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Working at peace -- James 3:13 - 14:3, 7-8a -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you ever get into arguments with friends?
Living Word -- John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
If I got a letter from my parents telling me they loved me, that would be nice, but it wouldn't be
Good leaders -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (v. 14)
Good leaders -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
God's will and testament -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Good morning! Today our reading tells us that we are not slaves. What is a slave?
What is missing? -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away,
A real Christian -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to pretend?
Good vision -- Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Good morning!
No boxes! -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
How many of you are the oldest in your family? (Let them answer.) How many are the youngest?
The wind -- John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes fr
Do not enter -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today, we enter into Lent.
A refreshing drink -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
A traveler walked across the desert and ran out of water. He got more thirsty as time went on.
Questions about you -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known
Baptism cleanses us -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you remember Peter and some of the things he did?
Paying homage -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Good morning!
Small and mighty -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on ear
An amazing plan -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Note: Assign someone to push his/her hand, clutching the dove, through the paper at the scheduled ti
Jesus feeds us -- John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
If we had coupons like this that say you can go to a restaurant and get free food, do you think peo
Read the signs -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours.
Reckoning -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to talk about Father Abraham.
Walking in faith -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" (v. 40)
Denying yourself -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you deny yourself?
Giving with joy -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to
A special love -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you think that your mother and father love you?
Where's the power? -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who

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Genesis 1:1-5 br... -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Marcus greets everyone who enters... -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Marcus greets everyone who enters the building with a salutation and a bright smile.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2009) -- John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20... -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2009
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday... -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, and our focus is on shepherds and sheep, especially the one we know a
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13... -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Victor Hugo's lengthy novel Les... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
Victor Hugo's lengthy novel Les Miserables begins with an act of grace.
Promises are for keeping. Every... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
Promises are for keeping.
During Holy Week many churches... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
During Holy Week many churches act out various scenes of the Passion.
Every time Jose Lima purchased... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2009
Every time Jose Lima purchased a 6/49 lotto ticket (a Canadian lotto), he said, “If I win 6/49, big
When God promises to bless... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
When God promises to bless the house of David, his immediate response is to go sit in God’s presence
Jesus stormed into the temple... -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Jesus stormed into the temple, overturned tables, ran people off.
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 br... -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2009
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
The old proverb, which was... -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
The old proverb, which was popularized in 1605 in Don Quixote, states, "The proof of the pudd
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2009) -- John 6:24-35, Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Mary S. Lautensleger, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Timothy Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Acts 4:5-12br... -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 4:5-12
Blood is thicker than water... -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
"Blood is thicker than water." That's what they say.
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27... -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
A friend of mine used... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
A friend of mine used to say, "I can always find 1 Corinthians 15, because it's where I spilled my c
Julie was going through one... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
Julie was going through one of those difficult times in her life.
It might seem silly now... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
It might seem silly now, but at the time it seemed so important.
There’s a story about a... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
There’s a story about a Jesuit missionary who brought the Christian faith to a certain tribe of the
Back in the days of... -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2009
Back in the days of Colonial New England, it was the custom for churches to charge families for rent
Rubber snakes are a favorite... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Rubber snakes are a favorite way to scare mothers, sisters, and girlfriends.
Isaiah 40:21-31 br... -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2009
Isaiah 40:21-31

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Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Seasonal Theme

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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.

Sermon

SermonStudio

R.S.V.P. -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?-- Isaiah 6:8b
When Imagination Replaces Memory -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
One of the fascinating aspects of being human is our ability to create time.
Hate Evil -- John 3:14-21 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
In the Holy Gospel appointed for today our Lord refers to the manner in which Moses "lifted up the s
Look How You Listen -- Mark 6:14-29 -- George W. Hoyer -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
The whole of today's gospel seems to be about John the Baptist.
With Our Heads In The Clouds -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John A. Stroman -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
The crowds were gone. Jesus was alone with his disciples.
No Particular Place To Go -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
It was the last week of summer when some boys who had spent the summer playing together became restl
Pain and Promise in the Heart of God -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
One of the amazing claims of the Judaeo-Christian heritage is that God takes on the attributes of hu
Which Way To Jesus? -- John 12:20-33 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Great commotion was created in the holy city of Jerusalem at the time of the Feast of the Passover.
Discovering The Unexpected -- Luke 2:22-40 -- John A. Stroman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
Have you ever looked forward to something and when it happened, it was so much more than you an
At The Right Place At The Right Time -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
Sherry was struggling with some personal issues in her life.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Many scholars view this narrative as one occasioned by the fear of an uncertain future followed by a
The Sponge And Wine -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Our age has been called a drug culture.
God Is Down To Earth -- John 1:1-18 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1996
William Barclay is convinced that John wrote the fourth gospel for the sake of this fourteenth
When Life Seems Out Of Control -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9,15, 31-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
During the week he was always dressed in a dark suit, a white shirt, and an expensive tie.
When Something Is About To Happen -- Mark 13:32-37 -- Thomas G. Long -- 1996
"I'll tell you what keeps me coming to this church." The man who spoke was punching the air with his
A Taste Of Life -- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- William G. Carter -- 1996
The workshop was winding up.
Choose To Be Chosen -- Mark 6:7-13 -- George W. Hoyer -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
What a relief to be chosen! Remember?
The Highest In The Lowest -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John A. Stroman -- 1996
During a cold winter's night in Bethlehem in the Judean hills, the pains of childbirth came upo
Leaving A Legacy -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 18-year-old David Neuer when he met Pope Pius XII in the
What Do You Mean, "Repent"? -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Thomas G. Long -- 1996
Bright Lights, Big City is Jay McInerney's searingly-witty, emotion-ripping novel of one ma
Learning to Live Without Jesus -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Everywhere you looked, you saw people in tie-dyed t-shirts.
You Are My Witness -- Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-53 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1996
The inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president of the Republic of South Africa goes down in the ann
A Homecoming To Remember -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
In the heart of our nation's capital, in sight of the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, is the Holoca
There's A Man Going Around Taking Names -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Thomas G. Long -- 1996
There is an old black gospel song from the American South, most often sung to the driving beat of a
Water Won't Quench The Fire -- John 7:37-39 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
An unusual piece of mail arrived at the office the other day.

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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
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Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
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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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