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There's only one ticket -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Good morning! I want you to imagine that you are planning a
Transfigured! -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
I am the good shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Have any of you ever been lost?
He's the real thing! -- Hebrews 1:1-4 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Good morning! Whose birthday are we celebrating today? (Let
Like glue -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Good morning! When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in
Fish for people -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Did anyone bring a friend with you this morning?
The gospel free of charge -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to blow
Jesus, who are you? -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a mask with me this
Authority -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
When I graduated from grade school, I received this piece of
Jesus' birthday -- Titus 2:11-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
"Let the children ..." -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Good morning! Have you ever been to an amusement park with
He'll be back -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning! Has your mother or father ever left you at
Jesus the Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! Jesus once said that he is a "vine." I
Giving cheerfully -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning! Every time we meet together for a church
Sad clowns -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Greetings, boys and girls. Today is the beginning of the Lenten season.
What the signs tell -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I have a question for you. When
How many know him? -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Good morning! What are we celebrating today? (Let them
Who is number one? -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like arithmetic?
Time for new clothes -- Ephesians 4:17-24 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to go to
He understands -- Hebrews 2:14-18 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Tests show us how much we know. In school we have tests so
Even little me! -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Today I brought a little, tiny seed to make a point. See
What makes a king a king? -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning! This is Christ The King Sunday. Let's talk
Foolishness! -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! Today I want to show you a medication. It
Jesus can heal -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning! Have you ever noticed how many ads there are
A special one-time event -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to talk about things that only happen once.

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

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Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
At one time C.S.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
One year Thanksgiving plans were cancelled for the Husings.
Our lesson speaks of our unity... -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
Our lesson speaks of our unity, for Christ now fills all things.
When Jared Loughner started to randomly fire into the crowd... -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When Jared Loughner started to randomly fire into the crowd with his assassination attempt on Rep.
It's funny how looking at the ideal of something... -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Craig Kelly -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
It's funny how looking at the ideal of something shows us how far away we are from it.
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2012) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Acts 10:34-43
NULL -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Martin Luther was a troubled Augustinian monk trying to gain the assurance of his personal salvation
Paul writes to the Ephesians using the symbolism of the Christian soldier... -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
"Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist..." (Ephesians 6:14a).
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
The history of swords is fascinating, spanning thousands of years and a multitude of cultures.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Bob Ove -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Timothy didn't fail! That is one reason the church grew so fast in those early years!
Tom Wright tells the story of the historian... -- John 6:24-35 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
Tom Wright tells the story of the historian who was hurrying to finish his Ph.D. dissertation.
In 2008, Rajo Devi Lohan of India made worldwide headlines... -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In 2008, Rajo Devi Lohan of India made worldwide headlines by becoming the world's oldest new mom at
Anne Lamott in her best-selling book, Traveling Mercies... -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
Anne Lamott in her best-selling book, Traveling Mercies tells of her fear at the appearance o
Leonard Sweet tells an old story... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Leonard Sweet tells an old story about three African elders visiting the West.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr.
March 25, 1965... -- John 6:56-69 -- Ron Love -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
March 25, 1965. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Great Britain's richest woman was American-born Eva Rausing.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
In the tradition of what was started by Leymah Gbowee, 2012 Nobel Peace Laureate, the women of Liber
An elderly lady had been waiting to pull into a parking place... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
An elderly lady had been waiting to pull into a parking place.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2012) -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Exodus 20:1-17
In 1901 President William B. McKinley visited Niagara Falls... -- John 3:1-17 -- Ron Love -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In 1901 President William B. McKinley visited Niagara Falls.
Our system of justice is... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Craig Kelly -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Our system of justice is based to a great degree on testimony.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
"Please give me your attention," the flight attendant announced.
A 2006 Pew Foundation survey... -- John 6:56-69 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
A 2006 Pew Foundation survey and a Baylor Religion Survey of the same year found that 4 in 10 Americ
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
If Jesus was tempted in every way such as we are, then he can understand our temptations.

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Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 22 -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1, 2:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
The early Christian Church could sustain its cry of "Christ is risen!
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Wake up and watch is the biblical/liturgical theme for this First Sunday of Advent.
Fourth Sunday of Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Under the classic plan of the church year, the Fourth Sunday in Lent brought the second section of L
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
In the ancient liturgy, this Sunday was known as Oculi - "Eyes" or "Vision" Sunday - from the fourte
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
The end of the Pentecost cycle/season is rapidly approaching; the calendar - church and secular - te
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Historically, most of the liturgical churches celebrate the First Sunday in Lent as Invocabit, as th
Good Friday -- John 18:1-19:42, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- George M. Bass -- Good Friday - B -- 1990
The readings:John 18:1--19:42
Third Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
"New Age" Sunday might be one name that could be given to this Third Sunday of Advent.
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
It is critical, at this juncture of the church year, to remember that the lectionary and the church
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
The Sundays after Christmas (there may be one or two some years) allow the church time to reflect on
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1990
In addition to the emphasis of reconciliation between God and his people, a central motif of the Mau
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
Prior to the adoption of the new lectionary and somewhat revised church year, the Lutheran Church fo
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
The very numbering of the Sundays reminds every pastor that the end of the Pentecost cycle/season is
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
Two saints' days that occur this week remind the church what its theological task should be on Sunda
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) -- George M. Bass -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Sunday provides the theological clue within the cycle and season of Pentecost.
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
With the church year nearing the end of its annual cycle - and with Advent (with its eschatological
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
More than any other Sunday in Lent, the fifth Sunday has lost its theological and liturgical identit
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Virtually all Lutheran calendars and lectionaries make provision for the celebration of Reformation
The Holy Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Trinity Sunday had given its name to the entire second half of the church year; that changed almost
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Eschatology - the "last things" - is the order of the day on this next to the last Sunday of Penteco
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1990
Since it is now over three months since the church celebrated Easter, the memories of the joy and gl
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
The cycle/season of Pentecost is the time in the church during which God consolidates in the faithfu
The Day of Pentecost -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27 -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Just when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the event known as Pentecost, occurred is a matter of d
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
In the older liturgies and lectionaries, three themes - sinfulness, godliness, and loving service -

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Tireless And Timeless Image -- John 10:11-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Images are highly influential.
Before It's Too Late -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Actress Melanie Griffith candidly writes of her painful experiences while growing up.
What Are Your Goliaths? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
I chaperoned a fourth grade class on a field trip to the Olde Mystic Village and Seaport.
Training The Heart -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Not long ago I heard about one more study done with rats.
The Achilles' Heel Of The Church -- James 5:13-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Have you ever noticed how prevalent is the number 3 in religious history?
Too Good To Be True? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Here's the scene.
God Knows -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
It's the sort of thing that yields high ratings on television and high volume of sales of supermarke
The Battle Of The Wisdoms -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
In the 1960s a favorite weekend night of entertainment for many was to attend events titled "The Bat
Easter For Thomas, Too -- John 20:19-31 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
The urge to be a part of what is going on is very powerful.
God Is God And We Are Not, Thank God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
In Twelve Step programs there is a popular saying, the origin of which is unknown: "God is God, and
Lethal Weapon -- James 3:1-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
A popular series of movies has been the Lethal Weapon series.
Easter Transportation -- John 20:1-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
The eyes of our nation have, in recent time, twice been riveted on Antarctica and the need to rescue
He Came By Night -- John 3:1-17 -- David G. Rogne -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
I came upon Jesus quite by accident.
True Worship Turns Us Upside Down And Inside Out -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
"To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of
People See Through Us -- James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
A lasting contribution to American life was made by a simple business woman who turned a small baker
Don't Forget What You Look Like -- James 1:17-27 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
A young college graduate embarked on what he hoped would be a promising career in sales.
Heaven's Applause -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Some words fall into the mud puddle, are never cleaned off, and become permanently tarnished by the
Missing The Point -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Have you ever been in a group of people where someone told a joke and everyone else laughed except y
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'
The Dangerous Truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
I'd rather hear Saint Matthew talk about Christ the King. His story of the Last Judgment is vivid.
Anxious Thanks -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
On Thanksgiving, isn't it odd to hear a Gospel that talks about anxiety and worry and not about, wel
The More -- Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
In seminary there was a very popular saying.
Security Concerns -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Security has become big business in our world.
A Friend In High Places -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
What we want to talk about is not, I am extremely sure, a theme that dominated your breakfast conver
Heart Transplant -- John 8:31-36 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Imagine the scene: you are in the doctor's office, an array of EKGs, echocardiograms, and other test

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Preparation - Getting ready for the world's savior -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Meditation:1. Beginning: How do you get ready for the coming of the world's savior into
Advent, the Season of Expectancy -- 1990
The church regulates its church year, not by the civil or astronomical calendar, but by the events i
Peter's confession -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
the Passover, the prediction of betrayal -- John 13:1-15, Mark 14:12-26 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1990
Suggestion:1. Use mostly silence, including the serving of the sacrament.
Epiphany, the Season of the Evangel -- 1990
January 6, the beginning of Epiphany, is followed by a season which varies in length, depending on t
The disciples' failure to understand what Jesus was teaching, and their fear about checking it out -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The events surrounding the last hours of Jesus' life. -- John 18:1-19:42, John 19:17-30 -- Good Friday - B -- 1990
Again, use an order of worship different from your usual order.Suggestion:
The News of Birth -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' rebuttal to the disciples -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Eastertide, the Season of the Resurrection -- 1990
Christianity focuses on, and revolves around, Easter Day (No such term as Easter Sunday exists.) Chr
The beginning of Jesus' ministry - His baptism. -- Mark 1:1-11 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus deals with the question of divorce -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, John 20:1-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1990
1.
Calling the disciples to a special ministry. -- John 1:35-51 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' confrontation with the rich young man and the disciples over riches -- Mark 10:17-30 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
The risen Christ confronts a doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' preaching commands/demands change - Repentance -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' confrontation with James and John about sharing power -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The Appearance of the Risen Christ, and the Disciples initial disbelief -- Luke 24:35-49 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
A teaching with authority - A summary of Jesus' teaching ministry -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Jesus' healing of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by choice -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
The preaching ministry -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The Great Commandment: Love God, and others as you love yourself. -- Mark 12:28-37 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
God the vinedresser; Jesus the vine; we the branches -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
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

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.
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.
John N. Brittain
I am so old that I can actually remember when there was a difference between the number of "shopping days" until Christmas and the number of calendar days. They always ran a little box with that magical number on the front page of the Cleveland Press, itself now a faded memory. (For those of you under a certain age, this was because in the day most stores were not open for business on Sunday. Can you believe it?) I am, however, not too old to recall worries that the central message of Christmas was being overshadowed by commercialism and consumerism.
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!
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
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"The Cell" by Keith Hewitt
"Angels Among Us" by Constance Berg
"The Perfect Imperfect Pageant" by Gregory L. Tolle


* * * * * * * * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

If you are an "Advent purist," one who refuses to preach Advent sermons that lapse into the Christmas season, this day -- December 24 -- presents a challenge! Fortunately, the texts for the day give you the freedom to "stand on the edge" between the two seasons. The lessons from Isaiah and Matthew are so full of the promise of the One who is to come that you cannot help but shout, "It's all about Jesus!" We like to move along linear time lines, from event to event. In the Advent season that has meant a steady mounting of theme upon theme as we prepare for the glorious message of Christmas.
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.

David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
The apostle Paul begins his letter to the Romans by identifying himself as one who was "set apart for the gospel of God." The underlying Greek word, which we traditionally translate "gospel," is euaggelion.

The "eu" prefix is familiar to us. We know it from English words like euphemism, eulogy, and euphoria. In biblical Greek, as in our contemporary usage of the prefix, "eu" means "good."

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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.)
Teachers and Parents: It is good for children to learn to
respect the name of Jesus because of all that he has done and
continues to do for all of us. If they realize what the name
means, who the man was, and what he did for all of us, they will
be much less likely to abuse the name or use it in casual ways
that cause offense.

* Read Philippians 2:10 and explain that we will play a game
based on this text, which tells us that every knee should bend at
the name of Jesus. Count the children who will play, and put
Good morning! In the Gospel reading we heard that an angel
appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that he was to name
the baby who would be born to Mary "Jesus." (Show them the card
with Jesus written on it.) Now why do you think the angel told
him to use that name? Why didn't he want the baby to be named
Fred or Harry or Bob? (Let them answer.)

It has to do with the meaning of the name "Jesus." Does
anybody know what the name means? (Let them answer.) The name

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