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Worship

SermonStudio

NULL -- Deuteronomy 8:18 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But remember the Lord your God,
NULL -- 1 Samuel 7:18, 19b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereig
NULL -- 2 Kings 12:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Joash said to the priests, "Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerin
NULL -- 1 Chronicles 29:14 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "But who am I and who are my people that we should be permitted to give anything to
NULL -- 1 Chronicles 29:16, 17 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: O Lord our God, all of this material that we have gathered to build a temple for yo
NULL -- 2 Chronicles 31:10 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: And Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, "Since the people
NULL -- Ezra 3:3 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundati
NULL -- Nehemiah 10:32 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister and Congregation: "We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a
NULL -- Nehemiah 10:39 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of gr
NULL -- Esther 4:13b, 14b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Do not think that because you are in the King's house you alone ... will escape.

Drama

SermonStudio

Let's Have A Fruitful Christmas Season -- May Dembowski -- 1996
Running Time Twenty-five minutes (including one two-minute break)
Mary: After The Angel -- Arlys M. Winkler -- 1996
Notes
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room -- Suzanne E. Fisher -- 1996
Speaking Parts Large Mouse Named Moose Friend Mouse Named Moe
Mothers Of The Bible -- Lynda Pujado -- 1995
PreludeOpening HymnCall To Worship
Elizabeth -- Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 -- Lynda Pujado -- 1995
Toward the end of my life, I became sad and disillusioned. I am Elizabeth.
Hagar -- Genesis 16, 21:9-21 -- Lynda Pujado -- 1995
I am Hagar, mother of Ishmael.
Sarah -- Genesis 20, 21, 22 -- Lynda Pujado -- 1995
I am a beautiful woman, don't you think so? (Bows) I always have been. My name is Sarah.
Moses' Mother -- Exodus 2:1-10 -- Lynda Pujado -- 1995
You would probably call me a murderess. I don't care. I had to do what I did.
Rahab -- Joshua 2, 6 -- Lynda Pujado -- 1995
I am Rahab, a woman from Jericho.
Deborah -- Judges 4, 5 -- Lynda Pujado -- 1995
You might be disturbed about me, a woman, having done what I did for the country of Israel.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Can Anything Good Come Out Of Our Town? -- John 1:43-51 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
Well, good, old Nathaniel. In a way, he's the mystery disciple of the New Testament.
Time's A-Wasting -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
Just when everything seems as normal as can be ...
Can Teach, Can Do -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
Every time I have ever studied this passage with other people, it seems to me that we have been all
Spiritual Gifts: God's Gift Of Fulfillment -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Scott Suskovic -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Now you have every spiritual gift you need. -- 1 Corinthians 1:7 (NLT)
They Call It Grace -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Scott Suskovic -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not w
The Fred Factor -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Scott Suskovic -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of G
But Is It True? -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Scott Suskovic -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Chr
The Missing Piece -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Scott Suskovic -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself
The Fullness Of Time -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Scott Suskovic -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in
It's God's Will? -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Scott Suskovic -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
...

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Symbols Of Easter -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To understand why the date of Easter changes from year to year and to think about what that
A Lesson From A Mirror -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To encourage children to be willing to accept help.
Riding A Train -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand why we need rules and regulations; and why they should be follo
Bubbles -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To learn that making certain choices in life can make a difference in what happens to us.
Freedom -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help the children understand the nature of freedom.
What Is Work? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand the nature of work.
What Do You Do When You Are Lost? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand that they should seek help when they feel the need for such sup
Beware Of Imitations -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To remind children not to accept imitations as something real.
The Lesson Of ''O'' -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To remind children that the good life requires the presence of God; and with God, we will l
Don't Worry -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children exert some personal effort when faced with a problem.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 14/Pentecost 12/Ordinary Time 19, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv.
Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 128 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2006
This Psalm is difficult to preach in our modern culture, because of the central section (vv.
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2006
This psalm belongs in the category of "personal lament," which means it probably was not used for co
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to 105:1-11, 4
Psalm 133 - Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Psalm 133 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2006
This little gem of a psalm celebrates the joy of unity among comrades in the faith.
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Psalm 124 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 17 / Ordinary Time 22 / Pentecost 15 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2006
This is a psalm of salvation-history.
Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2006
Some psalms display a clear context, a human situation that has led to the writing of the hymn.
Proper 8 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Psalm 13 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2006
This psalm is an individual lament with which almost every Christian can identify, for almost all of
Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Ordinary Time 14 -- Psalm 45:10-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22, Cycle B, for an alternative approach, emphasizing v

Stories

SermonStudio

Maggie -- Luke 8:1-3 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
Seven devils? One devil is plenty. Two is more than enough. But seven?
Risen -- Matthew 13:33 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
Her friends called her Prissy and on occasion they affectionately referred to her as Miss Prim and P
Fishers -- Mark 1:19-20 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
Poppa Zebedee approached his sons one day.
Pearlie -- Matthew 13:45 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
"I'm not easy. I come at a price.
High Hopes -- Matthew 20:20-21 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
She wasn't literally a stage mother, but Leena had shown most of the symptoms.
The Treasure -- Matthew 13:44 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
He was ecstatic! Had this happened to him? Maybe he was dreaming. But no.
Winner -- Mark 8:27-29 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
"He's a real winner. He's our boy!" Peter blurted.
Tradition -- Luke 1:57-6 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
Liz and Zech's relatives and friends had gathered in the living room.
A Fish Story -- Matthew 13:47-48 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
They had been dragged into a room which appeared to be an antechamber to a larger room.
Tree Climber -- Luke 19:1-3 -- Andre Papineau -- 2002
"Here I go again, climbing a tree." That was Zacchaeus' line throughout his life.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Advent 2 -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire o
Advent 2 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
Advent 2 -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near ...
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom ...
Advent 3 -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. -- Luke 1:50
Advent 3 -- James 5:7-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord.... -- James 5:7
Advent 3 -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
... Are you the one who is to come or are we to wait for another? -- Matthew 11:3
Advent 4 -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.

Poems

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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

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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