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Worship

SermonStudio

God's Wonders In Creation -- Psalm 19 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
1. God’s wonders in creation, revealed from day to day,
God, My Judge, I Stand Before You -- Psalm 26 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
1. God, my judge, I stand before you, Trusting in your steadfast ways;
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Give Blessing To God -- Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
1. Give blessing to God, the star of creation.
O God, I Cry To You -- Psalm 22:1-15 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
1. O God, I cry to you, beset with anguish. Groaning I make my plea, in great distress.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
Christmas Candlelight Service -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Christmas Candlelight Service The Entrance Rite
Creation's God Reigning In Splendour -- Psalm 24 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
1. Creation’s God, reigning in splendour, Oh, what a glorious sight to behold.
Shattering Christmas To Find Christmas -- Rod Tkach -- 2008
Introduction

Drama

SermonStudio

Who Is Your King? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Emperor Guard Advisor Narrator Drummer
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
John -- The Preparer
The Christmas Hedgehog -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Older Julie Jerry Elaine Deena Julie
The Magi -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
Even The Least Among You -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them
Sampson's First Christmas -- Carlene Morton -- 2006
Sampson's First Christmas Act 1
Angels We Have Heard -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
Joseph -- The Stepfather
Producing Christmas: A Humorous Children's Christmas Play -- Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth -- 2006
Characters Producer -- three speaking Mary -- five speaking
Home By Another Way -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Wise Man 1 Wise Man 2

Sermon

SermonStudio

What a Friend -- John 15:9-17 -- John Jamison -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
In your mind, I’d like you to picture a good friend.
Out of Control -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John Jamison -- Good Friday - B -- 2015
Note to the preacher:
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?
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.
Rebirth -- John 3:14-21 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
The city of Jerusalem was packed with strangers during the Passover feast, so you could walk a long
Where It Ends -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John Jamison -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2015
All of the plans and preparation had been completed and they were all gathering together in the room
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 Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
He woke up just as the sun was peeking over the top of the mountains to the east, just as he had don
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.
Fish Tales -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Have you ever had to sell an idea or a concept or a belief?

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

A New Year -- Psalm 121:2-5, Psalm 139:1-2 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
New Life -- Mark 4:31-32 -- 2006
It is like a mustard seed, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than
Inside The Gate -- John 10:9 -- 2006
I am the gate.
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand -- 1 -- John 6:5-13 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We are partners with God. Scripture: John 6:5-13
Don't Let The Clock Run Your Life -- Luke 12:25 -- 2006
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand -- 2 -- John 6:5-13 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We are partners with God. Scripture: John 6:5-13

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Role-models are important to us in our life of faith.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The rear window shows us nothing worth looking at.
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day At its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2010
Theme For the Day It is not for us to judge the hearts of others.
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.
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 14 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day God's grace is a precious gift.
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day When we wrestle with God, the encounter changes us.
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Christ calls us to be faithful in deeds as well as words.

Stories

SermonStudio

Watch Out For The Birds -- Tobit 1-12 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
He sat on a wobbly stool outside his small frame house, staring absentmindedly at the dusty road.
Giving It Up For Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Lent is not normally thought of as an occasion for levity, but ...
Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.
Look Up And Live -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Do you like snakes? Not many do.
Handling Freedom -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Have you seen those billboards that have popped up next to major thoroughfares that say things like,
The Forgiveness Factor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
This is probably one of the best-known vignettes in all of scripture, this wonderfully appealing sto
He Descended Into Hell -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son
Transitions -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
This is one of those passages that has its roots deep in the mythology of ancient Israel.
Cross-Bearing -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
While vacationing in Mexico sometime back, my wife and I attended worship in a church that is served
Our Magnificent, Mysterious, Mischievous God -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
This is a fun story, one of many in scripture that is good for giggles if we allow ourselves that re

Prayer

SermonStudio

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
Our Redeemer, how we need you. There's something unfinished within us that only you can complete.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It isn't easy, Good Shepherd, to see ourselves as we truly are.
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
Your Son on the cross is a strange sight for the people of our day, heavenly Parent.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Psalm 46:10 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
What, O God, should we make of Sunday?
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, we bow before you this day in praise of your generosity.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, what we would have believed if we had lived in first century Israel.
Christmas Day -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Now lift up voices, sing his praise
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We're starting on a journey to reach Bethlehem, O God.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch....
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
By your endurance you will gain your souls. -- Luke 21:19
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him....
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
My spirit abides among you; do not fear. -- Haggai 2:5b
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. -- Psalm 145:2
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, "We are worthless slaves; w
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be?
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered o

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 10 -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
When Jesus called a dozenfrom the field and shop and shore,
Proper 11 -- Mark 6:30-34 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
The sheep has been domesticatedfor so many years,that a sheep without a shepherd
Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Come, Holy Spirit.Come, Holy Guide.Teach me to follow and turn not aside.
Thanksgiving Day -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Andrew Daughters -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
It’s a very nice thing to be thank-full.When you’re full, thanks is easy to say.
Transfiguration -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Andrew Daughters -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
From out the cloud that wrapped them roundthere came to them an awesome sound
Trinity Sunday -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Andrew Daughters -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
If I should tell you, 'In the airabove the western hills,
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Andrew Daughters -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
'How poor we are,' said Matthew,'In this world where richness counts.'
Christ the King -- John 18:33-37 -- Andrew Daughters -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
What kind of a Kingdom has Jesus?No castle nor palace has he.
Trinity Sunday -- John 3:1-17 -- Andrew Daughters -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Nicodemus said to Jesus,'How can such things ever be?How can I be born again
Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:37-44 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
Many people try to tell usWhat our future holds,How we'll prosper, how we'll fail

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

The High And The Holy One Delivers Help And Hope -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
A Fistful Of Nothing -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
The Approach: Does Thinking About Evil Help? -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
No statement, theological or otherwise, should be made that would not be credible in the presence of
Definitions And Distinctions: Being Clear About What We Mean -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
He died all alone in a little cabin far removed from his family.
The Meaning Of Freedom: Could We Do Better If Only We Would? -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
She was only sixteen years old when the court sentenced her to death for her crime.
The Meaning Of Sin: The Mystery Of Iniquity -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
Shortly after 9:00 a.m.
Injustice And The Demonic: Dealing With Unfairness And Getting Free From Bondage -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
"I don't care what the Bible says." He spoke in anger and exasperation.
The Tragic And The Ambiguous: Unavoidable Suffering, Irredeemable Loss, And Good Inseparable From Evil -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
The words stabbed me in the heart. They come back to me again and again.
God, Evil, And Hope: Opportunistic Love Overcoming Evil -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
I knew when I saw him coming that something was wrong. I didn't know the news was that bad.
It's Okay, Life Must Go On! -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
Here is a letter a father wrote to his children on the first anniversary of their mother's death.

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

The Power Of A Name -- Philippians 2:10-11 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The name Cadbury in England is as well known there as Hershey is in America, or Nestle in Switzerlan
The Love Point Ferry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was a trip never to be forgotten.
The Light Of The World -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
While on a tour of Westminster Abbey in London, England, I turned a corner of a sun-lighted hallway,
Ode To Joy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the truly great musicians of all time.
That Sinking Feeling -- 1 Corinthians 10:12 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
At dusk, a delivery truck driver was on a lonely road in Eastern Indiana when it appeared to him tha
Children Playing "Automobile" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Before television, when children had to be creative in their play, some children decided to play "au
So Help Me God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
George Washington, America's first president, has been called by various descriptions, like "The Fat
The Towel Company -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In Neil B.
Mount Rushmore -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It is a great sight to see for the first time the faces of four presidents of our country carved int
Did Hell Freeze Over? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A popular announcer told the story on a radio broadcast about a little girl who told her parents she

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

On The Third Day He Rose Again From The Dead -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In the last chapter we looked at the descent to the place of the dead based on two obscure Bible ver
He Ascended Into Heaven, And Is Seated At The Right Hand Of The Father -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
When he had led them out of the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
He Will Come Again To Judge The Living And The Dead -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father
I Believe In The Holy Spirit -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus told him (and us) about the work of the mysterious Holy Spir
The Holy Catholic Church, The Communion Of Saints -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
To say, "I believe in the Holy Spirit," means that you believe in the work that this Spirit of God d
The Forgiveness Of Sins -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Some years ago a Ball State University student told me that she did not believe in the Apostles' Cre
The Resurrection Of The Body And The Life Everlasting -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
How Can We Be Certain? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
As people of faith, how can we be certain that what we believe is true?
Why Do Good People Do Bad Things? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Recently, in a small city in the Midwest, three teenage boys molested and then murdered an itinerant
What About Evangelism? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
The doorbell rang late one Saturday afternoon. I was not expecting visitors.

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

The meek shall inherit the earth -- Psalm 37:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The meek shall inherit the earth Location: Psalm 37:11
A merry heart is good medicine -- Proverbs 17:22 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A merry heart is good medicine Location: Proverbs 17:22
A millstone around one's neck -- Mark 9:42 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A millstone around one's neck Location: Mark 9:42
Money is the root of all evil -- 1 Timothy 6:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Money is the root of all evil Location: 1 Timothy 6:10
A multitude of sins -- James 5:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A multitude of sins Location: James 5:20
My cup runneth over -- Psalm 23:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: My cup runneth over Location: Psalm 23:5
No honor in one's own country -- John 4:44 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No honor in one's own country Location: John 4:44
No one can serve two masters -- Matthew 6:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No one can serve two masters Location: Matthew 6:24
No place to lay one's head -- Matthew 8:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No place to lay one's head Location: Matthew 8:20
No room in the inn -- Luke 2:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No room in the inn Location: Luke 2:7

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


* * * * * * * *


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.

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