Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Worship

SermonStudio

Come, Ye Thankful People -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Thanksgiving
Celebrate The Trinity -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Trinity Sunday
In Search Of Love -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Hymn Service Of Words On Love For Valentine's Day Or Family Day
The Way To The Manger -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Time To Clean Up -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Sounds Great, But We're Busy -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 126) One:
Third Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Theme: Repairing Ancient Ruins
Theme: The Lord Needs No House -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Reunion -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Isaiah 25:9)
Theme: It Is Not For You To Know -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 93)

Drama

SermonStudio

Journey To Rome & Paul's Last Days -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: So Paul, it was Festus and Agrippa who sent you off on your fourth journey.
The Prodigal Son -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
So he returned home to his father.
The Great Feast -- Luke 14:24 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
The Ten Virgins -- Matthew 25:10-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
The Unprofitable Servant -- Matthew 25:19, 21, 26 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
The Parable Of The Sower (Soil) -- Mark 4:3, 5, 7, 8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:Mr. Sower -- the soil is now ready.
The Wicked Husbandmen -- Mark 12:6-7, 9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
Waiting -- John 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersChurch Secretary: either sex and any age older than college
The Committee -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJanet Jason: female, older than college age
Cooking With Carol -- John 6:24-35, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAnnouncer: either sex, very friendly, warms up the audience for Carol

Sermon

SermonStudio

Interceding For Us Now -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
Heads bowed, hands clasped, the words are spoken softly and gently.
Admitting The Real Truth -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
It does seem a bit unfair, putting me in the same category as Hitler, Stalin, or some of our more re
Wiping Away The Tears -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Patrick J. Rooney -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
It is one line. A few words cast upon a sea of words.
The Eternal Sanctuary -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
It happens week after week, sometimes day after day.
Hope On The Day Of Judgment -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Standing in the parlor at church that day was not unlike the many other occasions when I had attende
The Perfect Sacrifice -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
They came day after day in a steady stream, entering the temple with a mixture of excitement and ant
Long Live The King -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
I was just a little shy of my fifth birthday, so all the images are not completely clear.
The Great Thanksgiving -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
It is not only Thanksgiving Day, but a day of thanksgiving.
Christmas Construction -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Ancient Babylon is the setting for our text.
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Years ago, a wise teacher of preachers advised us to prepare our sermons with the Bible in one hand

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Learning From Riddles -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to take care of ourselves.
The Sawhorse -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show that even simple things can be used to serve God.
Wave The Flags -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about what it means to say, "One nation under God."
The Cover -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the importance of Bible reading.
The Need For Balance -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the need for a balanced life and for personal responsibility for it.
Listening To The Whistle -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show the need to put into practice what we learn.
What Shall We Be? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the importance of what a child learns in the early years.
Patience In Learning -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To remind children that patience is an essential part of life.
How God Is Heard Today -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To help children understand one way whereby God speaks to people today.
The Spoiled Child -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To focus on one way that we learn from God.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B, and Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9, Cycle B; see
Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
The writer of Psalm 81 employs a most interesting mixed metaphor.
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
The little-known book of Lamentations was likely composed in the ashes of Jerusalem, following the B
Proper 22/Pentecost 20/Ordinary Time 27 -- Psalm 137 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
This psalm's opening verses are among the most recognizable for understanding the experience of a wo
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
(See Easter 6, Cycle A for an alternative approach to vv. 8-20.)
Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Psalm 119 is well-known as the longest chapter in the Bible.
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 / Pentecost 20 -- Psalm 65 -- James Evans -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
(See Thanksgiving Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 26/Pentecost 24/Ordinary Time 31 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
The psalmist exuberantly expresses his sense of joy and love for God's Law.
All Saints -- Psalm 149 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
(See Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Stories

SermonStudio

From Chaos To Harmony -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
The children - aged nine through thirteen - were milling around waiting for the old school bell that
So Unnecessary! -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Some things are beyond understanding - especially when a loss of life is preventable.
Grace Upon Grace -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Laura Fischer is growing up to be a lovely young lady. She is an example of grace and perseverance.
The Reason For The Season -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Aunt Carla is adamant about her celebration of Christmas. It can only be one way.
Candlelight At Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
The church year is dictated not by a fiscal or chronological calendar, but a religious calendar that
The Viking Bachelor -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
In 1948 there lived a group of bachelors in the small Minnesota town of Viking.
A Great Prophet And A Great Dad -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
John the Baptist was the real thing, a great prophet.
Angels Among Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Books and magazines are filled with people's encounters with "angels": people who give selflessly, p
The Fullness Of Life -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Some in our generation grew up hearing about World War II.
A Prayer And A Blessing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 8 / OT 8 -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on yo
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me.
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are n
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seven
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Psalm 2 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? -- Psalm 2:1
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. -- 2 Peter 1:17
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, o
Lent 1 -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "W

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

Memorial

Observance

Christian

African-American History

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

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

Wildcard SSL