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Worship

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship A general Call To Worship. Leader:
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2005
Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Mark 11:1-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
Liturgy of the Palms Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Makes use of the 2 Corinthians passage. Leader:
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 15:7--18:5, 10-16, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 130 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship A bit of encouragement to start a worship time. Leader:
Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 24 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, Psalm 89:20-37 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship

Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

It Was Only Fair -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
The blizzard was kind enough to have shown up on Friday evening, so that when it had finished rattli
The Armor Of Light -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Characters Harry Christian Margaret Christian (Harry's wife)
The Land Where Our Fathers Had Lived -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- David Kalas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
The story begins innocently enough.
God's Providence: The Long And Short Of It -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
We human beings are naturally fond of happy endings.
Endless Line Of Blunder -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- David Kalas -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Turn the page, and the story is suddenly different.
The Names By Which He Is Known -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
When I was about six years old, I made friends with a boy named Danny.
Eat And Run -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- David Kalas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
At some time or another, we've all had to hurry through a meal and hurry away from the table.
Ruining The Christmas Spirit -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
This morning is the first Sunday of Advent, and therefore the first Sunday of the church year.
Hard Words To Hear At Christmas -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
We've gathered here today on the second Sunday of Advent to continue to prepare ourselves for the co
Looking At Jesus From Behind Prison Bars -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
How different things must have looked for John behind prison walls.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Great Thanksgiving (Holy, Holy, Holy) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Bring a bag containing a Bible, a toy kids like to play with, and a delicate figurine to show the c
The words Of Institution -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(My preference was to have this during the regular children's sermon time.
The Lord's Prayer -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(At the regular time for the children's sermon, or following the prayer of the church when holy comm
At The Altar Rail -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(We have a tradition of encouraging parents to bring their children to the altar rail with them when
The Blessing -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come to the altar rail.)
Post Communion Hymn (Thank The Lord) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come forward.
Post Communion Hymn (Lord, Now You Let ...) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come forward.
Post Communion Prayer -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(When the children come forward, have a child's game with a spinner and a bag of goodies to pass out
The Benediction -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(When the children come forward, have a "Love" or "I Love You" stamp for each child, a large light b
Sent Forth -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(When the children come forward, have a badge of some type symbolizing a "deputy.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

We Need To Talk -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is necessary for Christians to sit down together and discuss controversial
If You Can't Say Something Nice ... -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Constructive criticism is necessary and helpful, and we need to learn how to g
Let Me Tell You How To Vote -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Should our Christian faith dictate how we should cast our votes?
Oh, One More Thing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A sermon summarizing the overview of Christian theology or the pastor's key co
What Did He Do That Was So Bad? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Why did anyone want to kill Jesus?
Life's Most Pressing Question -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: From all that Jesus said, it may be that nothing is as important as how we tre
Why Hasn't Jesus Offended You? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do we understand and agree with all of Jesus' teachings?
If It Isn't In The Bible, It Should Be -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We need a method of drawing answers from scripture to address a wide variety o
Reasons Not To Go To Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If we are to be evangelists and help others find a meaningful life within our
Religion In A Disposable Culture -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Has the over-indulgent nature of our rich and abundant culture carried over in

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Example
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excellence
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excuses
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fairness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith Faith honors God; God honors faith.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

"There are 7,000...." -- 1 Kings 19:14-18 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Elijah answered, "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites ha
Early Morning In Bethlehem -- Luke 2:4-20 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Beth
Simeon At The Temple -- Luke 2:25-35 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looki
The Transfiguration -- Matthew 17:1-8 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high
The Lord's Last Supper -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when
Noon -- 3 p.m. On Good Friday -- Matthew 27:45-51 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
Easter Morning -- Matthew 28:1-8 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary w
Easter Evening -- John 20:19-28 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the
The Ordinary -- Acts 4:13-20 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordi
On A Road To Damascus -- Acts 9:1-6 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to th

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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

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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.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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.
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?

SermonStudio

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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.

First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
The Stoning Of Stephen
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.

StoryShare

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.
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

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:

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