Login / Signup

Leah Thompson

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

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

He was a what? -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Chance -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Lessons to learn -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Friends forever -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Mercy -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Relativity -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Sons of Abraham -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Fly away home -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Before a fall -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Leah Thompson -- All Saints Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Fame -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Great expectations -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Word of mouth -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Stones -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Who is my neighbor? -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
King of the Jews -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Distractions -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Hare-brained -- John 6:25-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Persistent -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Be Prepared -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Empty riches -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Bearing fruit -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Silver and gold -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
What (not) to wear -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Bringing fire -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Beloved -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Leah Thompson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Good soil -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who
Just deserts -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Leah Thompson -- Good Friday - A -- 2011
Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. (v. 18:27)
The sowing and the reaping -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2011
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows boun
Copycat -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
Therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not pr
Hoping vs. knowing -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?
Arise! -- John 20:1-18 -- Leah Thompson -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and
Fair play -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- All Saints Day - A -- 2011
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (v. 7)
Family -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- Leah Thompson -- All Saints Day - A -- 2011
See what love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God; and that is what
Weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, "Master, did you not sow good seed in you
Sight unseen -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe
Life again -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that
One pearl -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of
Oh, behave! -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live
Be prepared -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (v. 13)
How far? -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor
One of us -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eye
Building up -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (v.
Change -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. (v. 2)
Coming home -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of y
Wall street -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a fe
Bread of Life -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.
Friends -- John 10:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of
Now I lay me... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. (v. 16)
The mission -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2011
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed?
Precious in his sight -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Grandpa died when Maggie was a baby... -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2011
Grandpa died when Maggie was a baby.
NULL -- John 10:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Bethany is too stubborn to follow the rules.
It's like Salvador Dali... -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2011
It's like Salvador Dali came into the gospel and painted a story -- Salvador Dali, of the dripping c
NULL -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The book Nation by Terry Pratchett is a young adult novel set on a tropical island in the 180
Amnesty International is an organization... -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2011
Amnesty International is an organization that works to free prisoners of conscience around the world
NULL -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Do you ever feel like there is something missing?
Abraham Lincoln was shot six days after the Confederate surrender... -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2011
On April 14, 1865, arguably the greatest president in the history of the United States was assassina
NULL -- John 14:15-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
What do you do when you love someone?
An old brain-teaser... -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2011
An old brain-teaser: "A man and his son are on a fishing trip when their boat capsizes.
NULL -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Jordan's extended family is huge: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-cousins, the spouses of
The Johnsons owned a hardware store... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
The Johnsons owned a hardware store and they devoted their lives to their business -- tracking what
NULL -- John 17:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Quilt making is a giant undertaking.
NULL -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
Choices. Life is about choices. No one understands this more, perhaps, than refugees.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Scientists use a tool called a key, sometimes a "dichotomous key," to categorize and identify differ
NULL -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
Jessica left her dress in Sacramento.
NULL -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- Leah Thompson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
Evening and morning: the most bewitching times of day.
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Thieves come in the night. Drunkenness comes in the night. Sleep comes in the night.
NULL -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
The Broadway musical Ragtime is about racial injustice in the United States.
NULL -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
It's a dream we all have.
NULL -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
It is important to have a good boss. A good boss makes sure you are treated fairly.
Country music singer Brad Paisley... -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Country music singer Brad Paisley is famous for witty lyrics and clever songs.
Perhaps the most famous role model for patience... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Leah Thompson -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
Perhaps the most famous role model for patience is a woman from Greek mythology.
NULL -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
During the Underground Railroad, people would hide runaway slaves in their homes.
NULL -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Mothers, this is for you.
NULL -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
There is an old, Dutch story about a little boy named Peter who saved all of Holland.
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 -

CSSPlus

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!

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL