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Worship

SermonStudio

Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 / Pentecost 10 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 16 / Ordinary Time 21 / Pentecost 14 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 10 / Ordinary Time 15 / Pentecost 5 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Julia Ross Strope -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Lent 5 -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8, Psalm 126 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Proper 24 / Ordinary Time 29 / Pentecost 22 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Proper 22 / Ordinary Time 27 / Pentecost 20 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Proper 19 / Ordinary Time 24 / Pentecost 17 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,

Drama

SermonStudio

Holy Ground -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Sunday School Teacher Sunday School Students: Chris Wilson
Holy Water -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Youth Group: Ernie Errol Earl Emmett
Witnesses To The Light: Mary of Magdala -- I Have Seen The Lord! -- Luke 8:1-3 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Angels Fantastic Marvelous Wonderful Gabriel
The Bee Attitudes -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Crystal Doris Garrison Vanessa Olivia Taylor
Is It Still Wonderful? -- Louis H. Valbracht -- 2007
Somehow, somebody always does it before each holiday, and so the man in the restaurant asked me the
It’s So Christmas-See! -- Myra Shofner -- 2007
Setting
Christmas, Then And Now: As Witnessed By The Angels -- Robert V. Dodd -- 2007
Production Notes
A Christmas Remembrance -- 2007
Characters Narrator Elder Julia Theodotus and his family
The Christmas Stranger Returns -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary
The Christmas Stranger -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary

Sermon

SermonStudio

Clearing the Eyes -- John 9:1-41 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
The scripture today is one of honest inquiry but turns quickly to a realization that what the discip
I've Seen the Lord -- John 20:1-18 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
You and I come here for a variety of different reasons this Easter morning.
Friday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Good Friday - A -- 2017
It doesn’t matter how many times I read, listen to, or watch a biography of Abraham Lincoln I am alw
Nicodemus Came By Night -- John 3:1-17 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Nicodemus came by night. Why by night? Why in darkness?
But What of Lazarus? -- John 11:1-45 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
There is a cave. It is a tomb. There is a stone. It must be rolled away.
For the Glow of It -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Our Ash Wednesday service is full of rich symbols.
Charged with Grandeur -- Genesis 1--2, Psalm 8 -- Christopher Keating -- 2016
Copied on the front of the bulletin were verses from Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem, “C
The Future Present -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
We Protestants don’t know what to do with Mary.
A Dance in the Desert -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Even though we like laughter and enjoy praise and celebration, especially at this time of year, it d
A Cry in the Dark -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
"Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed husband in Shakespeare's

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Walk In The Light -- 1 John 1:7 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: 1 John 1:7
Football Versus Love -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
(for a Sunday between the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day)
Ascending To Heaven -- Luke 24:51-53 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Luke 24:51-53
Praise Joyfully -- Psalm 98:4 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Psalm 98:4
Sowing A Seed -- Luke 8:11 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Thankful -- Ephesians 5:20 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- Matthew 21:28-31a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Can I Give Enough? -- Mark 12:41-44 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Love Your Neighbor As Yourself -- Matthew 22:39b -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference Love your neighbor as yourself.
Does God Use Children? -- 2 Kings 5:1-3, John 6:5-13 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture References

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Pentecost Sunday -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 10 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 15 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day It's all in God's hands! Collect of the Day
Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Taking sin seriously. Collect of the Day
Epiphany 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day God is present unexpectedly in all spheres of life!
Proper 7 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Pay attention: God's ways are marvelous.
All Saints -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day How Christ makes us saints. Collect of the Day
Proper 25 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day God rescues us from ourselves.
Advent 4 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Our Savior is coming! Collect of the Day

Stories

SermonStudio

A Time To Laugh -- John 20:19-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Easter is a time of surprises.
The Church Should Go To Hell! -- Luke 4:1-13 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Many churches, as part of their routine of worship, engage in the "passing of the peace." The practi
Water Into Wine -- John 2:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
Weddings are special.
A Fool And His Money -- Luke 12:13-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
A fool and his money are soon parted, right?
A Tale Of Two Sisters -- Luke 10:38-42 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
With a title like "A Tale Of Two Sisters," this should open with something like, "It was the best of
The Legacy Of Jesus -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
A certain widow expected to inherit all her late husband's wealth.
When Faith Faces Disaster -- Luke 15:1-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
This text appears in the lectionary cycle just about the time of the America's remembrance of the Se
A Faith That Matters Between Sundays -- Romans 3:19-28 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
On October 31, 1571, an Augustinian monk by the name of Martin Luther marched up to the castle churc
Dinner Guests -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
The lectionary uses verse 1 of Luke chapter 14 to set the scene: "When Jesus went to eat in the hous
Our Family Inheritance -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
We speak of being "baptized into Christ." Baptized ... wanna fight? Let's talk about baptism.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Your Son on the cross is a strange sight for the people of our day, heavenly Parent.
Sundays after Epiphany -- John 15:15 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, we thank you for our friends. How precious they are.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It isn't easy, Good Shepherd, to see ourselves as we truly are.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Redeemer, how we need you. There's something unfinished within us that only you can complete.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we were younger, O God, we could easily tell the difference between right and wrong.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Savior, we praise your name.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
In honesty, Eternal God, we confess that we have doubts about a way of life -- such as you revealed
Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It is not easy, heavenly Spirit, owning up to our mistakes -- honestly presenting ourselves to you w
Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Gracious God, how grateful we are that you are available to us.
Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, we thank you for the promise of springtime; for infant birds breaking out of their shells; fo

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
And Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard, so that I may have it for a vegetable garden, be
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Say among the nations, "The Lord is king!" -- Psalm 96:10a
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Or am I still trying to please people?
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death.
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 146 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wick
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of

Poems

SermonStudio

Sunday of the Passion -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Andrew Daughters -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
In the shadows of the gardenkneels the darker shadow yetof a man upon his knees
Pentecost -- John 7:37-39a -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Holy Spirit, Living Water,flowing from the Father’s throne,
Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Jesus said to his apostles,'Peace be with you, peace.
Proper 21 -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
The apostles were not very happy one day,the result of what they saw as danger,
Proper 12 -- John 6:1-15 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1990
Mother, you could never guess.It’s a miracle, no less.
Proper 13 -- John 6:24-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
When the Israelites wandered for yearsin the wilderness, haunted by fears,
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Andrew Daughters -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Ann’s daughter, Mary,had a great vision:a messenger angel,bearing a promise.
Proper 14 -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
Questions, questions, always questions,Most of them begin with, 'How?'
Proper 15 -- John 6:51-58 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Lord, you just don’t make it easywhen you say to follow you,
Proper 16 -- John 6:55-69 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1990
Many folks had left the Lordwhen his mighty claim they heard:

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

The Cost Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- 2004
One of the undeniable marks of a great leader is that he makes his expectations very clear.
Matthew: When Others Reject You -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- 2004
A few years ago, I had an unusual thing happen in my church.
Thomas: The Disciple From Missouri -- John 20:24-29 -- 2004
In the Broadway play, My Fair Lady, Eliza Doolittle sings "Don't talk of stars burning above,
Nathanael: Do You Need An Alias? -- John 1:43-51; 21:2 -- 2004
Several years ago, we were on a short vacation and went to one of the theme parks.
James: The Unknown Disciple -- Matthew 10:3 -- 2004
It is fascinating to visit some of our historical landmarks in Washington, D.C., like the Lincoln Me
Peter: Taking The First Step -- Matthew 14:22-32 -- 2004
Recently, I had a very important meeting with my brother at The Ballpark in Arlington.
Thaddaeus: A Rose By Any Other Name -- John 14:19-24 -- 2004
One evening when the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, was here, he wanted to get a Texas stea
Simon: The Daring Gamble -- Luke 6:15 -- 2004
Charles was a mover and shaker at one time in Washington, D. C.
Philip: Look Before You Leap -- John 1:43-51 -- 2004
I know of an incident that happened a few years ago in New York City.
Walking Your Talk -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners

Youth Resources

Monologues

SermonStudio

The Lot Fell On Matthias -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26< -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
In the film, The Silence, a young Mennonite farmer is chosen by lot to be the minister in his congre
Cornelius: Man Of Decision -- Acts 10:1-11:3 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
Jesus instructed his apostles to take the Gospel into all the world.
Demetrius: Business Is Business -- Acts 19:1-20:1 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
The scroll is worn and old; worms have taken a word here and there; the Greek is the Greek of the ma
Mark: A Second Chance -- Luke 15:4-7 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
Place yourself, for a moment, in ancient Rome: not in the Forum or a palace or the Colosseum - that
God's Great Trumpet Call -- Romans 1:1, 7, 15-16; 3:23; 5:1, 6-11; 8:1; 16:1-2 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
In a house in ancient Corinth, eight men and a woman sit on low cushions, all their attention rivete
Mary of Bethany: My Radical Sister -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
"Martha, your work must be punished and counted as naught ...
Joseph Of Arimathea: Closet Christian -- John 19:38-42 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
In Glastonbury, England, some curious hawthorn bushes flower twice a year.
Which, Simon: A Boat Or A Life? -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
Every child in church school knows of Jesus' call to Simon and Andrew, James and John to become "fis
Joseph Ponders -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Edward G. Hunter -- 1994
It is in the early hours of that first Christmas morn.
Melchior Reminisces -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Edward G. Hunter -- 1994
My name is Melchior.

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Where Do You Think You Are? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A well-known gangster burglar died and in the next world found things to be very pleasant.
Crackers And Cheese -- Psalm 103:2-5 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
An old story often told but without much application was the one about a poor immigrant coming to Am
The Erector Set -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The late United Methodist Bishop, F.
We Thought We Heard The Angels Sing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
One of the miracle stories of World War II involved seven servicemen whose Flying Fortress plane wen
The Man In An Old Corduroy Coat -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The telephone rang in a noted surgeon's home on the outskirts of a large city.
What A Beautiful Pearl! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
You know how irritation can upset a person.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A young boy living in New York City was reluctantly taking piano lessons.
Tragedy Redeemed -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was sheer tragedy!
Redemption Is For Dedicated Buildings, Too! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In the 1950s, Graham Local School District came into being in rural Champaign County, Ohio.
Masada -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
King Herod I of Israel was a fearful man.

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

What Sort Of World Is This? -- Psalm 2 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? -- Psalm 2:1
Nowhere Man? -- Psalm 1 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,
Our Hope Is A Forever Thing! -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
A little girl lived near a cemetery and often had to walk through it after dark.
Hope And The Power Of God's Presence -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
We must all come to terms with the reality that we can never understand the meaning of hope if that
Hopeful Understanding -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
Every time our human will trumps our need to discover God's will, we are in trouble.
Living Between Now And Not Yet -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted.
How Can I Do What I Don't Want To Do? -- Mark 14:32-42 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He
Am I Willing To Die To Myself? -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked hi
How Can I Handle The Stress Of Living? -- Mark 6:30-44 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.
Preserving The Hope-Filled Life -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
For I can do everything with the hope of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Children's Resources

SermonStudio

Jesus And Zacchaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorMan 1Man 2Man 3
Jesus And Nicodemus -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorNicodemusJesus
Jesus And The Woman At The Well -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJesusDiscipleWoman
Jesus And Peter's Confession -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJamesJohnPeter
Jesus And The Transfiguration -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJohnPeterJames
Jesus And The Wise Men -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorLukeMaryJoseph

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also -- Matthew 6:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
When the ox is in the ditch -- Luke 14:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: When the ox is in the ditch Location: Luke 14:5
Whatever you do, do it the best you can -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Whatever you do, do it the best you can
We came in with nothing -- 1 Timothy 6:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: We came in with nothing Location: 1 Timothy 6:7
Wash my hands of the whole thing -- Matthew 27:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Wash my hands of the whole thing
Vengeance is the Lord's -- Romans 12:19 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Vengeance is the Lord's Location: Romans 12:19
Vanity, all is vanity -- Ecclesiastes 1:2 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Vanity, all is vanity Location: Ecclesiastes 1:2
A two-edged sword -- Revelation 1:16 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A two-edged sword Location: Revelation 1:16
Teeth set on edge -- Jeremiah 31:29-30 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Teeth set on edge Location: Jeremiah 31:29-30
Take it to heart -- Isaiah 57:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Take it to heart Location: Isaiah 57:1 (NRSV)

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

Memorial

Observance

Christian

African-American History

Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

Men's Day

Church Leaders

Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

Fellowship

Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For June 14, 2026:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Most Improved" by David O. Bales
"Echoing Sheep" by David O. Bales
"Having Compassion" by John Fitzgerald

Most Improved
Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7)
By David O. Bales

In the teachers’ lounge at South Middle School the morning gossip and general world critique turned to Darrell Schmeling. “Old prune face,” one called him.

A teacher getting a soda from the refrigerator turned and said, “I saw him smile once, but I think he was getting paid.”
John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "She Had Compassion"
Shining Moments: "I Gave You to God" by Andrew Oren
Sermon Starter: "Like Having a Baby" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "Preaching without a Manuscript" by R. Karl Watkins
"How Do You Preach?" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
When Jesus saw the people he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless. Is he calling you today to become a shepherd for his sheep?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, I wonder why you don't call me to work for you?
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, I'm happy to work for you as long as I don't have to change anything in my life.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, help me to tune into your voice so that I may hear your call, and then to respond.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
Interesting collection of workers Jesus chose to accompany him -- the twelve. Not a genius among 'em. Common folks: a few fishermen, farmers, even a tax collector. They were not even particularly religious. What they were was willing to be used to further the work of a man they admired, even loved, despite the fact that he was a man they misunderstood. Eventually, they came to realize (even as a few others did) that "this truly was the Son of God." And with the training they had received combined with the commitment they came to develop, those folks turned the world upside down.
Constance Berg
I grew up in a predominately Catholic town, and I have three friends who are priests. I admire their adherence to the vows they took at their ordination: a vow of obedience, a vow of celibacy, and a vow of poverty. Each took their vows quite seriously at their ordination and still do to this day.

Steven E. Albertin
The phone rings in the middle of the night. There is only one reason why someone would call you at this time of the night, and it can't be good. The deadpan voice of the police officer tells you the horrible news rather matter-of-factly. Your imagination runs wild. You were not there, but you can hear the tires screeching, the metal smashing, the glass breaking, and the sirens whining. It was not supposed to end this way. She had so much of life yet to live.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus' ministry and mission was shifting into high gear. Matthew reports that Jesus had gone about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues. But he had not just been preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 9:35a). It seems that Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Matthew reports that Jesus cured every disease and sickness he encountered (Matthew 9:35b).
Wayne H. Keller
Unlike many businesses today engaged in the process of "downsizing," it was time for Jesus to "upsize." Too much happening, too many demands, too many needs, too much illness, too many people sapping Jesus' strength. So, he called the twelve. Did he have any idea what he was doing? What a pathetic band of characters, at least by society's standards. In a choose-up-sides baseball game, the captain probably would have picked them last. They looked and acted like the "Charlie Browns" of the first century.
Larry M. Goodpaster
The young woman squirmed uncomfortably in the cushioned chair to which she had been directed by the receptionist. Not only was she nervous about the impending job interview, but the shuttle service which had provided transportation from the airport to this office building had been the worst of her life. The others who had been on the van seemed as upset as she was -- and just as captive. Now, because of the traffic, and because that driver had not known which building was hers, she was late for her appointment.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: On an ordinary Sunday,
we come to worship God.
All: We come, trusting God will speak to us;
we come, hoping God will surprise us.
One: On this day, like every other day,
we seek to follow Jesus.
All: We follow, believing Jesus will be with us;
we follow, hoping Jesus will work through us.
One: On this day,
we lift our souls to God's Spirit;
All: we open our hearts, that the Spirit may fill us;
we open our hands that we might be a gift to others.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Absolution
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

P: Merciful God, your will for us is to know the abundance of life, yet this world's suffering continues.
C: We have no answers, and we confess to you the failure of our self-reliance and the anger that is born of our despair. Speak to our questions. Speak to our confusion. Speak to our tears.

Silence for reflection

Emphasis Preaching Journal

A few years back, the religious media was filled with reports of "holy laughter." Some charismatic churches saw what proponents called a new manifestation of the Holy Spirit, as their members were seized by fits of uncontrollable laughing. Advocates insisted that this was an indication that God was doing a new thing among believers. Critics countered that this new thing was a manifestation of the wrong sort of spirit, and brought about by New Age doctrine and mind control techniques. Outsiders looked at the whole controversy as yet another dumb thing fundamentalists do.
Wayne Brouwer
Psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl, often wrote about the meaninglessness of his patients' lives. He was able to sympathize with them in a powerful way, since he spent part of World War II in a concentration camp. He remembered the dark weeks of 1944 vividly: the numbness of the gray days, the cold sameness of every dreary morning.

Suddenly, like a bolt of bright colors, came the stunning whisper that the Allies had landed at Normandy. The push was on. The Germans were running. The tide of the war had turned. "By Christmas we'll be released!" they told each other.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to have a real treat. I found out the other day that our friend, Mike, is taking guitar lessons. So I asked Mike if he wouldn't mind playing for us.

Mike, how do you like playing the guitar? (let him answer) How long have you been taking lessons? (let him answer) How often do you practice? (let him answer) That is very good. I bet some day you will be a great musician. Would you play your favorite song for us? (ask him to play something that he knows very well)
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of your parents read a newspaper? (Let them answer.) Do some of you look at the newspaper? Do you read the comics or other sections? (Let them answer.) Some of you aren't old enough to read yet, but some day you'll start reading. One thing you will read will be a newspaper like this one. (Show the paper.) What does a newspaper have in it that is so important to people? (Let them answer.) It has stories in it. We call these stories "news." Some of the news is good news. Some of the news is bad news.

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