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Worship

SermonStudio

Theme: Repent In Or From Dust And Ashes? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 34:1-3, 6) One:
Theme: Life In A Dead End -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship One: Life is filled with sorrows. All:
Theme: Life Beyond The Dead -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Silent Lips, Praying Lips -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)
Theme: Never Been There -- Never Done That -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Revelation 2:3-5) One:
Theme: Have No Fear -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 22:26-28) One:
Theme: As The Lord Lives, I Will Not Leave You -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 50:1-6) One:
Theme: Fashion Report -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 6:1)
Theme: Too Late To Be Quiet -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 148:11-13) Older:
Theme: News From Far As Far Away -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 147:16-18, 15) One: Praise the Lord!

Drama

SermonStudio

Mary Magdalene -- Luke 8:1-3 -- Scott A. Bryte
Good evening.
Peter -- Habakkuk 1:14-15 -- Scott A. Bryte
Good evening. We return tonight to the ongoing story of Jesus of Nazareth.
Pontius Pilate -- Romans 13:1-7 -- Scott A. Bryte
Good evening.
All Quiet On The Front Pew -- Joseph Mcbee
CastVernon Hunt: A church member
Remember Me -- Joseph Mcbee
CastPlayer: A man or womanProps
A Sparrow Falls -- Joseph Mcbee
CastBob: A homeless manProps
The Thanksgiving Tradition -- Joseph Mcbee
Cast
Joey, The Wise Guy -- Joseph Mcbee
Cast
The Christmas Story -- Joseph Mcbee
CastReader 1: A man or womanReader 2: A man
David's First Christmas -- Joseph Mcbee
CastDavid: A shepherdProps

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Sounds Of Christmas -- Isaiah 53:1-6, Luke 2:8-14 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Listen! Listen! Listen and you can hear the sounds of Christmas everywhere.
The Gospel According To Mary -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Several years ago, the famous statue by Michelangelo, the Pietá, was vandalized, and the face
Joseph's Disturbing Dream -- Matthew 11:8-25 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
In our reading of the Christmas stories, the figures of Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, the angels, the
The Angels' Song -- Luke 2:8-20 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
We don't talk or even think much about angels anymore.
Making Room For Christ -- Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 2:1-7 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The story of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is one of the most familiar parts
The Mystery Of Bethlehem -- Isaiah 53:1-6, Luke 2:1-7 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
A small boy, who was in a church kindergarten class, continued to go up to the nativity scene in his
What's In A Name? -- Isaiah 9:6-7 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
"What are you going to call the baby?" That is a question often asked of an expectant mother and fat
God's Inexpressible Gift -- John 1:1-5, 14, 2 Corinthians 9:15 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Gift buying has become a major business at Christmastime in America and in other parts of the world,
The Music Of Christmas -- Luke 2:7-14 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Have you ever thought how empty our celebration of Christmas would be without music?
Christmas And The Beast -- Isaiah 40:9-11 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The passage in Matthew 2:13-20 about the slaughter of children by King Herod is usually bypassed by

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Pointing Table -- Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-28 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
There once was a mean dwarf who pushed and shoved, grabbed, and was always first in line.
The Saving Prayer -- Matthew 26:31-35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
The head of a seminary, a school for ministers, told of all the teachers there voting to picket, to
The Unwanted Cup -- Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Our sacred story for today tells of Jesus, when he knew he was about to die, going to the Garden to
The Betraying Kiss -- Matthew 26:47-50, Mark 14:43-50 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
(The following questions are rhetorical questions, not requiring an answer):
The Insulting Bonds -- Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
After the crowd, with swords and clubs, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus, they bound him in chai
The Warning Dream -- Matthew 27:11-26 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
I have a place where I can be alone.It's cool and bare,And quiet there
The Useless Water -- Matthew 27:11-26 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
All day Sam and Richard played football, sometimes simply fighting over the ball.
Can You Go Home Again? -- Luke 2:1-7 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"All went to their own towns to be registered.
Tell God When You Are Happy -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Erskine White -- 1993
"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.' " (v
What Are You Looking Forward To? -- Luke 2:21-35 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devou

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

You Can Learn To Like Spinach, Liver, And Theology -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We need to overcome our resistance to Sunday school and Bible study.
A Bodyguard Named Jesus -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is certainly appropriate and important to ask ourselves what our motive is,
From Inside A Really Big Empty -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Because many of us do not recognize our need for God, we find substitutes (som
Watch Those Promises! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians need to be careful concerning making promises, and then know how to
Is The Bible Racist? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Can we find any racism in our Bible?
The Four Most Beautiful Things God Ever Created -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A Christian should be a person with a highly developed sense of aesthetics.
Did The Wise Men Sleep In The Stable? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: The Christian should be sensitive to, and concerned about, the abuse of privil
When Kids Go Bad -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What is the cause of so many of the problems our youth have today and what can
Methinks Thou Dost Not Protest Too Much -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: This sermon presents the case for Christians becoming social activists.
Noah And The Ark And Other True Stories -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we interpret the improbable sounding stories in our Old Testament?

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Celebrate
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Change
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Character -- Christian
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Child
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christ -- The One Road
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christians
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas -- Birthday
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas -- Gift
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas -- Forgiveness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas -- Image Of God

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- Mark 8:31-38 -- William W. Helland -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Mark 8:31-38
Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Mark 2:1-12
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2005
Matthew 2:1-12
Lent 1 -- Mark 1:9-15 -- William W. Helland -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Mark 1:9-15
Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- William W. Helland -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
John 2:13-22
Lent 4 -- John 3:14-21 -- William W. Helland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
John 3:14-21
Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- William W. Helland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
John 12:20-33
Sunday Of The Passion / Palm Sunday -- Mark 11:1-11 -- William W. Helland -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
Mark 11:1-11
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- William W. Helland -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Proper 6 -- Mark 4:26-34 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Mark 4:26-34

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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


* * * * * * * *


Words of Power
by Peter Andrew Smith
Acts 7:55-60

The principal looked at the boy holding the cloth up to his nose. His hair was dishevelled, his lip swollen, and his clothes bore the stains of the muddy playground. The nurse examined him but his bleeding nostrils seemed his greatest injury.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. (Show the rubbing of the cornerstone.) Does anyone know what I'm holding? (Let them answer.) This is a rubbing of the cornerstone of our church building. (Read to them what the cornerstone says. Tell them where the cornerstone is located.) I hope that when church is over this morning you can go out and look at and touch the real cornerstone. Cornerstones are very important. Does anyone know the purpose of a cornerstone? (Let them answer.) It's important because it is at the very foundation of our building. The church building is built on top of it.
Good morning, boys and girls. (Have your road map opened as you talk. Examine the map as you greet the children.) If I wanted to take a trip to (name a familiar city in your area) but I wasn't certain how to get there, what could I use to help me? (Let them answer.) A road map! I just happen to have one here. I'm looking for my direction right now. (Point out the way to your destination.) When you go on vacation do your parents sometimes give you road maps to follow? (Let them answer.) A road map is very important when you are going places that you've never been before.

Special Occasion

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