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Reformation Sunday - A

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Children's Activity

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"The truth sets us free" -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Teachers or Parents: Both Gospel texts above speak to the
Liar's memory -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Teachers or Parents: Lying is a sin and sin is a lie. Both
God's license plate -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Teachers: Help your students create a license plate based on

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Confronting sin's power -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-38 -- David Coffin -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
A fifty something father comes home after a long twelve-hour day at work to his wife, who remains un
Don't miss out on the coming reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Reformation Day always seemed to me to be the odd day out on the church calendar.
The trouble with religion -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
Speaking out against religion is as popular as ridiculing the American flag, motherhood, and apple p
Judges and Judgment -- Zephaniah 3:1-9, Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Reformation Sunday - A
By taking a swatch of Scripture here and there, many have created much confusion when it comes to ta

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Don't miss out on the coming reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Reformation Day always seemed to me to be the odd day out on the church calendar.

Children's sermon

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No ticket needed -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning! I want to tell you a story this morning. Once
The truth sets us free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning! I have here a newspaper article about a
Round ball -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Football season is upon us. How many of you like football?
Liar's memory -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning! Today I want to begin by telling you a story.
The hand of faith -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning, boys and girls. I want to show you a word
Set free by the truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have taken a

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Sunday (2014) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-38 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Jeremiah 31:31-34
In the post-apostolic church... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
In the post-apostolic church, spanning from the death of the last of the twelve apostles through the
In our narcissistic ethos... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
In our narcissistic ethos, a preoccupation with identity or the quest for self-consciousness and fin
Dr. John Bowling, President of... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Dr.
There are even some Christians... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
There are even some Christians who give us laws that must be kept.
The Christian spirit has permeated... -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
The Christian spirit has permeated the Oval Office from the first day to the present.
Freedom is such a lovely word... -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Freedom is such a lovely word, a compelling concept. But what kind of freedom does Jesus afford?
In his days as an Augustinian monk... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
In his days as an Augustinian monk Martin Luther had a great fear of the Law as set forth in the scr
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2011) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Five weeks before Benjamin Franklin's death... -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Five weeks before his death, Benjamin Franklin received an inquiry about his beliefs from a Congrega
Two types of laws... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
We can think of two types of laws: external and internal.
There are very few guarantees in this world but one is sin... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Craig Kelly -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
I recently found a website that I found amusing (http://www
It's warm and bright... -- John 8:31-36 -- Leah Thompson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
It's warm and bright. You're basking contentedly when someone walks up to you. "Here," they say.
Ladies wore corsets... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front.
America places an enormous emphasis on freedom... -- John 8:31-36 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Like many other nations, America places an enormous emphasis on freedom.
If you live in Ohio... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Leah Thompson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
If you live in Ohio, you don't walk around saying, "Hey! Do you know about Ohio?
Christian novelist, Walter Wangerin, tells... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Christian novelist, Walter Wangerin, tells of an incident from his own life: from his
To have a happy and... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
To have a happy and fulfilling life, we all need to live our lives in relationship with
West End Fellowship is celebrating... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
West End Fellowship is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The vision was to
In legal terms, an internal... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
In legal terms, an internal law can mean several things. It can mean the rules, policies,
Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides is about US Army Rangers and Philippine
For many years, I taught... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
For many years, I taught a Bible class at a home for unwed girls in Los Angeles. The
How do we bring others... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
How do we bring others to hunger and thirst for righteousness in such a way that they
Our text expresses the central... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Our text expresses the central lesson of Paul's spiritual experience. This student of the
Marriage is a relationship based... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Marriage is a relationship based on commitment. In America, most people marry because

Preaching

SermonStudio

Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayFreedom! Collect of the Day
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34 The promise of a new covenant.
Reformation Sunday -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Israel has been encamped at Shittim in the territory of Moab on the Eastern side of the Jordan River
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day.Theme For The Day
Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34The promise of a new covenant.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

Being a True Disciple -- John 8:31-36 -- David G. Rogne -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly m
When God Does Something New -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Argile Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2010
After a prolonged spate of bad news about the national and global economic situation, we welcome goo
What Can We Believe about God's Saving Grace? -- Romans 3:19-28 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2010
The grace of God is the theme of some of our favorite hymns.
Unwanted Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Chris Ewing -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
The trouble with words is that they can mean so many different things, depending on who is using the
A Spiritual Re-formation -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Elizabeth Strout's novel, Abide with Me, is set in a small town in Maine in the 1950s,
Hearts On Fire -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Writer, Anne Lamott, tells of her struggle in getting her teenage son, Sam, to go to church with her
When is Being Right Wrong? -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard C. Brand -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
I finally got a copy of the Rules of Life.
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- George L. Murphy -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
The key idea in this passage in the Fourth Gospel is truth.
Writing The Law On Our Hearts -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
In his wonderful book, Open Secrets, Richard Lischer tells of a retired Lutheran pastor who c
Free? Indeed! The Continuing Reformation Of The Church -- John 8:31-36 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Julia, The Church Years
Reformation To Transformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Have you ever gone in search of buried treasure?
Commitment One Way Or The Other -- John 8:31-36 -- Joseph M. Freeman -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1998
In this passage of John, claimed centuries later as a key passage for students of the Reformation, w
When Is Justification -- John 8:31-36 -- George S. Johnson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1992
By Faith A Heresy?

Stories

StoryShare

The Fortress -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Contents"The Fortress" by Sandra Herrmann* * * * * * *
Lost -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Peter Andrew Smith, Constance Berg, Sandra Herrmann -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Contents "New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann "Lost" by Keith Hewitt
A Born Leader -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "A Born Leader" by Sandra Herrmann

SermonStudio

The Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
One of the first Bible verses my mother taught me when I was a little boy was "Lying lips are an abo
A Choice To Make -- Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 119 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Susan Monnarjahn
Reformed Thinking -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Tom doesn't like black people.

Worship

SermonStudio

Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Choral Music "The House Of The Lord" -- Bradley Ellingboe (Neil A. Kjos Music)
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Be still!
The New Covenant In The Old -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: A New CovenantCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Romans 3:19-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Justified By FaithCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: True DisciplesCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Psalm 124 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
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!

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