Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

For Thoughtful Worship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On the dossal cloth behind the central altar of the New Haven United Methodist Church in Indiana, ar
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Isaiah 44:6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Jacob is on a journey from Hebron to Haran, Abraham's original home in northern Mesopotamia.
Entrance -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill Collins had a small, but thriving, general store in a city.
A Drink Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr. E.
Cooties -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The college professor in an astronomy class liked to use objects we all know to illustrate his lesso
What Happened To Noah's Ark? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There has been a lot of speculation for some time. Read on ...
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
In our Old Testament lesson last Sunday, we heard God promise to Abraham that he would be the forbea
Excuses, Excuses -- Luke 14:15-24 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Perhaps before attending this banquet, Jesus should have read his Emily Post.
More On "Accountability" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yehudi Menuhin, the famous concert violinist, was to perform in a New York concert hall.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This story follows immediately on Elijah's victory over Jezebel's prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel,
Watching Servants -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
This is one of those texts that remains almost totally incomprehensible to the congregation when it
Weather Signs -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
In many respects religious faith has become a rather casual affair in our society.
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
First Sunday in Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Promises are so important!
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
This story forms part of the Elisha cycle that is found in 2 Kings 2-13, and that is interspersed wi
Places Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
This serves as the stated text for Epiphany in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Second Sunday in Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
If we read the Old Testament in tandem with the New Testament, we sometimes have to employ a double
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Time To Come Home -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Time To Come Home
The Unshakable Foundation -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
On Top Sail Island, North Carolina, stands the ruins of a dream in a shell of a house.
What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
"What's new?" is a common greeting.
Giving Of Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Have you ever wondered if growing up poor could somehow imbue you with deeper character?
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Ron Lavin -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins
The Acceptable Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
When Paul arrived at the city of Corinth, Greece, the middle of the first century A.D., he knew he h
Accepting The Unconventional In Life -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was a great teacher, a guru, who had many followers.
Living Out The Promise Of This Child -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
Living Out The Promise Of This Child
Where Is Love? -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Several years ago, a fellow named Lionel Bart wrote a hit song, "Where Is Love," for the Broadway mu
The Passion Of The Servant Leader -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ron Lavin -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
The Passion Of The Servant Leader
Signs -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In 2002, there was a popular Mel Gibson movie called Signs.
Salvation In Jesus' Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Salvation In Jesus' Name
Are You A Taker Or A Giver? -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
It was quite a picture -- on the front of the New York Times magazine.
Where Are You From? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David T. Ball -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Whenever we travel, we come into contact with new people.
Secret Revealed -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
At last it happens!
Dots On A Screen -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Several years have now passed since the television series Survivor first debuted to become a
Experiencing God -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Experiencing God
Why God Has No Grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences.
Yesterday, Today, And Forever -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient.
The Paradoxical Power Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
There are people who speak to us more powerfully out of their weakness than out of their strength.
A Clock Or A Compass? -- Mark 1:9-15 -- David T. Ball -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Do you all have your compasses with you? What? You don't have compasses?
Our Ultimate Destination -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
On U.S.
Practicing God's Presence -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In the early years of the sixteenth century, a young adventurer named Nicolas Herman left his parent
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Here's a fact about life: things change.
Lilies Of The Field -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In 1635, the Puritan clergyman, Roger Williams, was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for promo

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

A Die Hard? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Why are there people turned off by religion, Leon?
History -- 1999
According to the Minnesota Star newspaper, they train the Metro Transit Authority bus drivers
Suffering -- 1999
When flying into Stapleton Airport this morning, we took a very bad jolt.
Friendship -- 1999
"For the lonely man all the treasures of the world are no substitute for companionship.
Rest -- 1999
During a four-hour ordination service in the Batak Church in Medan, Sumatra, I saw the assistant to
Sharing And Caring -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Henry hated Arnold.
Christian Life -- 1999
In the movie Back to the Future a young man goes back in time thirty years and sees his paren
Materialism -- 1999
On the CBS news with Dan Rather, Bill Moyers said regarding the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Peac
Receiving The News -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
I was sitting with my husband in a doctor's sterile office when I learned I was to become a mother f
Memories -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Don sat at the edge of his chair and looked right past me. "I can't hear much anymore.
Friendship Erosion -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Soil erosion is a condition with which many of us are familiar, but another kind of erosion is not a
Slow Learner -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"Will you ever learn?" says one's spouse as one again engages in non-productive behavior.
Holy -- 1999
There were two places in Amsterdam where there were big crowds but it was hushed: In the Van Gogh mu
Thanksgiving -- 1999
Tom Brokaw, on the Thanksgiving evening news, said, "When we sing the dirges, we must also sing the
Future -- 1999
The church sexton got the paper roll which plays the carillon bells in the church tower in the playe
Resurrection -- 1999
Sam Donaldson on the ABC news told of Yellowstone Park, which burned last summer.
Gandhi -- 1999
Some memorable scenes from the great movie Gandhi:
Resurrection And Death -- 1999
Atlanta's Dion James hit a ball in Shea Stadium which hit and killed a dove on the fly.
Made In The Image Of God -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Darla had always suffered from bouts of depression and low self-esteem.
Christmas -- 1999
A favorite story at Saint John's, Des Moines, is about the Christmas Eve that Pastor Louis Valbracht
Maturity -- 1999
In the television sitcom Cheers, his girlfriend says to Sam Malone, who tries to keep everyon
God's Presence In The Millennium -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
The speaker was funny, interesting, engaging, and very knowledgeable.
Forgiven And Encouraged -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lee and JoAnn had foster children in their homes for years.
Focus On Behavior -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
When it comes to people that I know, I must confess that I have my likes and dislikes.
I'm Right! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, for how many individuals might the following soliloquy represent their thoughts and feelings?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 5 -- Psalm 33:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."
Proper 26 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Work In UsCall To Worship
A Shepherd Night Watch -- Luke 2:8-15 -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
It began as a night just like any other night.
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Theme: DiscipleshipCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Power Of God To OvercomeCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: Spiritual Blessings In ChristCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: ForgivenessCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Hospitable To GodCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: Practice What You PreachCall To Worship
An Angel Tidings -- Luke 2:8-14 -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
(Angel enters, humming or whistling "Angels We Have Heard On High." Stops center and begins to pu
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 112 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- John 17:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Eternal Life Is To Know GodCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Ten CommandmentsCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: The Word Became FleshCall To Worship
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Crucifixion Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: JealousyCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Life Of RighteousnessCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Romans 5:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Hope Does Not DisappointCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Youth Sunday -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Introduction
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Theme: Choose LifeCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 22 -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: Forget The Past -- Press On Toward The Goal!Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message is a role play. You can do this with only two children playing the parts of the two women, but if you have more children, you could have two more playing the parts of the children, another playing the part of the synagogue leader, and another playing the part of the country’s leader. You can also add any other roles you might want to add to make it interesting. Also, I have created places for your characters to speak, but you can add more of those to make it all more fun and memorable.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For August 24, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
C. Knight Aldrich, a medical doctor and the first chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago (1955-1964), was a keen analyst of the motivations for our behaviors. He worked with the social services agencies of Chicago for a time, particularly spending hours with teenagers who had been arrested for shoplifting or other theft. Aldrich interviewed them to find out how they had come to this. He also talked with the parents, attempting to discover how they had handled the problem from the first time they knew about it.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 77:1-6

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“We have questions about your conduct as our pastor,” Carl announced as soon as Pastor John sat down at the hastily called board meeting. “We have received complaints about you from the congregation.”

“Complaints?” Pastor John frowned. “From whom and about what?”

“Mrs. Finnigan saw you coming out of what she politely described as ‘A Gentleman’s Club’ last Thursday night when she was driving downtown.” Bruce scowled. “Do you deny this?”

“Not at all,” Pastor John said. “I did have to go to that place on Thursday evening.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus was aware of people's deepest needs and what prompted their actions. In our worship today let us consider how we can discover people's deepest needs and the motives for their actions.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we see only the surface and condemn without real understanding.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are afraid to get sufficiently close to other people to see their inner needs.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The old saying, "experience is the best teacher," could serve as a subtitle for this psalm. Written as a prayer for help in a time of distress or oppression, the psalm subtly hints at a recognition and awareness that only comes with time. There is a track record, so to speak, that the psalmist is aware of: God's record of dependability. Based on God's proven record of saving power and grace, the psalmist is able to pray for salvation, but at the same time celebrate the certainty of its arrival.
Lee Ann Dunlap
Carrie's1 high school guidance counselor noticed she had been acting out a bit in school recently. She had appeared depressed and had been having some authority issues over rules and such. The guidance counselor set Carrie up with a local pastor who had been volunteering a few hours each Friday after a teen suicide a few months before. Most of the other students who came to see the pastor just needed someone to listen to their usual teen issues and heartaches. But, shortly into their time together, Carrie began to open up about some real grown-up problems.
Kirk R. Webster
It's a typical Sunday morning at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. The people file in and sit down in plush pews. Their attention is drawn to the chancel where they see choir members calmly seated, robed in dark blue and white. The mahogany altar table is draped with a silk parament. Two bronze candleholders stand guard at the table edges.
R. Robert Cueni
As was his custom, Jesus went that Sabbath morning to the synagogue for worship. As he was preaching and teaching, he happened to glance toward the fringe of the crowd where he saw a very crippled woman. She was bent over and was unable to stand up straight. When he inquired, Jesus was told the woman had been that way for eighteen years.
John H. Will
Call to Worship
Indeed, this is a day of rest and gladness.
This is God's Sabbath, created for our reflection and renewal.
Let us then not profane it, but keep it holy.
We do this as we honor God and commit ourselves to the well--being of God's creation.
Each of us individually needs a personal rejuvenation of spirit.
Together we seek a strengthening of community, a community that continues to build itself in love.
So do we come as one people to worship God, our Maker and our Sustainer.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL