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Come and see -- John 1:43-51
August 24 is known as Saint Bartholomew's Day. We've all
Good teasing -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Have any of you ever been teased? (Let them answer.)
The most valuable thing -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Happy Thanksgiving, boys and girls!
The end! -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Two weeks ago we talked about beginnings. Our reading was
Live in peace -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Editor's note: To prepare for this lesson invite two older
All brothers and sisters -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have a favorite
Another name -- Mark 8:27-35
Good morning! I love looking for the meaning of names.
John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! After Jesus was raised from the dead, he
The day Jesus wept -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. We are moving deeper and deeper into the season of Lent.
Finding a saint -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B
Good morning! Today is All Saints' Sunday. Can anyone tell
I'll believe it when I see it -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Has anyone ever told you
Working together -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Good morning! Saint Paul tells us that the church is like a
Seeing God -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning! Did any of you see God this morning when you came into church?
A thousand pennies -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! We are already into the second week of Advent.
Jesus is the real thing! -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning!
I have great news! -- John 1:43-51 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have one of
Sent on a mission -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! In today's Gospel, we read about a man named
What's an angel? -- Hebrews 1:1-9 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
(Note: This lesson has more questions for children than other
Two and one -- James 1:17-27 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Good morning! I want to ask a riddle of you. I have two of
Huge -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Good morning! We are gathered in a beautiful place. This
A personal message -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Gabriel - God's messenger -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! I brought an angel with me this morning to
Authority from heaven -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought something called a
Jesus says: "Children first" -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a (name the restaurant
No illusion here! -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
I want to show you something here. (Show them the optical

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2012) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Women! 4 Positions OpenPalms' Inn & Supper Club
In 1722 a group of persecuted Protestants... -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
In 1722 a group of persecuted Protestants from the area of Bohemia and Moravia moved to the estate o
When Judas had to be replaced by a new apostle... -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Ron Love -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
When Judas had to be replaced by a new apostle, the Christian community was scrutinized for the two
People of faith are often confused and unclear about... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
People of faith are often confused and unclear about being "chosen" by God as Paul expresses the con
NULL -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Billy Sunday was a major league baseball player turned evangelist.
Whenever immigrants to the United States become naturalized citizens... -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Craig Kelly -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Whenever immigrants to the United States become naturalized citizens, they are required to take an o
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
In 70 AD, General Titus (destined to become Caesar) brought the Roman Legions to Jerusalem to quell
NULL -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
The whole story of Ruth is full of surprises. The surprising loyalty to a mother-in-law.
The book of Proverbs begins by stating... -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 1:20-33
NULL -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Exploration of family background revealed that William Moore was born and raised in the territory of
Salman Khan did not set out to change the world... -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Ron Love -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
Salman Khan did not set out to change the world, only to help his cousin who lived on the opposite c
NULL -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Women! 4 Positions OpenPalms' Inn & Supper Club
Having majored in English in college... -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
Having majored in English in college, I have a deep affection for literature.
Tony Campolo cites a Fortune magazine article... -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Tony Campolo cites a Fortune magazine article telling how young men and women entering the bu
John was a prophet standing up to the corrupt establishment... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
John was a prophet standing up to the corrupt establishment. What might we prophesy about today?
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 1:4-20
John spoke to his followers -- John 15:9-17 -- Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
John spoke to his followers as "friends" because of the love he had for them.
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
We often hear about soldiers who sacrificed for our country but seldom hear about the one who sacrif
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
How is Christ king in light of all the evil that still plagues us, all the suffering, war, and injus
In pointing out to us that wisdom is a gift of God... -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
In pointing out to us that wisdom is a gift of God, our lesson seems to confirm what Benjamin Frankl
NULL -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
There is a gentleman who quietly lives in Summerville, South Carolina, and goes unrecognized by his
These parables of Jesus remind us... -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
These parables of Jesus remind us that we don't have much to do with the growth of God's kingdom, wi
NULL -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Doesn't quite sound like Sharia law, though it leaves husband at the city gates getting compliments
NULL -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
The harbor in Charleston, South Carolina, has engaged in a $15 million project to deepen the channel
When the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the dark days... -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
When the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the dark days of defeat, broadcaster Myron Cope tried to do som

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Easter 7 -- Psalm 1 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
In this epilogue in Proverbs, a godly woman is described. It
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
The people of Jerusalem assembled at the temple were astounded
Proper 20 -- Psalm 27:1-6 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
Wednesday Of Holy Week -- Psalm 70 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1993
Be pleased, O God, to deliver me. O Lord, make haste to help me!
Easter Evening -- Psalm 150 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Easter Evening - B -- 1993
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
It is a wonder that the book of Esther, written about 460
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Peter and John are standing before the Sanhedrin to give an
Proper 21 -- Psalm 27:7-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 111 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1993
Praise the Lord!I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
Epiphany -- Psalm 72:1-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1993
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1993
This is the first of four selections from the book of Job, one
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-12, John 15:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
The treasurer of an Ethiopian queen was on his way home after
Proper 22 -- Psalm 128 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1993
Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
Epiphany 2 -- Psalm 63:1-8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1993
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my souls thirsts for you;
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
In Job 23, Job responds to Eliphaz, one of Job's supposed
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
These verses constitute the conclusion of a Roman centurion's
Christmas Day -- Psalm 97 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1993
The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
Epiphany 3 -- Psalm 62:5-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1993
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1993
The arguments of Job's four friends come to an end. Now the
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
The church is living between Jesus' departure and the coming
Christmas Eve -- Psalm 96 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1993
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Epiphany 4 -- Psalm 111 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1993
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1993
In this passage we come to the book's conclusion. Now Job

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Holiness Of The Sacred -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
In the April 7, 1999, issue of The Upper Room, Merial Scott of South Dakota wrote the following:
The Face That Launched A Thousand Lives -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
You will recall the ancient myth that lies behind our sermon theme for today.
Running Home In The Dark -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
Our liturgical calendar stands poised on the verge of a commercial feeding frenzy.
Hanging The Law On Love -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Compared to some of the pericopes from Mark's Gospel, this one seems a piece of cake.
Placard Faith, Complex World -- John 3:14-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
As you have sat in your easy chair munching on snack food during any NFL game, you have seen this si
Humble Beginnings -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
Small town folk will often ask a person on first meeting, "Who was your mother?" What they mean is:
Growing Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
It's an old joke, but an insightful one: A man slipped off the edge of a cliff, and just before he f
Thanks -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
A minister held an administrative position in a major university in a large city.
What It Takes To Do The Job -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
What is Job #1 in your life? We know what it is for Ford, right?
In The Hot Seat -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Everybody who thinks you could have done better than James or John, raise your hands.
Holy Vexation -- John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We have all probably had the experience of being in the presence of someone who is normally composed
Blessing Revealed -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
"Trouble comes in threes," so many people say.
Too Good To Miss -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Paul E. Robinson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
C. S.
Sweet Surrender -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
John Bradshaw tells a parable about a prisoner in a dark cave.1 The man was sentenced to die.
Height Advantage -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
One of the key inventions of the modern world is the geostationary or geosynchronous satellite, many
The Impossible Option -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Before there was Harry Potter, there was Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit. In J. R. R.
Life -- From The Inside Out -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Eleven people, so goes the story, were dangling from a rope beneath a helicopter in a rescue scenari
The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.
Stop The Offerings! -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Go with me to the year 1968, to the basement of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Silver Spri
Grace In The Midst Of Unanswered Prayer -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
No one ever really prepares you for your first theological bull session.
Promised Land -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
This day called All Saints' developed in a manner that every university fund-raiser can appreciate.
Maximum Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
A fifth grade teacher asked the children in her art class to draw pictures of what they want to be w
Up And Running -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Robert A. Noblett -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We all have a stake in making sure that our young people get up and running.
Our Hope For Years To Come -- John 1:1-18 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
On January 1, 2001, our world marked the beginning of a new millennium in human history.
The Destination Of All Journeys -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Today we encounter one of the most sacred moments for every single one of us.

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Obedience To The Law Of The Lord -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- B. David Hostetter -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPLook for signs of the covenant which God makes with us and our
God Is Love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Jesus Speaks About His Death -- John 12:20-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or see
PROPER 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPPraise the name of the Lord, you servants of the Lord, who stand
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet and The New Commandment -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or see
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPLet all who see God be joyful in heart and exult in the hallowed
Sing For Joy To The Lord -- Psalm 98 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as an anthem.
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal -- John 13:21-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or see
PROPER 22 -- Job 1:1, 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively)Sing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
The Anointing Of Jesus -- John 12:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- B. David Hostetter -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPGod calls us to faith in the Christ nailed to the cross, as
Choosing Matthias -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.--
A Call To Praise God -- Psalm 148 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as an anthem
PROPER 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPBe satisfied with God's love when morning breaks and sing for joy
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem -- Mark 11:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPDo not avoid the light of God but expose yourself to it. Come to
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPCome to see Jesus, even though his glory is a cross and to follow
Prayer For The King -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as a call to worship. Speakers read from the narthex of the
Israel's Return Home -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with scripture reading.
Future Hope -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SIXTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- B. David Hostetter -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP Blessed in the name of the Anointed One are all who come; we
Paul In Ephesus -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Sing A New Song -- Psalm 96 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1993
Suggestions: (Psalm 96)Use as an anthem.
The Earth Is The Lord's -- Psalm 24:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as an anthem.3 readers -- older man, 2 younger women
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
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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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