Sermons That Work

For more than 20 years, Sermons That Work, a ministry of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, has provided free sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and other resources that speak to congregations across the Church. Our writers and readers come from numerous and varied backgrounds, and the resources we provide are used in small house churches, sprawling cathedrals, and everything between.

Lectionary Calendar

Find this Sunday’s readings and more observances of the church year.

This Sunday’s Readings:
Pentecost 19 (A) – October 8, 2023

Sermons

We offer a large archive of sermons, as well as a new sermon every week.

This Sunday’s Sermon:
A Different Ending, Pentecost 19 (A) – October 8, 2023

Bible Studies

Our weekly Bible studies are produced by our very own Episcopalian seminarians.

This Sunday’s Bible Study:
Pentecost 19 (A) – October 8, 2023

Bulletin Inserts

Weekly inserts teach about the theology, history, and people of The Episcopal Church.

This Sunday’s Bulletin Insert:
Pentecost 19 (A) – Young Adult & Campus Ministry Grants – October 8, 2023

Lesson Plans

Find lesson plans written by experienced church teachers.

Old Testament Lesson Plan: Pentecost 19 (A) – God’s Instructions to Live and Love – October 8, 2023

Gospel Lesson Plan: Pentecost 19 (A) – Jesus Is the Cornerstone – October 8, 2023

Sermons That Work Podcast

About Sermons That Work

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Upcoming Sermons

Be Prepared to Wait, Pentecost 24 (A) – November 12, 2023

[RCL] Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 At first listen, this parable sounds like something any Scout or guide could have told us: Always be prepared.…

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Believing in Hope, All Saints’ Day (A), tr. – November 5, 2023

[RCL] Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 Remember what happened in 2016? No, not that. The Cubs won the World Series. Dr. Thomas G. Long, preaching…

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Stumped, Pentecost 22 (A) – October 29, 2023

[RCL] Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 If you are a game show enthusiast and super competitive, there may be great appreciation in your life for…

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Games, Pentecost 21 (A) – October 22, 2023

[RCL] Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 It’s safe to say that among classic board games, few have more potential to inflame the passions of its players…

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Are We Ready to Choose?, Pentecost 20 (A) – October 15, 2023

[RCL] Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 The gospel for today begs allegory and analogy, leading inevitably to dividing people into groups of good and bad. It…

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A Different Ending, Pentecost 19 (A) – October 8, 2023

[RCL] Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 A form of wordplay people think is either great or terrible, depending on whether or not they’re fans, is…

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Upcoming Bible Studies

Bible Study: Pentecost 22 (A) – October 29, 2023

RCL: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Moses’ story ends with God showing him the Promised Lan,d even though Moses would “not cross over…

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Bible Study: Pentecost 21 (A) – October 22, 2023

RCL: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 Exodus 33:12-23 Earlier in this chapter, we learn that God commanded Moses to close up camp at Mount Sinai and…

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Bible Study: Pentecost 20 (A) – October 15, 2023

RCL: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 Exodus 32:1-14 The Golden Calf account is one of those stories that anyone familiar with the Bible knows – or…

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Bible Study: Pentecost 19 (A) – October 8, 2023

RCL: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 There’s something about the Ten Commandments that engages my Inner Child. Not a fun, playful…

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Bible Study: Pentecost 18 (A) – October 1, 2023

RCL: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Exodus 17:1-7 Once again, the Israelites are complaining to Moses about their circumstances. In spite of the 10 plagues; in…

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Bible Study: Pentecost 17 (A) – September 24, 2023

RCL: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 Exodus 16:2-15 At first glance, we might sympathize with the murmuring Israelites. After all, we need food to survive, and…

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