Towers Fall, God Endures

Drama

SermonStudio

Be About It -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
Theme
You And The Law -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Theme
Robin Hood? -- Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
Theme
The Tooth Fairy -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
Theme
Servant And Two Masters -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
ThemeWe make a choice whom we will serve -- God or the world.Summary
Fasting -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme
The Night Talker -- John 3:1-17 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme
A Drink Of Water -- John 4:5-42 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme
A Blind Man Sees -- John 9:1-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Sometimes the blind can see better than those who have sight.Summary
Talk Show II -- John 11:1-44 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

Can't Stay Away -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
What a bunch of ingrates, those guys -- all nine of them!
Will He Find Faith? -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
It's that last line that's the hard part.
Begging And Bragging -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded
Getting Back Into Shape -- John 8:31-36 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly m
Saint Who? -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Scott A. Bryte -- All Saints Day - C -- 2009
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the king
Just Deal With It -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
He entered Jericho and was passing through it.
Trick Questions, Big Answers -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, "Te
Forecast -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedi
Knowing Who's In Charge -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the crimina
Not Just Being Polite -- John 6:25-35 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come he

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Spice It Up -- Matthew 5:13 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
What kinds of foods do you like to put salt on? (Children respond.
Sharing The Warmth -- 1 John 4:21 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
When you have been out in the snow building a snowman and you come inside with wet mittens and a red
Harmony -- Colossians 3:14 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Music has a lot to teach us about how to get along with one another.
The Power Source -- Acts 1:8 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
(Display battery.) Do you know what this is? It's a battery. What do batteries do?
God Never Forgets -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
What do you do to help you remember things?
God, The Recycler -- 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I have brought some trash to share with you this morning. What's the matter?
Hand Signals -- Matthew 11:28-30 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Let's see if you can read my hand signals this morning. What does this mean? (Wave.
Traffic Signals -- Colossians 4:2 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Look what I've got today. (Display picture.) Do you know what this is?
Figuring The Answers -- Proverbs 3:5-6 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever used a calculator?
False Advertising -- Matthew 23:27-28 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
What is a commercial?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 125 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
Psalm 125 celebrates the presence of God during times of distress.
Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2006
Psalm 19 celebrates two different media through which God is revealed: nature and the law.
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Psalm 130 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2006
(See Lent 5, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 14 -- Psalm 48 -- James Evans -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2006
Psalm 48 is a song of praise celebrating the presence of God.
Proper 10 / Pentecost 8 / Ordinary Time 15 -- Psalm 24 -- James Evans -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2006
Psalm 24 celebrates the orderly reign of God over creation.
Proper 11/Pentecost 9/Ordinary Time 16 -- Psalm 89:20-37 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2006
(See Advent 4, Cycle B, for vv. 1-4, 19-26.)
Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2006
(See Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- James Evans -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2006
(See Ash Wednesday, Cycle A, and Lent 5, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B. For an alternative approach to vv.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 138 -- James Evans -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2006
Attempting to use mere language to discuss and describe the workings of God is not an easy task.

Stories

SermonStudio

Forgiving Enough -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how ofte
Walk The Walk -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
"What do you think?
Who's Pressing On? -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that
Rejoice? -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." (v. 4)
Poor God! -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to Go
Pranky, Cranky Heart -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
He said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
Lessons In Humility -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
The greatest among you will be your servant.
The Perfect Opportunity -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (v. 13)
Investing Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to the
Grace For All -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are n

Prayer

SermonStudio

Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 -- Amos 5:6, 7, 10-15, Psalm 101, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPLet us sing of mercy and justice as we give sincere praise to God.
PROPER 23 -- Micah 1:2, 2:1-10, Psalm 26, Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPSing a new song to God, who has done marvelous deeds.
PROPER 24 -- Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144, Luke 18:1-8 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
PROPER 25 -- Zephaniah 3:1-9, Psalm 3, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPGlorify God with me, and let us exalt God's name together.
PROPER 26 -- Haggai 2:1-9, Psalm 65:1-8, Luke 19:1-10 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
THE DAY OF PENTECOST -- Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 104:24-34, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- B. David Hostetter -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
PROPER 27 -- Zechariah 7:1-10, Psalm 9:11-20, Luke 20:27-38 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
PROPER 28 -- Malachi 4:1-6, Psalm 82, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Devotional

SermonStudio

How Many Are My Foes? -- Psalm 3 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill.
Answer Me When I Call -- Psalm 4 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
Give Ear To My Words, O LORD, Give Heed To My Sighing -- Psalm 5 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you,
Do Not Rebuke Me In Your Anger -- Psalm 6 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
O LORD My God, In You I Take Refuge -- Psalm 7 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, my God, in you I take refuge;
O LORD, Our Sovereign, How Majestic Is Your Name -- Psalm 8 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ...
I Will Give Thanks To The LORD -- Psalm 9 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
Why, O LORD, Do You Stand Far Off? -- Psalm 10 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Rise up, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed.
In The LORD I Take Refuge -- Psalm 11 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
... how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains"? ...
Help, O LORD, For There Is No Longer Anyone Who Is Godly -- Psalm 12 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
You, O LORD, will protect us; you will guard us from this generation forever.

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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
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20+ – Worship Resources
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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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