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Leah Thompson

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Children's Activity

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One of us -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Baptizer -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Friends -- John 10:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
You just had to be there... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Prepare a place -- John 14:1-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Impossible -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Father, Son, Spirit -- John 14:15-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Read all about it -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Leah Thompson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Extra-terrestrial -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Fair play -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- All Saints Day - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Earn your stickers -- John 17:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Receive -- John 20:19-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Promises to keep -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Welcome -- Hospitality -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Safe and warm -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Good soil -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
One pearl -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Bread of Life -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
First impressions -- Matthew 14:22-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Ask... and ask again -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
What do you see? -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Take up your cross -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Big numbers -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Lost and found -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:

Children's sermon

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Consider the lilies -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Leah Thompson -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
Note: This piece was originally published April 24, 2011.
Repentance -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. (v. 11)
Doin' time -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. (v.
This little light -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Do not quench the Spirit. (v. 19)
On the clock -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (v. 6)
Playing referee -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you
You just had to be there... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. (v. 8)
Batter up -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! (v.
Snapshot -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (v. 11)
Hard work -- John 9:1-41 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (v. 5)
Money, money, money -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2011
They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things t
Word for all -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
But is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, accor
Welcome -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. (v.
Emptied -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2011
But emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
Make new friends -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2011
So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God
Impossible -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For nothing will be impossible with God. (v. 37)
Forgiveness box -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
Betrayed -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Leah Thompson -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2011
And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. (v. 26:16)
Love -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2011
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (v. 40)
A purifying clean -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Leah Thompson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for hims
Safe and warm -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (v.
Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no
Neat and tidy -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you beli
Read all about it -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Leah Thompson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great
God's rules -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
So that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the f

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2011
If you have a family, you know what it is like to love many people with all your heart -- that is, e
NULL -- John 9:1-41 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
We learn cause and effect at an early stage.
NULL -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
Could you hide something from your siblings?
NULL -- Romans 8:6-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Mary Jane and her husband Rob were happy together.
NULL -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
Sometimes we are in situations where we cannot do the things that we want to do.
NULL -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Leah Thompson -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2011
Knowledge is a great honor and a great responsibility.
NULL -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
We like names.
NULL -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Leah Thompson -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2011
"What's in it for me?" One of the secrets to writing a good story is to create strong characters.
Mrs. Johnson was perfect for her job... -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Mrs. Johnson was perfect for her job.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Country songs are really happy if you play them backward, some people say.
It's easy to talk about things that are far away... -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
It's easy to talk about things that are far away.
NULL -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Leah Thompson -- Good Friday - A -- 2011
It is a life that begins with loss of innocence and ends with loss of innocence.
It's all about getting your priorities straight... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's all about getting your priorities straight.
NULL -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Leah Thompson -- Good Friday - A -- 2011
You've seen trouble.
Jennifer's mom gave her $5... -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Jennifer's mom gave her $5 to buy some fries at the fair. "Keep the change," her mom said.
NULL -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Leah Thompson -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
As Peter Pan reminds Wendy, John, and Michael, we must "think happy thoughts!" before we can fly.
Things just worked out for Gloria... -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Things just worked out for Gloria. She was a bright student. She got along with her parents.
NULL -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Many people are frightened of cemeteries.
Jordan is a professional football player... -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
Jordan is a professional football player.
NULL -- John 20:19-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Rebecca wanted to go out to dinner with all of her friends, but had to work instead.
We always want more... -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
We always want more. Sometimes it is greed: we want more wealth, a bigger house, another car.
Everybody at school calls Crystal names behind her back... -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
Everybody at school calls Crystal names behind her back. Bad names.
NULL -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Marshall and Nathan are brothers, and sometimes they drive each other crazy.
Louise was born to a family of accountants... -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
Louise was born to a family of accountants -- brilliant accountants, no less -- CPAs.
NULL -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Fairy tales always end the same way: "And they lived happily ever after." But we all know that this
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

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Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

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