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Children's Activity

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Children's bulletin

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Sword Will Pierce Your Own Soul Also -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dear fellow preachers,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Christian Perspectives On War -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Sometimes God Is There -- So Quickly! -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Dear fellow preachers,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Reverence At Ballgames -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Universal Salvation, Universal Scandal, Or What? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

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A healthy church -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors an
Echoing God's love -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Do you believe? -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to do something special.
God's biggest job -- John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." (v.
The throne and the cross -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Passion Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want you to see something.
Christ is risen -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Easter was wonderful, wasn't it?

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Author Herbert Tarr tells the story of a boy... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Author Herbert Tarr tells the story of a boy by the name of David whose parents died when he was ver
When Helmut Thielicke, the great German Lutheran pastor and theologian... -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Richard A. Hasler -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
When Helmut Thielicke, the great German Lutheran pastor and theologian, indicated that he proposed t
For all of the work that goes into making a garden... -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Brian Hohmeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2011
For all of the work that goes into making a garden productive and healthy, there is something self-p
What is the connection... -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard A. Hasler -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
What is the connection between Mark's depiction of the last day and the life, death, and resurrectio
It's an old cliche... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Craig Kelly -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
It's an old cliche that the only certainties in life are death and taxes.
William Shatner for years avoided any convention... -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Ron Love -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
William Shatner for years avoided any convention that was related to the television series Star T
John Wesley had firmly established his societies... -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2011
John Wesley had firmly established his societies of believers who became known as Methodists for the
In the past, common entertainment included... -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
In the past, common entertainment included playing cards.
The movie Sarah's Key... -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
The movie Sarah's Key is based on the novel of the same title.
Walker Percy as a young college student... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
Walker Percy as a young college student emulated the spirit of John when he said, "The one who is mo
I have been privileged to be the uncle of an adopt... -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2011
I have been privileged to be the uncle of an adopted nephew.
Multiple Illustrations for Advent 2 -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Isaiah 40:1-11
Whenever I read this passage... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Craig Kelly -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Whenever I read this passage, I always think of the phrase "true colors." The term refers to the ide
Growing up in a musical family... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Craig Kelly -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
Growing up in a musical family, I've had the opportunity to get something of an insider's view into
Dorothy Day, the social activist who later became... -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Richard A. Hasler -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2011
Dorothy Day, the social activist who later became a devout Roman Catholic and continued to reach out
What's the most comforting thing you've been told... -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
What's the most comforting thing you've been told when you feel like life is beating down on you, wh
In one of my favorite Charlie Brown cartoons... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
In one of my favorite Charlie Brown cartoons Charlie is listening to Lucy, who confesses, "Sometimes
Almost 75% of Americans are now considered overweight... -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
According to Forbes, it is now estimated that almost 75% of Americans are now considered overweight
Before they were to wed, Kat von D got a tattoo... -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2011
Before they were to wed, Kat von D got a tattoo of her betrothed Jesse James, underneath her left ar
Prominent on the upper left arm of Angelina Jolie... -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Prominent on the upper left arm of Angelina Jolie was the name of her husband, Billy Bob Thornton.
Francis of Assisi grew up in a wealthy Italian family... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Francis of Assisi grew up in a wealthy Italian family.
In the year 1520 Martin Luther... -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
In the year 1520 Martin Luther, the German reformer, wrote his small treatise titled The Freedom
'Are we there yet? Are we there yet?' -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
"Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" is an often-heard line on long trips.
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly?
Cadel Evans of Australia... -- John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Cadel Evans of Australia never lost his vision; he never lost his hope; he never lost his perseveran

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Speaking Of Peace -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
It's not news that many places in the world are torn apart by war -- nevertheless, recent headlines
From Quid Pro Quo To Heck No! -- Israel Strikes Back -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
It's often said that "anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it," but the offbeat experi
Scandal, Betrayal, Hope, Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
This week Stephen McCutchan will write about how the church gets through hard times by sticking toge
The Nurse Who Wouldn't Give Up -- Ephesians 4:1-3, John 6:24-35, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
The grisly video images of dead children being removed from the rubble in Cana are only the latest r
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t
When The Darkness Deepens -- John 6:51-58, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
The shocking news of the thwarting of a major plot to blow up several trans-Atlantic flights -- and
A Long-Distance Marriage -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Despite a brief firefight this past weekend, it seems that the United Nations-brokered ceasefire in
Every Perfect Gift -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
The recent arrest of a suspect in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case has reignited a media frenzy -- on
Faithing Our Fears -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Fear -- and our varying responses to it -- will likely be one of the enduring legacies from Hurrican

SermonStudio

Proper 20, Pentecost 18, Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 19, Pentecost 17, Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
The Healing Of Simon Peter's Mother-In-Law -- Mark 1:29-31, Matthew 8:14-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
1. Text
Proper 18, Pentecost 16, Ordinary Time 23 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
The Leper Healed -- Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
1. Text
Proper 17, Pentecost 15, Ordinary Time 22 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Healing The Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
1. Text
The Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Matthew 12:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
1. Text
Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Stilling The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
1. Text
Proper 15, Pentecost 13, Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

Beyond Personal Preferences -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
In one of his early books (The Trouble with Parents, Zonder-van, 1978), Tim Stafford told of a youth
What's So Great About Jesus? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- John A. Stroman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
Today is the festival of Christ the King.
Sanctified In The Truth -- John 17:6-19 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
When Jesus prays for his disciples, he asks that they be sanctified in the truth.
The Man With Two Umbrellas -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
The late Dr. J.
The Cross Reminds Us Who Jesus Is -- Who We Are -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- John A. Stroman -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
The writer of Hebrews has been building up to this moment.
Promiscuous Preaching -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
When I was in high school we had a "spiritual awakening" at our school.
Taking The Good With The Bad -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
Once upon a time in the land of Uz there was a man whose name was Job.
Junk Food And Holy Tables Or The Cup Of Good Friday -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Bread and wine go with communion the way turkey goes with Thanksgiving. They belong to each other.
Defining Moments -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
Throughout the Bible God caused defining moments in order to prepare leadership to begin new chapter
Life -- And Then Some -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John A. Stroman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
The words of the text express clearly the central theme of 1 John.
Making Our Feelings Known -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
In our text Job makes his lament to God loud and clear, "Today also my complaint is bitter." The wo
The Baptism Of Jesus -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Donna E. Schaper -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
When it comes to the Christian sacraments, Baptism or Eucharist, or those beyond these two central o
Famous Last Words -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." -- Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895
A Victorious Faith -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- John A. Stroman -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
The theme of the text is: anyone who believes Jesus is the Christ is born of God and by this faith o
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
God answers Job out of the whirlwind.
Letting Death Go -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Some gardeners can grow everything and others cannot.
What It Takes To Be A Winner -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
This text for the fifth Sunday of Epiphany is probably the most sublime passage of Scripture in the
Love's Expectations -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John A. Stroman -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Our text expresses the heart of the Gospel: God's love for the world is revealed in the life of Jesu
Confession -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
Job got what he wanted. He got a chance to present his case before God and to hear God's response.
Turning The Tables -- John 2:13-22 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
A man feared his wife was going deaf. He tried an experiment.
Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Christians -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Naaman was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
Making Love Visible -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- John A. Stroman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
How do you like being addressed as "little children"?
The Tale Of Three Women -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Ruth, what a remarkable book.
Paying Attention To The Modern Light -- John 3:14-21 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
We were all asked to bring our church's Bibles to the annual meeting of the Association as part of t
Forever Plaid -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
A few years ago there was a popular off-Broadway musical which gave a good insight into how life was

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Covenants, Illustrated by Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Celebrating God's Presence And PowerPastoral and Congregational Invitation
Lent -- Wayne H. Keller
LentThe Season Of RenewalLiturgical Color: Purple
Preparing the Way -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
The Rich Young Man, His and the Disciples' Surprise -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - B
Consider a silent communion with the worshipers focused on the Cross and communion table still cover
Witnessing and Previewing -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
A Matter of Power -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Celebrating God's Presence And PowerPastoral and Congregational Invitation
The Triumphal Entry -- Mark 11:1-11; 14:1-15:47; or 15:1-39 (40-47) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Passion Sunday - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living ChristNote:
Announcing, to Mary, the birth of Jesus -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
The Greatest Commandment -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Receiving the Holy Spirit, Who is the Present Tense of Christ in the World -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - B
Consider this:
The Season Of Expectancy -- Wayne H. Keller
AdventLiturgical Color: Purple/Blue
The Contrast Between Those Who Parade Their Faith, And Those Who Refuse To Call Attention to Themselves -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Celebrating God's Presence And PowerPastoral and Congregational Invitation
More Signs of the End of the Age -- Mark 13:24-31 -- Wayne H. Keller
Celebrating God's Presence and Power
The Death and Raising of Lazarus -- John 11:32-44, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Signs of the End of the Age and the Horror of That Day -- Mark 13:1-8, 14-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Celebrating God's Presence And PowerPastoral and Congregational Invitation
Mark 1:40-45; 2:1-12; 2:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Mark 2:18-22 -- Wayne H. Keller
Proper OneEpiscopal: Mark 1:40-45Proper Two
Jesus Appears to the Disciples -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - B
An Invitation To Ascension SundayPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
John the Baptist Beheaded -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
AdorationInvitation to the Celebration (Pastor and Ministers)
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - B
After everyone leaves the sanctuary on Fat Tuesday, and before anyone enters the sanctuary on Ash We
Jesus and Beelzebub -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and ministers)
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 Men, Plus Women and Children -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
The Wise Men's Visit -- Matthew 2:1-12, Mark 1:4-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
The Ekklesia Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation
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

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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