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

Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Passion/Psalm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
This is the stated text also in Cycles A and B.
Post-Resurrection Catch -- John 21:1-14 -- John W. Wurster -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
We have three different accounts of the conversion of Saul in the Gospel according to Luke (9:1-20;
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme The teachings, miracles, and earthly ministry of Jesus.
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
This reading from Acts is the stated lesson in all three cycles of the lectionary.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
John 2:1-11Epiphany 2Miracle ThreeWedding At Cana
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A number of subsidiary themes emerge in this reading from Acts, and we probably should take note of
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
An Introduction To The Advent Season -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Happy New Year!
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
This text gives the third in a series of four visions (7:1--8:3) that the prophet Amos was granted d
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 5:1-11Epiphany 5Miracle FourCatch Of Fish
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
This story about Peter's mission to the Gentiles continues the account that began in 10:1, and it re
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
The lectionary often combines parts of two separate sections.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Matthew 2:1-12EpiphanyMiracle OneThe Star
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Our text for the morning sets us down in the middle of what many have called Paul's second missionar
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Don't Fear The Wait -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A long time ago there lived a little boy whose parents had died.
Testimony -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
In the rural church where my family worshiped and served during my childhood and youth, the midweek
Great Expectations -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Great Expectations
Living The Word Of God -- James 1:17-27 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Mohandas Gandhi was born in Porbandar in the present state of Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869.
Love -- The Only Absolute Commandment -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love is central to the New Testament message. Jesus called his followers to practice love.
Brothers And Sisters Of Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
The gospels are very open in sharing the opposition that Jesus faced in his ministry.
Eating In The Echoing Hall -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
Eating In The Echoing Hall
Blazing A Path To Christ -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." When we were children we were taught this little rhyme as
Fulfillment -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
The closer Christmas gets the more the tension builds. Can't you feel it?
Doing A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Doing A New Thing
Strength Through Diversity -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
Call To Worship -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
Twice a year, on Visitors' Sunday and on Oak-hurst's anniversary, Stroupe takes the opportunity to r
The Commandments Are Not Burdensome -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- John T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In the Exodus story, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity and takes them to the moun
On Trusting The Work Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Jesus spoke to the people in parables about the reign of God.
A Hearing Heart -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
A Hearing Heart
A New Day Is Coming -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
South Africa, a nation rich in resources, people, and possibility, only recently emerged from its da
Watching And Working -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Our focus during the season of Advent is on the arrival of Jesus Christ.
Setting All The Idols Down -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Setting All The Idols Down
Engage Mind Before Putting Mouth In Gear -- James 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
When we were children our parents often quoted us the expression, "Sticks and stones can break my bo
Struggling With God -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
These sermons are taken from a series on 1 Samuel.
The Blessings Of Writing -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay
Where Is Your Trust? -- Mark 4:35-41 -- George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
If it was not Jesus who was asking the question, our reaction to the speaker would probably be somet
The Thick Darkness -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Eric Marshall and Stuart Hample have made a practice of visiting elementary schools and asking child
Perceiving The Presence Of God -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Three sisters lived in the forest.
Taking Advantage Of The Opportunity -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Different people have differing perspectives on time.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Human Worth -- 1999
A letter arrived from Lydia Manawu in Liberia, marked, "No Monetary Value."
Life's Purpose -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Holly was washing the dishes, listening to her favorite gospel quartet on tape, when two men pulled
Witness -- 1999
Mercedes Benz has an ad on television in which a big, new, black Mercedes crashes into a wall for re
Compassion -- 1999
An ad for Pioneer in Newsweek shows a man and a woman in pajamas reclining on a couch reading
Ordination -- 1999
We ordained 41 that hot Sunday morning in the church in Medan, Sumatra.
Lesson From The Shamrock -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
Shar was worried. She was in charge of the children's sermon this Sunday.
Dare We? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
May it be that we are blind today, Leon?
Humility -- 1999
Lee Kalmer, Dean of ISU College of Agriculture, told of a farmer buying a new tractor.
A Blessed Harvest -- John 12:20-33 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It sounded like thunder. There wasn't a cloud in the sky that morning. The noise grew louder.
Worship -- 1999
In The Covenant Book of Worship published by Covenant Press in 1981 (p.
Conscience -- 1999
We installed an alarm system in the faculty annex this week.
Our Soul -- 1999
Rolly Martinson tells the story of a boy who would not stop clicking his heels each time he stood up
A Prayer Is Answered -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Virginia and Ralph wanted a child. They wanted a son, as a matter of fact.
Novelty Addiction -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
My six-year-old granddaughter says she is bored.
Humor -- 1999
The Iowa State football coach told a story about a football game between centipedes and insects.
Madame And Maid -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Isabel put on a white glove. Today was Thursday. Cleaning day in the house.
Conversion -- 1999
My medical doctor friend explained today how in medical terms the doctor must convert the heart when
Overburdened -- 1999
A truck driver going through a town on the truck route stopped at each stop street, got out, banged
God's Precious Gift -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Paul and Rosa had tried and tried to have a baby.
Deadlock -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A popular book two generations ago was the Republican presidential candidate Wendell Willkie's On
Humor Singing -- 1999
A little boy in Northern Ireland was riding a bicycle and singing: "The Protestants got all the hous
Julia -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Julia is the first of seven children and the only girl.
Courage -- 1999
Barbara Lundblad at an ELCA Assembly said: "The reason they tie mountain climbers together is to kee
Parables -- 1999
January 21, 1991: Helicopters and fighter planes left the security of their air bases to fly into en
A Mother's Thoughts -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
She held the baby to her chest, looking into his eyes.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ The Sure FoundationCall To Worship
I Am The Resurrection -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 28 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of LightCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Live In PeaceCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 13:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Time To Wake UpCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Living HopeCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Psalm 133 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday In Lent -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Victory Through FaithCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lord Will ProvideCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian PerfectionCall To Worship
In My Father's House -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Trustworthy StewardsCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ With Us AlwaysCall To Worship
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Invisible PresenceCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Ready -- The Son Of Man Is ComingCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The DoubterCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Overcoming AdversityCall To Worship
For The Musician -- Marie A. Asner -- 2001
Suggested HymnsEntrance
Second Sunday In Lent -- John 3:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Love And Our ResponseCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Romans 6:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: Wages Versus GiftCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 98 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
I Am The Bread Of Life -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 28 -- Psalm 76 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good ShepherdCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: An orange and a lemon that are about the same size and shape, a knife, a cutting board, orange and yellow paint, and some paper towels. Prepare the fruit by painting the lemon orange, and the orange, yellow. The more alike they look, the better.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 11, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
Tinkerbell is the delightful sprite in Peter Pan who drifts between the world of senses and the world of magic. She sprinkles “fairy dust” to make children fly; she sparkles around Peter Pan as a comrade adventurer.

Once, in one episode of a televised version of Peter Pan, Tin­kerbell ingested some poison. There was nothing to be seen of her, tiny thing that she was, other than the brightness of her little light. But with the poison, her light began to fade. Before our very eyes she grew dimmer, pulsing with a weakening glow.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 9:36-43
Cryonics is an interesting and, if I’m honest, disturbing practice. You might be wondering, what is cryonics? The aim of cryonics, according to Dennis Kowalski, the president of the Cryonics Institute in Michigan, is to “keep bodies in a stable, preserved state until the necessary medical technology arrives.” As of June 1, 2024, there were about five hundred people who have tried to keep themselves preserved for future medical advances to revive.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hello, Peter. Come on in to the office,” Pastor Carl held open the door for him. “Oh, don’t worry about your shoes.”

“They’re muddy and I really should take them off,” Peter said. “Besides if I don’t, I’ll be hearing my mother’s voice telling me to take them off before coming into your office.”

Pastor Carl smiled. “Fair enough.”

After a few moments, Peter took the offered seat across from Pastor Carl.

“So how are you finding our church?” Pastor Carl asked. “I know you mentioned we’re a bit more casual and smaller than you are used to.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said that he gives eternal life to those who follow him. As we worship God today, let us believe in his words so that we too may enjoy the Life that he offers.



Invitation to Confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we leave you out of our lives.
Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we are disappointed because you don't answer prayers in the way that we wish.
Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we refuse to believe that you still act in our lives today.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admit it. It started with Mary. Women were accorded special status during Jesus' ministry; in fact, it was probably women who were major financial supporters of the itinerant rabbi and his friends. Women were the first witnesses to the resurrection. This is not a feminist statement but a factual statement: from the first day to this day, if it were not for the women, there would be no church. It is that simple.

Donald Charles Lacy
History shows that people are invariably looking for Messiahs or Christs. There is that special person who is to come among them and, in a sense, do for them what they cannot do for themselves. Even for years after our Lord arose from the dead and ascended -- yes, and still at this moment -- people are looking.

Henry F. Woodruff
Now you can't even trust the police. When I was a child growing up in Texas, everyone knew how to spot the police cars: they were big old Ford Crown Victorias, painted black with white doors, sporting black wall tires with little moon hubcaps -- or, if they really wanted to be sneaky and fool you, they were big old Ford Crown Victorias painted gray, with whip antennas and license plates that read "City" on them. You could bet the farm on it. Now all that has changed. Police cars are all different makes and models and colors.
Clyde W. Wentzell
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul,
Keep me forever beneath your control.
In right paths lead me for your name’s sake.
All the best choices, Lord, help me to make.

2. When through dark valleys my walk is severe,
Keep me from evil, Lord, ever be near.
Your rod and staff, my discipline be,
O my Good Shepherd, keep watch over me.

3. You spread a table of bountiful store.
Rich are your mercies and love evermore.
Oil on the head, anointing most pure,
Flows in abundance as your love is sure.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL