For more than 25 years, Sermons That Work, a joint offering of Forward Movement and The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, has provided free resources like sermons, Bible studies, and lesson plans 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.
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Lectionary Calendar
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Sermons
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Bible Studies
Our weekly Bible studies are produced by our very own Episcopalian seminarians.
Lesson Plans
Find lesson plans written by experienced church teachers.
Upcoming Sermons
Love the Questions, Proper 12 (A) – July 26, 2026
[RCL]: Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 Today’s reading from the Epistle to the Romans includes some of the most familiar and comforting words from Paul the Apostle, messenger, teacher and preacher: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come,…
Let Both Grow Together, Proper 11 (A) – July 19, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-11, 22-23 or Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Of the parables Jesus tells, the one about the weeds growing among the wheat can be especially troubling. In many readers’ opinion, what we would prefer to have happen, at least initially, is what the…
The Bound Will in the Backrooms, Proper 10 (A) – July 12, 2026
[RCL]: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”In the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Today’s reading from the letter to the Romans can be confusing. There are two ways that we can confuse ourselves about today’s reading from…
Freedom For, Proper 9 (A) – July 5, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Psalm 45:11-18 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 This weekend marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States. Two hundred and fifty years. That is a remarkable milestone for a nation! Whatever country we inhabit, whatever our political convictions, it…
Seeing Christ, Proper 8 (A) – June 28, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42 Summer is coming. A time of gatherings and celebrations, in which many of us have something fun planned: perhaps with family, perhaps with friends. These celebrations can be wonderful opportunities to meet with small or wide circles of people, to catch up and form stronger bonds.…
The Cost of Following Jesus, Proper 7 (A) – June 21, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 21:8-21; Ps 86:1-10, 16-17; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39 Today’s gospel passage, from chapter ten of the Gospel of Matthew, has us in the middle portion of Jesus’ ministry. We’ve left behind the narratives of his early life; he has begun gathering his core disciples; and more people are joining his movement by the…
Upcoming Bible Studies
Bible Study: Proper 8 (A) – June 28, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42 Opening Prayer | Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable…
Bible Study: Proper 7 (A) – June 21, 2026
RCL: Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 Opening Prayer | O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you…
Bible Study: Proper 6 (A) – June 14, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7); Psalm 116:1,10-17; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8,(9-23) Opening Prayer | O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and…
Bible Study: Proper 5 (A) – June 7, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:1-12; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Opening Prayer | O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one…
Bible Study: Trinity Sunday (A) – May 31, 2026
[RCL] Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8 or Canticle 2 or 13; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20 Opening Prayer | Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity:…
Bible Study: Day of Pentecost (A) – May 24, 2026
[RCL]: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:25-35 & 37; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39 Opening Prayer | Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Pour out this gift anew upon your Church, that by the preaching of…
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