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Children's Activity

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Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

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Let your light shine -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a flashlight with me
Hope -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Day of Pentecost - B
HAPPY PENTECOST! Did you know that today is one of the
A grand opening -- Luke 24:44-54 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
What a temptation! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a candy bar with me.
Related to Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
A birth certificate says a lot about a person. My birth
Famous Jesus -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know anyone famous?
In God we trust -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning! How many of you can read? (Let them answer.) I
Ephphatha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning! What is this I have here in my hand? (Show the
Appreciating our baptism -- Mark 1:4-11 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Good morning! I want you all to come with me over here to
Jesus our high priest forever -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. In a few weeks we are going to
Health clinic -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Where do you see medical objects like this? (Let them
A fitting monument -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Faith has no favorites -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a pair of glasses with
It's not complicated -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I want to show you something today and see
Controlling the tongue -- James 3:1-12 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Does anyone here have a horse or do you ride a horse?
When Jesus broke the rules -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a pillow with me this
The Advocate comes -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
The lowly caterpillar crawls along the ground like a worm.
Here, there, and everywhere -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
A promise through faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Has someone ever promised to
Better than Superman! -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Does everyone know about Superman? He is a regular man, but
Paul shared news about Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
God's spokes-person -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Many times the Bible talks about the unity of our faith.
It's a gift! -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! I want you to see this pay stub that I brought
Curb your tongue! -- James 3:1-12 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Good morning! I brought something good for you today. I
Who is it? -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Good morning! Let's play a game this morning. This game is

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

100 billion stars... -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
It's estimated that there are over 100 billion stars in our galaxy.
Bill Tammeus in his article... -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Bill Tammeus in his article "Facing Funerals, Affirming Faith" in The Presbyterian Outlook ar
The Great Sphinx of Giza... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Ron Love -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
The Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest monumental sculpture on earth.
One of the major heresies... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
One of the major heresies that threatened the early church was the heresy of Gnosticism which over-e
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:1-15
NULL -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
In her book The Undoing of Death, Fleming Rutledge explores the meaning of the cross by refer
Former president of Princeton Theological Seminary... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Former president of Princeton Theological Seminary John Mackay's favorite New Testament book was Pau
Ruby looked forward to church potlucks... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
At 103, Ruby looked forward to church potlucks.
NULL -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
We are awed by war stories of heroes who took a bullet for a friend.
Isaiah's call... -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
Isaiah's call. We make a big deal of responding to God's call. It is odd.
During the Communist witch hunt... -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
During the Communist witch hunt, led by Senator Joe McCarthy, many individuals in the film industry
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
What happened to peace on earth? Why do we have to put up with all these birth pangs?
NULL -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
With a lot of earthly wisdom and femme fatale, Esther achieved justice for the Jewish people, perhap
In the musical Rent... -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the musical Rent the hit song "Seasons of Love" speaks of 526,600 minutes in a year.
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity, especially in the church.
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
NULL -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
A 2008 Pew Forum poll revealed that 65% of the American public believe that many religions (not just
When John Wesley, the founder of Methodism... -- John 3:14-21 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was six years old, the parsonage in which the Wesley fam
We celebrated Christmas sometime back... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
We celebrated Christmas sometime back, and of course, one of the common sights at Christmas is the t
There was much lamenting that had Jesus come sooner... -- John 11:32-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
There was much lamenting that had Jesus come sooner Lazarus might not have died (v. 32).
NULL -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
In the Hebrew Talmud is an old legend that goes as follows: Rabbi Yoshua ben Levi came upon Elijah t
John Killinger tells the story of a man deeply depressed... -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
Paul writes: "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; se
Someone asked me one day... -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Someone asked me one day, "How much do you earn a year?" I answered him, "I earn about $750,000." He
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Solomon built the first temple, which was destroyed by the Babylonians in the sixth century.

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

God has come among us in the person of his Son -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God has come among us in the person of his Son. Let us rejoice!
Hope for the future -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Hope for the future.
The Easter Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
The Development Of The Season
The God of the universe takes on the form of a servant -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The God of the universe takes on the form of a servant, suffering not only abuse
God's immeasurable grace -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's immeasurable grace.
The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and revealed in the New -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and re
The Spirit gives life -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the church witnesses to the saving power of
The call of God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The call of God.
The Pentecost Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
The Meaning Of The Name
The right time -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The right time.
The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious authorities -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious author
Divine authority -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Divine authority.
Facing the enemy -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Facing the enemy. God and his servants can expect opposition.
The Lord's saving help for the downtrodden and the weak -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord's saving help for the downtrodden and the weak.
Life through death -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Life through death.
God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water.
Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life.
Forgiveness of sins -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Forgiveness of sins.
The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death.
The marriage covenant -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The marriage covenant in both the First Lesson and the Gospel provides an image
God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our weaknesses -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our
The Epiphany Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Epiphany Through The Centuries
Unity through the Lordship and headship of Christ -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Unity through the Lordship and headship of Christ.
Building the kingdom of God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Building the kingdom of God.
God fills us with the Bread of Life for our bodies and our spirits -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God fills us with the Bread of Life for our bodies and our spirits.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Speaking With Prophetic Authority -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
"Free at last, free at last -- thank God Almighty, we are free at last." These words were spoken by
From Silence To Sight -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Playwright Neil Simon has written a comedy, God's Favorite, based on a contemporary Job, a ty
Apostolic Instruction -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Saint Paul is "on a roll!" He keeps on coming with what he expects of the followers of Christ, as he
Training For A Purpose -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Some years ago, many of us, like others before and after, went through basic training or boot camp.
Don't Fear The Wait -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A long time ago there lived a little boy whose parents had died.
The Strange Economy In The Kingdom Of God -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
I saw one of those Far Side-type cartoons a while back that showed Adam and Eve being expelle
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
He had grown up in a fashionable suburb of a large American city, a cosmopolitan area of considerab
Experiencing God -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Experiencing God
Sharing The Message Of Christ -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
They called her "Sister" and to many thousands who jammed the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles on a reg
Baby Blues -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Baby Blues
What's So Amazing About Grace? -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
What's So Amazing About Grace?
Blazing A Path To Christ -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." When we were children we were taught this little rhyme as
Far From The Obscuring Crowd -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
More than forty years ago, an accidental chemical spill robbed Antonio Sanchez-Migallon of his sight
Looking To The Unseen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
It once was reported on the news that one of our Mariner spacecraft was expected to make a new disco
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Here's a fact about life: things change.
The Compassion Of Christ -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time, there was a city which was adorned by a beautiful statue.
Dusting Off Our Gratitude -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In the Deep South there is a most unusual monument paying homage to, of all things, the boll weevil.
Thanksgiving And Thanksliving -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Don't you just love times of thanksgiving?
A New Day Is Coming -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
South Africa, a nation rich in resources, people, and possibility, only recently emerged from its da
The Kin Of Qoheleth -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Today's Gospel Reading is from Mark, but I want to begin in the Old Testament.
No-fault Religion -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
It happened in a church parking lot, and my friend saw it happen.
Being What We Are -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Being What We Are
Jesus Destroys The Power Of Sin -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
A story is told about how Leonardo da Vinci created one of his great masterpieces, Last Supper
When Nothing Is Sacred -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
The television season of 1997-1998 included a series on ABC called Nothing Sacred.
No More Camping Out -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
I wanted to see if we could get a show of hands today.

Stories

StoryShare

To Bind Up The Brokenhearted -- Isaiah 61:1-3b -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Sharing Visions: "To Bind Up the Brokenhearted" by Roy Nelson
Then A Voice Came -- John 12:28b-29 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "Then a Voice Came" by Loxley Ann Schlosser
What Is God Saying? -- Luke 1:28-29 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Contents Sharing Visions: "What Is God Saying?" by Susan D. Jamison
Dudley The Dreary Donkey -- Mark 11:1-2 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Holy Week, April 13-18, 2003Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt
Christmas Communion -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Contents Sharing Visions: "Christmas Communion" by John E. Sumwalt
Life-Giving Plasma -- Psalm 23, Matthew 28:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Easter Day - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Life-Giving Plasma" by Harold Weaver

SermonStudio

My Encounter With God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert L. Gossett -- Day of Pentecost - B
A United Methodist pastor, lying on a Lutheran gymnasium floor, struggling with God about speaking i
Kathy's Caterpillar -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Diana Lampsa -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
On a recent August morning, I raced into the drive of a retreat center, late for my morning appointm
No One Is Lost -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Keith R. Eytcheson, Sr. -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
A few years ago, one of my nephews went through an emotional break-up with a girlfriend.
Visions Of The Nativity -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rochelle M. Pennington
Christmas EveLuke 2:1-20Visions Of The Nativity
Waiting For God -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
I begin my prayer time some mornings with the following meditation.
Consolation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lori Hetzel -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
My mother died on January 20, 2001. I am her only daughter, and we were very close.
My Labyrinth Prayer -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Ann Watson Peterson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
On a cold, snowy evening, I climbed the stairs of Calvary Presbyterian Church to walk the Labyrinth
Born Of The Spirit -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Earl Kammerud -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be born from above." The wind blows where it choo
Then A Voice Came -- John 12:20-33 -- John E. Sumwalt, Loxley Ann Schlosser -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified [my name], and I will glorify it again." The crowd
Three Days Of Meditation -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Von Bergen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Day One
A Life Redeemed -- Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Vickie Eckoldt -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
At age 42, I was faced with two major surgeries within six weeks.
Grounded In Love -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in
The Power Of The Cross -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Wendy Wosoba -- Good Friday - B
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws
A Dog With Soul -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, John Zingaro -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you a
Reaping Joy -- Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
God's Faithfulness -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Edgar A. Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
As I look back over my relationship with God, two events, which I believe were miracles, stand out t
Transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Sound The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Just A Few Drops Of Water -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Quiet baptismal water connects us to God forever.
Instead Of You -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Good For You -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Creation is light.
A Reason -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Is it possible that human weaknesses are for a reason?
An Understanding Mind -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who are weary from their labors gather now for worship!
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all of God's people come together for worship and praise!
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: May the Lord's mercy and grace fall upon those who lead us!
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us give praise and honor to the Lord God Almighty!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday -- Matthew 5:9 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would seek God's holy peace come together this day!
Thanksgiving Day -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- James R. Wilson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us give thanks for the wonderful blessings of God!
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
First Sunday After Pentecost -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord, our God, is One and worthy to be praised!
January 1 -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all who love the Lord gather in this house for worship!
World-wide Communion Sunday -- Acts 10:23b-48 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To Worship
Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 11:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
Call To Worship

Free Access

Little Ado -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
What Makes You Change? -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Theme: What Makes You Change?Call To WorshipLeader: What changes us?
So, Anyway -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
In These Days -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Getting It Straight -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

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.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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