Login / Signup

Peter Andrew Smith

Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada currently serving St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things are Ready (CSS) a book of lectionary based communion prayers and a number of stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Illustration

StoryShare

Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.
In The Presence Of My Enemies -- Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
John took a deep breath and walked into the diner.
The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
Jenna frowned as she looked at the textbook in front of her.
The Gatekeeper -- John 10:1-10 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Carl pulled his car into a parking space and sighed.
Being One -- John 17:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
David frowned as he reread the passage of scripture. He read it slowly and carefully.
The Plentiful Harvest -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
Paul watched the people streaming through the door of the church hall for the community meal.
The Good Sower -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2023
Wendy looked at the garden she had prepared near the front door and imagined how much space all of t
Taking the Step of Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
Joe took a deep breath of the sea air as he walked down the ramp onto the dock.
That Simple, That Difficult -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Kay checked her phone and then put it on the desk in front of her.
Rules for Life -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Teddy thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I appreciate you asking but no thanks.”
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
John sat in the park bench and watched the people going into church.
The King's Love -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Jason shifted his shopping bags to the other hand.
Fruits of Repentance -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wipin
Preparing for the Future -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2023
John stared out the window at the softly falling snow.
A Difficult Message -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Abbie walked through the door, threw her coat on the chair and crashed onto the couch.
First Things First -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2022
Rob put the marker down and looked at the whiteboard. “I think we need a children’s ministry.”
We Remain -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2022
“I want to hold a picnic on the last day we’re having Sunday School before summer begins,” Janice an
The Faith of Persistence -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
“This isn’t what I was told I’d get this week.” The woman standing in front of the food bank counter
Looking Ahead -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- All Saints Day - C -- 2022
Carol turned off the television in the common room of the retirement home.
Paradise Today -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
George took a deep breath and stepped into the cafeteria. He hated this part of the day.
How Do You Know? -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
“Hey Bill.” Jim made his way through the departing crowd and stuck out his hand.
Parts of the Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2022
“No problem.” Carl held up his hands.
The Price of Grace -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Burt stood in front of the food truck and frowned.

Free Access

Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.
Fruits of Repentance -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wipin

Stories

StoryShare

The Good Sower -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2023
Wendy looked at the garden she had prepared near the front door and imagined how much space all of t
Taking the Step of Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
Joe took a deep breath of the sea air as he walked down the ramp onto the dock.
That Simple, That Difficult -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Kay checked her phone and then put it on the desk in front of her.
Rules for Life -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Teddy thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I appreciate you asking but no thanks.”
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
John sat in the park bench and watched the people going into church.
The King's Love -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Jason shifted his shopping bags to the other hand.
Fruits of Repentance -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wipin
Preparing for the Future -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2023
John stared out the window at the softly falling snow.
The Arrival of the Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2023
Tom sat on the porch looking out over the snow covering the front yard.
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.
Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.
In The Presence Of My Enemies -- Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
John took a deep breath and walked into the diner.
The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
Jenna frowned as she looked at the textbook in front of her.
The Gatekeeper -- John 10:1-10 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Carl pulled his car into a parking space and sighed.
Looking in the Right Place -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Will stood in line at the cafeteria oblivious to the smells and noise and activity of the other stud
Exploring the Mystery -- John 16:12-15 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2022
Tim flopped down on the couch in the youth group room.
How Hard is It? -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2022
John sat in the front seat of his car and looked at the door of the apartment building.
Another Side of Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2022
Luke moved to one side of the walking trail without looking up.
A Difficult Message -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Abbie walked through the door, threw her coat on the chair and crashed onto the couch.
First Things First -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2022
Rob put the marker down and looked at the whiteboard. “I think we need a children’s ministry.”
We Remain -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2022
“I want to hold a picnic on the last day we’re having Sunday School before summer begins,” Janice an
The Faith of Persistence -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
“This isn’t what I was told I’d get this week.” The woman standing in front of the food bank counter
Looking Ahead -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- All Saints Day - C -- 2022
Carol turned off the television in the common room of the retirement home.

Free Access

Fruits of Repentance -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wipin
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.

Worship

SermonStudio

Confirmation (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Confirmation (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer could also be used for a church anniversary.
Reaffirmation Of Faith -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Stewardship -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Times Of Difficulty -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
While written for congregational use, this prayer is also easily used for communion with shut-ins
Celebration Of Women's Groups -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Summer -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Autumn -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Winter -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you.Lift up your hearts.
Spring -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 5
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Passion/Palm Sunday
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Maundy Thursday
15 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
11 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Good Friday
20 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For April 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A small pillow or cushion, a bowl, and a jar.

NOTE: This is a simple role-play story. You will need one boy to play the role of Jesus, and one girl to play the role of Mary. Since these are not speaking roles, this may be an opportunity to have a child help who might be hesitant to do a more involved role.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
This is not the same old thing. This is something new. Isaiah tells us to forget the old standards of life and truth. Our God conquers, so no longer judge the old way. Paul in prison says pretty much the same thing. And in the first supper, which takes place in the home of Martha, with Mary, Jesus, and the newly resurrected Lazarus in attendance, we see the world turned upside down as well. Something new. Something new.

Isaiah 43:16-21
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 43:16-21

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
“Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (vv. 7-8)

The first time I saw one of the “He Gets Us” Jesus ads during the Super Bowl two years ago, I sat up and said to my wife, Jo, “This is great! I wonder who is sponsoring this.” When I found out who, and what their motives were, I was deeply disappointed.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 When Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet with oil, the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. As we worship God today, may this whole church be filled with the fragrance of our prayers.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we fail to notice or appreciate beauty.

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we resent the actions of others and are spiteful towards them.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own. (vv. 8b--12)
Schuyler Rhodes
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luster. A 1932 Ford Victoria Coupe, rumbling down the road brings a thrill. The rust has been cleaned off, the torn upholstery replaced, and missing windows have been installed. It is a work of art. It is also a work of love. Such restoration projects, as anyone involved in them can attest, are not for the weak of heart. Restoring a classic automobile requires painstaking attention to detail and the patience of Job.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Worship is a blessed waste of time.

Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 43:16-21
A New Thing
Donald Charles Lacy
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us. We scratch our heads and wonder if what we are experiencing is fact or fiction. It may or may not be a time of inspiration. However, it may be one of instruction, as we view it in retrospect. You and I are to remember that every occurrence may very well be a teaching event.

David Kalas
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Trophy. Voted on by over 800 media members, the Heisman is awarded to the most outstanding college football player during that season. Past recipients have included such notables as Roger Staubach, Marcus Allen, and Barry Sanders. It is a great honor, and it represents the broad and non-partisan recognition of a player's outstanding season.
Julia Ross Strope
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
If you succeed in judging yourself, it is because you are truly wise.
(The king on a planet to the prince)
-- Saint Exupery, The Little Prince

Call To Worship
Leader: You're here! Winter seems displaced by the new growth of spring. This is the fifth Sunday in Lent -- with one more to come: Palm Sunday.

(Candles counting the Sundays in Lent can be lighted.)

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL