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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship A general Call To Worship. Leader:
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 19:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship A celebration of the God who is our foundation. Leader:
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship. Based on Psalm 111. Leader:
Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalm 84, John 6:56-69 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Verses from Psalm 84. Leader:
Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship From Psalm 125.
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Psalm 19 Leader: The heavens sing of the glory of God;
Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Psalm 1:1-3 (The Message) Leader:
Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship From Psalm 124. Leader:

Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

Center Stage -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Now that Matthew has finished his genealogy, he starts his narrative.
A Shepherd's Story -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that.
The Horror Before The Blessing -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
A few years ago, a woman wrote in exasperation to the editor of her newspaper.
Light And Hope For The New Year -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2007
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down.
Is It Time Yet? -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Tony S. Everett -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
A popular skit at church camps involves about a dozen folks lined up side-by-side, looking anxious a
From 'Uh-oh' To 'Ah-hah!' -- An Axe, A Stump, And A Shoot -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Tony S. Everett -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
One hot summer day, a young pastor decided to change the oil in his automobile for the very first ti
The Holy Way -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Tony S. Everett -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Our text centers on God's promised action in the wilderness.
Stop, Drop, Cover, And Roll! -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Tony S. Everett -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Pastor Terry had planned what she anticipated would be an excellent children's message for the fourt
What About The Baby? -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Tony S. Everett -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Brian had just received a major job promotion that required a 2,000-mile cross-country move during t
Restoration Frustration -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Tony S. Everett -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Here we are gathered together a few days after Christmas.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Confession -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Before beginning the confession, ask the children to come forward.)
Postlude -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask an usher, an altar guild member, an acolyte and an organist - if practical - to come forward wh
The Greeting -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come to the chancel after the entrance hymn.
The Kyrie - Part One -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(After the greeting, ask the children to come forward.
The Kyrie - Part Two -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
Does anyone still remember what Kyrie means?
The Kyrie - Part Three -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Have the children assist you in leading the congregation in the first three parts of the Kyrie.
The Hymn Of Praise (Glory To God ...) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Alert the organist before the service that you will have a children's sermon before the Hymn of Pra
Herod -- Matthew 2:3-8, 16-20 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Herodus Magnus! By that name, I am known.
O Christmas Tree, Part 6 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Objects: Christmas tree balls
O Christmas Tree, Part 4 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: A Star Ornament

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Too Heavenly Minded To Be Any Earthly Good -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is it possible to be too religious?
Pearly Gates Entrance Exam -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it take to get into heaven?
Can Compassion Be Turned On Like A Faucet? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we get motivated to actually love others?
I Embarrassed God Again Yesterday -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Each day we find a variety of ways to offend God and others and must be remind
Why In The World Is There A World? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: The subject concerns the reason for our existence.
What If Your Minister Misleads You? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we recognize the truth or know we can trust the sermons we hear since w
Don't I Look Nice? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Our obsession with physical appearance does not fit with Christian values.
Goldilocks And The Three Bears Problem -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: So many situations call for finding the "happy medium" or the delicate balance
Do Circumstances Ever Justify A Sin? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is time to discuss situation ethics.
So You Think You Got Away With It -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Sin hurts us even when we are unaware of its consequences.

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Family Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Following God's Plan
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Forgiveness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Friends
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Friendship

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

By An Ethiopian's Chariot -- Acts 8:26-38 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes
Silence -- Revelation 8:1 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Christmas Eve -- Late And At Home -- John 14:27 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
5:15 a.m. -- Mark 1:35 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and th
At The Communion Rail -- Matthew 9:35-36 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming
At The Altar Rail -- Marriage -- Ephesians 5:31-32 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two w
Birth -- Psalm 139:13-17 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Baptisms -- Romans 6:3-6, 11 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his d
My First Experience With Death -- John 11:35 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Jesus wept. -- John 11:35
Walking Away From A Grave -- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

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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

Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedroom. Before this, whenever Charlie needed to use a mirror, he went to the bathroom, but there he was only able to see his head and possibly his shoulders. When he got dressed up he used his parents' full-length mirror in their bedroom. Charlie was happy with his new mirror; he spent many hours in front of it.
Elizabeth Achtemeier
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God. Such a belief rises partly from a feeling of awe before the divine -- the feeling that God is so unfathomable, so other, so beyond our feeble understanding that we cannot possibly experience who he truly is in all of his fullness and perfection. And perhaps that is the reason that the Athenians have erected that idol "to an unknown God" that Paul encounters when he visits their city. They know that there is a god beyond them, but they cannot define him or name him.
Stan Purdum
(See Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-12.)

Psalm 66 is a song of communal thanksgiving, probably composed to celebrate some national deliverance. Because of the personal language of verses 13-20, there is some speculation that this psalm was originally two hymns, but as it stands, it contains a combination of corporate and personal prayers, both appropriate in worship.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E, L)
Schuyler Rhodes
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan? Do you make your commitments and focus your energies on one thing, but have an alternative in mind just in case things don't work out with the first one? You might call it "Plan B" or something else, but basically you're hedging your bets and covering yourself in case the situation goes south.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was still in the middle of his farewell discourse to his disciples. He was trying to comfort the despair that they were feeling when they had first heard the news (during the last supper) that Jesus would be leaving them (John 13:21, 33; 14:1). He had comforted them with the good news that he was on the way to God the Father, that in associating with Jesus, the disciples had been in fellowship with the Father (John 14:6-11). Whoever believed in him, Jesus said, would be able to do the works that he had done, even greater works (John 14:12).
Albert G. Butzer, III
Here are two statements about the world. Tell me if both of them ring true for you. The first of them is this: "The world is a beautiful place." And the second statement is this: "The world is a terrible and dangerous place." Both statements are true - don't you agree? - and yet, ironically, they seem to say the exact opposite thing. How much easier it would be to affirm one statement or the other, but not both.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contribution to humanity will live on in the minds of many under a different title, "The Birdman of Alcatraz." By nature, Robert Stroud was not a congenial man. As a youth he was always getting into fights, disagreements, and various altercations. When he was only nineteen he killed a man in a barroom brawl, was convicted of second--degree murder, and was sentenced to the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, since the crime was committed on Federal land.
Richard W. Ferris
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ. On a particular Saturday afternoon, the sexton was making one final check of the choir and organ loft high in the balcony at the back of the church. As he was making his inspection, he was startled to hear footsteps echoing up the stone stairway behind him. He thought the doors were all locked and that no one else was in the church. He turned to see a man in slightly tattered traveling clothes coming toward him.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31
Theme: To A Known God

Call To Worship
Leader: God is a known God who continually gives us evidence of presence.
People: God is a knowable God who extends to us the hand of hope.
All: Come, let us worship God. Amen.

Collect
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Our Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (PH376, UM384, LBW315, NCH43)
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (PH321, UM465)
There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit (PH398, UM334)
Thy Holy Wings, O Savior (UM502)
Come Down, O Love Divine (LBW508, NCH289, PH313)
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (OBW492, NCH502, PH357)
My Song Is Love Unknown (LBW94, NCH222, PH76)

Anthems
Praise The Lord, Service Music, Hal Hopson, CGA, Unison 2--part

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 10, 2026:

StoryShare

John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Reason for Hope" by John Fitzgerald

Reason for Hope
by John Fitzgerald
1 Peter 3:13-22

Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the classic Little House on the Prairie series neared an end to her
life. At this juncture she penned an essay about hope in face of the constant current of change. Here is an excerpt from that writing: 
Frank Ramirez
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez
"Looking for God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"A Gentle Profession" by Peter Andrew Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter direct us to sermons on the great things God’s love does, appreciating in two cases this love’s cosmic character (especially leading to a stress on justification by grace). This is an appropriate theme with the festival of the Ascension in view, which celebrates Christ’s almighty power and cosmic vindication. 

Acts 17:22-31
William H. Shepherd
Schuyler Rhodes
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells the class about Gandhi's assertion that if God ever came to India, he'd have to come as bread, in order to get the attention of the starving peasants. The teacher then asks the class what form God would have to take in order to get the attention of their high school. "Beer," says one student. "Yeah," another chimes in, "it's the only thing to do around here."

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

CSSPlus

Hi there, boys and girls! How many of you have rules that you have to follow at home? (show of hands) What are some of the rules you have? (let them tell you) What about at school? Do you have rules there? What are they? (let them tell you)

Why should we even have rules? (see what they think) I think we have rules because it makes it easier for us to be together. If we are all kind to each other, we will all be happier. If there are rules, then maybe people will fight less.

Special Occasion

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