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Christ is risen -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Easter was wonderful, wasn't it?
Simon says ... -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Today we read where the apostle Paul says that we should be "imitators of God." What is an "imitat
Open hands and open hearts -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Isn't today a wonderful day?
Let go of anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger ...
How will he look? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you want to see Jesus?
Who is he? -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Good morning! I find that people always want to judge people before getting to know them.
Muddy shoes -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Greetings, boys and girls. This is a very special day in our church year.
The bread of life -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
I am the bread of life. (v. 48)
Have you anything here to eat? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
The right tool -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
I brought my tool chest this morning to show how the tools are used for different things.
Just a tent home -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Good morning! How many of you have ever gone camping? Let's see your hands.
Clean and unclean hearts -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are reading from the book of James in our Bible.
Are you wise? -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise. (v. 15)
Showing God's love -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today I want to talk about the kind of love that God gives to you.
All brothers and sisters -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What do you think of my new piece of clothing?
We deceive ourselves -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
I want to show you something here. (Show them the optical illusion.) Which line is longer?
Speak the truth -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning! I want to ask you a question this morning.
A special meal -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. (v. 56)
People fishers -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
One day Jesus was walking along the seashore of the Sea of
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Which crown? -- Passion Sunday - B
The ruler asked Jesus if he was a king. Pilate thought of a king like many of us think of kings.
Pray as Jesus did -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Passion Sunday - B
Good morning! How often do you pray? Do you pray before
You are protected -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (v.
Seeing better -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to test our eyesight.
Bitter medicine -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - B
Peter and the other followers of Jesus didn't want Jesus to suffer.

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

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Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2011) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Rob Bell, in his controversial book Love Wins... -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Rob Bell, in his controversial book Love Wins, comments:
In the early days of World War II... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
In the early days of World War II, Ruth Handler and her husband Elliott designed plastic picture fra
Political correctness... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
When it comes to modern-day society, political correctness is the word of the day.
Paul Revere was employed by the Boston Committee... -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Paul Revere was employed by the Boston Committee on Correspondence and the Massachusetts Committee o
Jeret Peterson was a gifted freestyle skier... -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Jeret Peterson was a gifted freestyle skier who seemed to defy the law of gravity, especially with h
Forty days more... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
"...Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" (Jonah 3:4).
After a woman had been driving all night through... -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
After a woman had been driving all night through the desert, she was famished, parched, and exhauste
In The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevski tells... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Richard A. Hasler -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
In The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevski tells the terrifying parable of the "Grand Inquisition.
The altar has inspiring symbolic meaning... -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
In the Catholic church the altar has inspiring symbolic meaning.
Multiple Illustrations for Advent 3 -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Life is full of tests... -- Mark 9:9-15 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Life is full of tests, whether it's that chemistry final in high school, that driving test to get yo
Lloyd Ogilvie, Pastor of the Hollywood Presbyterian Church... -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
"...Jesus said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you fish for people.' And immediately they left t
When I was a child, one of my favorite Disney movie... -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
When I was a child, one of my favorite Disney movies was The Sword in the Stone.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2011) -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 9:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Genesis 9:8-17
Matthew Henry wrote -- Christ will have followers... -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
In his commentary on this passage, Matthew Henry wrote "Christ will have followers.
Jesus used the opening words of this passage... -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Jesus used the opening words of this passage as his "mission statement" when he spoke in his hometow
I remember when my wife and I bought our first house... -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
I remember when my wife and I bought our first house almost seven years ago.
The Pilgrims, even before they landed at Cape Cod... -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
The Pilgrims, even before they landed at Cape Cod in the winter of 1620 while still at sea, formed t
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (2011) -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Sometimes it seems like 'Rejoice always' is the... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Sometimes it seems like "Rejoice always" is the toughest command in the New Testament.
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2011) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Isaiah 58:1-12
Two popular reality TV shows... -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
Two popular reality TV shows deal with pawnshops.
Unique. Controversial. That is the label often... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Unique. Controversial.
When the armistice was signed... -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
When the armistice was signed that ended the Spanish-American War, which was fought in 1898, the Ame

Intercession

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Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 14, Pentecost 12, Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Seasonal Theme
Two Healings The Daughter Of Jairus and The Hemorrhaging Woman -- Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
1. Text
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Seasonal Theme
The Deaf-Mute -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
1. Text
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Healing Of Bartimaeus -- Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
1. Text
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
An Introduction To Ephesians
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Fourth Sunday In LentRevised CommonNumbers 21:4-9Ephesians 2:1-10
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Second Sunday After ChristmasRevised CommonJeremiah 31:7-14
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Theme For The DayThe real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and its meaning for us.
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Seasonal Theme
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
The Baptism Of Our LordFirst Sunday After The Epiphany
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Theme For The DayGod as our parent, our Savior, and spiritual presence with us now.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

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
The Troubled Heart Of Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Jesus is beginning in this text, at this point of his ministry, to tell us he is not kidding about t
Pass It On -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
James Stewart tells the story of two men who had been business partners for over twenty years who me
Expanding The Boundaries -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
The Book of Ruth is a family story. It is an old story, possibly over three thousand years old.
Failure Is Not Final -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
We are offered wonderful news from the Bible on this eighth Sunday of Epiphany.
Working With Jesus At Bethany -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
An arrogant young woman wired home from her new job, "Made supervisor, feather in my cap." A few wee
Hear The Good News! -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John A. Stroman -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Throughout the world today great masses of Christians will gather for worship.
God Remembers -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
On these opening pages of 1 Samuel we are introduced to a family drama.
No Shortcut To Glory -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- William L. Self -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
At the beginning of every new fall term, Dr.
Celebrating The Absence Of The Presence -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- John A. Stroman -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
We find it easy to celebrate Jesus' coming at Christmas, but Ascension Day goes by mostly unnoticed.
To Be Continued -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
Here is a remarkable story from World War II.
Thankful Living -- Joel 2:21-27 -- John A. Stroman -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
Joel informs the people of Judah that God has willed that humankind should have abundant life.
Have I Got News For You! -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- William L. Self -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
My favorite Christmas story is about the young boy who was given a very important role in the church
Beginning The Journey To Calvary -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- John A. Stroman -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
For centuries Christians have gathered on Ash Wednesday to begin the Lenten journey to Calvary.
Forsaking All Others -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Can you see the young boys running through the city of Jerusalem yelling, "Blow the trumpets!" and
Watching And Waiting For The Kingdom -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
The future is big business these days.
Praying With Bloody Knuckles -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- William L. Self -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
My wife was conducting a prayer workshop recently and a member of the group told her this true story
Doing The Right Thing -- Acts 1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
A well-known businessman in this community was recently asked to do something for the United Method
Till Death Do Us -- Unite -- Isaiah 25:6-9 or Acts 10:34-43 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Pastor: Christ is risen!People: He is risen, indeed!
How To Prepare For Christmas -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
To tell you the truth, it doesn't look much like Christmas at all.
When God Steps Out Of Shadows -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- William L. Self -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Our daughter-in-law designs stage sets for the German theatre.
Repentance: A New Relationship -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
There's a story about a convention of psychiatrists who had gathered in a large auditorium near Gran
Open Grave, Open Hearts -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
As the Cadillac owner walked to his car, he saw a boy about ten years old staring intently through t
A God Who Comes To Us -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
It all happened in the Gulf of Mexico.
Only The Beginning ... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
It had not happened before, it has not happened since, and in that uncommon experience God was uniqu

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand; Jesus Walks on Water. Do you see the connection? -- John 6:1-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation
Jesus Teaches With Parable -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
The Week Following Easter -- Wayne H. Keller
Bright Monday
Jesus, the Bread of Life and the Disciples Expectations and Demands -- John 6:24-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus Calms the Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Is Jesus our King? -- John 18:33-37, Mark 11:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Jesus Continues the Bread of Life Theme -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - B
A Return To Good Friday, Which At The Time, Appeared Bad
People Argue Among Themselves -- John 6:51-58 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Note
Jesus, a Prophet Without Honor Among His Own Friends -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus Appears to the Disciples, and Makes a Special Appearance to Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation
Jesus Teaches the Essence of His Being the True Bread and Cup -- John 6:56-69 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
The Community Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
No Need to Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Jesus Appears to the Disciples, Who in the Beginning, Did Not Believe it -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation
Jesus Deals with Cleanliness and Uncleanliness -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
The Community Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
The Transfiguration of Jesus -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
We Begin On The MountainChoral Introit
Jesus, the Good Shepherd Versus the Hired Hands Who Abandon the Sheep -- John 10:11-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation
The Faith of a Syrophoenician Woman -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
The Community Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus about Birth and Second Birth -- John 3:1-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
The Vine and the Branches -- John 15:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Birth of the World's Savior -- Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Introit
No Longer Servants, but Friends -- John 15:9-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus presented in the temple -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Celebrating The Presence of GodPastoral Invitation
Jesus Prays for His Disciples, Then, and Now -- John 17:6-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

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Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

Special Occasion

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