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Worship

SermonStudio

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 18 / Ordinary Time 23 / Pentecost 16 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Proper 13 / Ordinary Time 18 / Pentecost 11 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 / Pentecost 23 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Easter 4 -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Proper 27 / Ordinary Time 32 / Pentecost 25 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Advent 4 -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Psalm 80:1-7 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The truth, Dumbledore sighed It is a beautiful and terrible thing and
Palm Sunday / Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
Call To Worship
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Our lives end in the middle of the story.

Drama

SermonStudio

Recalling Our Blessings -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 2007
Props Yellow poster board Green poster board Red poster board
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
Welcome The Spirit Of Christmas -- Janet Burton -- 2007
Preparation
The Christmas Stranger -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary
The Christmas Stranger Returns -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary
A Christmas Remembrance -- 2007
Characters Narrator Elder Julia Theodotus and his family
Christmas, Then And Now: As Witnessed By The Angels -- Robert V. Dodd -- 2007
Production Notes
It’s So Christmas-See! -- Myra Shofner -- 2007
Setting
Wilderness Wanderings (Photos In The Desert) -- Exodus 15-16 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Midweek Lent 4 Drama Characters Photographer Moses
The Call To Moses -- Exodus 2:11--4:17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Midweek Lent 2 Drama Characters Narrator Moses

Sermon

SermonStudio

God With Skin On -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Susan R. Andrews -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
As we gather here this holy night, we come from a variety of religious backgrounds.
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
King Jesus -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
One morning in 1872, David Livingstone wrote this in his diary: "March 19, my birthday.
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
The Peaceable Kingdom -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
What difference does my life make for others around me? What difference does anyone's life make?
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.
Wilderness Work -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.
The Wrong Gift -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Wayne Brouwer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
What did you get for Christmas?
Telling the Truth -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Of the four gospel accounts in the New Testament, Luke is my favorite.
Crisis Management -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
It is a newspaper image I will never forget. And for me it is an image of Advent.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

What Kind Of Soil? -- Mark 4:3-8 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Mark 4:3-8
In Him -- John 17:21 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: John 17:21
Football Versus Love -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
(for a Sunday between the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day)
Walk In The Light -- 1 John 1:7 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: 1 John 1:7
If You're Angry -- Matthew 18:15 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Beauty That's All In The Family -- Romans 10:15b -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
The Wise Man Built His House Upon A Rock -- Matthew 7:24-27 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
David And The Giant -- 1 Samuel 17:37a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture References
Symbols We Wear -- James 2:18b -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference ... and I by my works will show you my faith.
All In A Day's Work -- Proverbs 10:4, Genesis 2:15 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture References

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Easter Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Easter surprises. Collect of the Day
Proper 26 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day There's always somebody to help.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day We never get it right 'til we're right with God.
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
Holy Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day An eternally loving triune God!
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day The awesome ways of God. Collect of the Day
Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Christ be glorified! Collect of the Day
Proper 8 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day God delivers: there are lots of reasons to be grateful!
Lent 2 -- Genesis 17:1-7, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Remembering the spiritual roots of grace.
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Talents are meant to be used.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Locust Years -- Joel 2:23-32 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
Do you like bugs? Yes, they are a part of God's good creation and they have a function within it.
Good-bye, Hagar -- Genesis 16-21 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
"Send that Egyptian woman and her boy from my sight," Sarah demanded of her husband, Abraham.
Year-Round Christmas -- 1 Kings 17:1-24 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
"When elephants fight, the grass suffers." So goes an old African proverb.1 The elephants in questio
What Is Truly Important? -- Psalm 149 -- David E. Leininger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2009
Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints ...
The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2009
This is a familiar story.
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
Would A Loving God Really Let Anyone Go To Hell? -- Luke 16:19-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
This is a question to which almost all of those reading this book already have an answer.
The Business Of The Church -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- 2009
Is there one simple answer to the question "What is the business of the church"?
Is It True? -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- David E. Leininger -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
The Joyful Noiseletter, that wonderfully hilarious monthly look at all things church-y, some
It's All In The Perspective -- Psalm 8 -- David E. Leininger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have se

Prayer

SermonStudio

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
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 -- Luke 23:34, 1 John 1:9 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
You know our hearts, gracious God, how they carry guilt from the past.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
You, Holiest One, see us for the sinners we are, yet love us still.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O God our Creator, we seem so inadequate and so ineffective.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O Creator, it isn't easy going back twenty centuries to a small desert-like province of the Roman Em
Community Lenten Services -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O glorious God, how grateful we are, as Christian friends in __________ (name of community), that we
Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, our King, what you felt on the day of your Son's triumphal entry.
Community Lenten Services -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are grateful, God, for the opportunity of our community Lenten services.
Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We still gather along the streets, our Creator, to cheer our heroes -- be they military leaders, spo

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart....
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
God, I thank you that I am not like other people.... -- Luke 18:11b
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
... I will pour out my spirit on all flesh.... -- Joel 2:28a
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.
Proper 23 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 17 -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
Lord, there are times you threaten meas I think what you know
Proper 18 -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1990
Lord, we all have a measure of deafness,though our ears may perform very well
Proper 19 -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1990
Hello, my friend, you really look downwith your back all bent and face in a frown.
Proper 20 -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
When I think of the child who was held that day,held in the arms of the Lord,
Proper 4 -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
So many laws, ancient and modern,All are important, someone is sure.
Proper 22 -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
How right he was when Jesus said,'The two shall be as one,'
Proper 23 -- Mark 10:17-30 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
Lord, I almost wish you hadn’tsaid the words you said that day,
All Saints' Day -- John 11:32-44 -- Andrew Daughters -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
'Jesus wept.' Had he not heardthat big boys never cry?
Proper 24 -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
James and John were fishermen,the sons of Zebedee.
Proper 25 -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
Blind Bartimaeus, hearing Jesus pass,let out a shout,'You Son of David, pity me

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

The Secret Of The Right Attitude -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
O Lord, my God, in You I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me ...
How Majestic Is Thy Name -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth!
The Shepherd King -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Turning Griping Into Gratitude -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my hea
This Fax Is For You -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? -- Psalm 27:1
Longing For God -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.
God Is Our Refuge And Strength -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Clean Hearts And Renewed Spirits -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
It Is High Time -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing glory to his name; make his praise glorious!
That The Next Generation Might Know -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
He (God) decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our for

Youth Resources

Monologues

SermonStudio

Third Sunday In Lent -- Joe Barone -- 1993
ORDER OF SERVICEPreludeCall To Worship (Responsive)
Easter Sunday -- Joe Barone -- 1993
ORDER OF SERVICEPreludeCall To Worship (Responsive)
First Sunday In Lent -- Joe Barone -- 1993
ORDER OF SERVICEPreludeCall To Worship (Responsive)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Joe Barone -- 1993
ORDER OF SERVICEPreludeCall To Worship (Responsive)
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Joe Barone -- 1993
ORDER OF SERVICEPreludeCall To Worship (Responsive)
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Joe Barone -- 1993
ORDER OF SERVICEPreludeCall To Worship (Responsive)
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joe Barone -- 1993
ORDER OF SERVICEPreludeCall To Worship (Responsive)

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Tragedy Redeemed -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was sheer tragedy!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A young boy living in New York City was reluctantly taking piano lessons.
What A Beautiful Pearl! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
You know how irritation can upset a person.
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.
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 Great Stone Face -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A boy named Ernest, who grew up within sight of this famous mountain near Franconia Notch, New Hamps
"God Owns My Business" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
These words of Stanley Tam, Lima, Ohio, mystify some people.
The First UFO -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Some people think that UFOs are twentieth century phenomena, possible aliens invading our planet.
Streams In The Desert -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Not only did Isaiah give us a beautiful metaphor of how God's Kingdom can flourish in the desert pla
Hurricane Andrew And Havoc -- Matthew 7:24-27, Numbers 32:23 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
When Hurricane Andrew came to Florida to wreak havoc on the residents and buildings, the people had

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

Jesus: The Sacrificed -- John 19:16-18 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
Jesus: The Savior -- John 20:17-18 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.
Hope Can Be Moving -- John 5:1-9 -- Forrest E. Chaffee -- 2005
After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Life Is Change -- Hebrews 13:8, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, John 14:1-7 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
Pastor Mervin Thompson said it best.
Dealing With The Changes Of Growing Up -- Colossians 3:20-21, Luke 15:11-32 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
"We are fearfully and wonderfully made!" So say Dr.
Dealing With The Changes Of Growing Older -- Luke 2:22, 25-33, 36-38 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
Henri Nouwen writes in Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of His Final Year:
Change Happens When Families Grow -- Genesis 2:24 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
Imagine the different ways that families can increase in size:
Change Happens When Families Decrease In Size -- John 11:1-44 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
Three stories of grief:
Changing Cities, Changing Jobs, Changing Churches -- Matthew 6:31-32, Ruth 1:6-18 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
The joke goes something like this; After a shipwreck, a man was stranded on a deserted island for 22
As The World Turns: Changes In Our Culture -- Psalm 46 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
Every generation has its transitions.

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

The straight and narrow -- Matthew 7:13-14 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The straight and narrow Location: Matthew 7:13-14
Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel -- Matthew 23:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
A stumbling block -- Ezekiel 3:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A stumbling block Location: Ezekiel 3:20
Sweeter than honey -- Psalm 19:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Sweeter than honey Location: Psalm 19:10
Take it to heart -- Isaiah 57:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Take it to heart Location: Isaiah 57:1 (NRSV)
Take under one's wing -- Luke 13:34 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Take under one's wing Location: Luke 13:34
Teeth set on edge -- Jeremiah 31:29-30 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Teeth set on edge Location: Jeremiah 31:29-30
There is no God -- Psalm 14:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: There is no God Location: Psalm 14:1
To every thing there is a season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: To every thing there is a season
Till death do us part -- Ruth 1:16-17 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Till death do us part Location: Ruth 1:16-17

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
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 5
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
22 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
21 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

SermonStudio

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

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

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

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

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



SERMON BRIEFS

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

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

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

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

Silence for reflection and self-examination

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

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

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


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


Prayer Of Confession

The Immediate Word

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

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

The Village Shepherd

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

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

Reading:

StoryShare

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


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


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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.

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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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