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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Theme: Our Blessed Past, Our Hopeful Future
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:5-10 Theme: Pass The Mustard
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Theme: Make Yourself At Home
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Theme: If, Then, Therefore
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:11-19 Theme: Good Odds Or Bad Odds
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Theme: No More Sour Grapes
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 Theme: The Other 3:16
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8 Theme: Don't Give Up So Easily
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32 Theme: God's Spirit On All
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Theme: Finish Line

Drama

SermonStudio

Who's Your Neighbor -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1997
ThemeBeing of service to others no matter who they are.Summary
Talk Show I -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1997
Theme
Good Neighbors -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1997
Theme
The Rich Fool -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
Theme
Song by Becky Potter -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1997
ThemeThe Son of Man is coming like the flood. Be ready as Noah was.
This Present Time -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1997
Theme
Super Christian III -- Luke 13:22-30 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1997
Theme
Alexander The Mediocre -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1997
ThemeIt is never pleasant to be humbled but it is necessary to be used by God.
Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1997
Theme What is the price of discipleship?Summary
Sketch Practice -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
ThemeWithout Jesus there will be no joy in any of our endeavors.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Do You Love Me? -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Nikos Kazantzakis gives us a disturbing and beautiful story in his book, The Last Temptation of C
Curiosity And Questions -- John 3:1-17 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
When I was sorting through household items in Minnesota, preparing for a move to Florida, I came acr
Living Upside Down -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
In any list of unusual animals, you are likely to find the sloth.
Family Values -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Last week I was reading a newspaper article on family values.
It's Anybody's Guess -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Several years ago, it was the week before Father's Day and the children and I were looking for a gif
Be Not Afraid? -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Just a short time ago, a young homemaker and mother sat in my office telling me how she was feeling
Out Of Control -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2008
There is a marvelous miracle described in Willa Cather's book, Death Comes for the Archbishop
A Strange Authority -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
When I was just barely into my teens, I went through a period of time when I wanted to be someone el
The Unsilenced Voice -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2008
There is a book on my shelf titled Texts of Terror.
God's Anthills -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
Four years ago this week, I was walking through an African village in Namibia with my friend, Solvei

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Slowly But Surely -- 2 Peter 3:9 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: I thought we would do some painting today.
Spread The News -- Matthew 28:18-20 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: I want you to try to imagine yourself on a hot day.
God Knows Us -- Psalm 139:1-2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Today I would like to find out how good all of you are at describing things.
Lost And Found -- Luke 24:1-5 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many times have you lost something, and no matter how hard you looked, you just couldn'
Special Days -- Exodus 20:8-9 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: This morning I brought something with me that I think all of you probably have at home.
Promises -- Psalm 119:57-58 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Can you think of some promises you have made to someone?
Large Or Small -- Matthew 6:26 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Have you seen those charts used at the eye doctor's office?
Treasures -- Proverbs 3:1-2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you have some toys and other things that are very important to you?
"Abba" -- Romans 8:16-17 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Have you ever had the fun of watching young children when they are just beginning to talk?
Planting Seeds -- Matthew 13:3 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do any of you ever help your parents when they are out working in the yard?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

A Place Has Been Prepared -- 2006
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
The Resurrection! -- John 20:1-18 -- 2006
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and
Pronounced Innocent And Made Whole -- Romans 5:6-11 -- 2006
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Even Suffering Leads To Good -- Romans 8:15-28 -- 2006
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spiri
Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love -- Romans 8:31-39 -- 2006
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Foolishness Of The Resurrection/Limits Of Rationality -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- 2006
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being s
Salvation Message -- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 -- 2006
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
In The Fullness Of Time -- Ephesians 1:5-10 -- 2006
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure
Christlike Humility/Obedient Unto Death -- Philippians 2:5-8 -- 2006
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not
The Reconciliation That Leads To Peace -- Colossians 1:15-20 -- 2006
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Stories

SermonStudio

Sound Grace -- Psalm 63:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lucinda Alwa -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Twenty-four years ago, my younger sister Charlotte died.
A New Creation -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Debi Lyerly Lawson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I cannot remember a time when God wasn't the source of all that I am.
Recovered Memory -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bruce Stunkard -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I was a male glossophobiac. An avoider of spotlights. Stage frightened.
Maundy Thursday Visions -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lisa Lancaster -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
In 1985, I was struggling deeply with a very painful friendship.
He Will Wipe Away Every Tear -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- New Year's Day - C -- 2003
In 1987, I came to Stowe, Vermont, for a visit with my mother, Maria Von Trapp.
A Single Drop Of Blood -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- John E. Sumwalt, Wayne Frank -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
I was first elected as an Alderman on Milwaukee's south side after a special election in 1973.
A Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Ellen Sherry -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
I was raised in the Congregational Church.
Steadfast Love -- Psalm 85 -- John E. Sumwalt, Christal Bindrich -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
My brother died on March 15, 2001, at the age of 56.
The Taste Of Music -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jeanne Jones -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
The whole thing began when I was asked to be the song leader for a Walk to Emmaus retreat in 1988.
Assurance -- Psalm 33:12-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marie Regine Redig -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
Always I have been guided gently by God in how and where I would be in ministry and career.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Praise The LORD! Praise, O Servants Of The LORD -- Psalm 113 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD! ... Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
When Israel Went Out From Egypt -- Psalm 114 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
When Israel went out from Egypt ... The sea looked and fled;
Not To Us, O LORD ... But To Your Name Give Glory -- Psalm 115 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,
Praise The LORD, All You Nations! -- Psalm 117 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
O Give Thanks To The LORD, For He Is Good -- Psalm 118 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous ...
Happy Are Those Whose Way Is Blameless -- Psalm 119 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Happy are those ... who seek him with their whole heart ...
In My Distress I Cry To The LORD -- Psalm 120 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace;
I Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills -- Psalm 121 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
I Was Glad When They Said To Me -- Psalm 122 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!" ...
To You I Lift Up My Eyes -- Psalm 123 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O you who are enthroned in the heavens! As the eyes of servants

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

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Candlelighting service

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Self Help

Liturgy

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Spirituality

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Easter

Lent/Easter

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Sacrament

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Death

Funeral

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Christian

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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.

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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