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Matthew 1:18-25

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Children's sermon

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A Pretty Special Gift #4! -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
Object: An empty plastic jug, like a plastic milk jug from the store.
What’s In A Name? -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
What’s in a name? A lot.
A mystery -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2017
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
Wow! God Is With Us! -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
Has anyone ever told you, "You look just like your father or just like your mother?" You can't hide
God With Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Anna Shirey -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
First Thoughts Teaching On Y

The Immediate Word

Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Fathering Hope: Giving Joseph A Voice -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we all know, the holiday season preceding Christmas is not universally one of comfort and joy, of
Longing For Peace -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Because of the close proximity this year of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve/Day --

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Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:

Children's Activity

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Angel -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
A mystery -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Telling the story -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
At this point, Christmas is just two days away! This is when things really get exciting.
The name of Jesus -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Teachers and Parents: It is good for children to learn to
O come, O come, Emmanuel -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Teachers or Parents: Teach the children the words to the popular Advent/Christmas hymn, "O Come, O
All About Babies -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Teachers: This week's Bible story tells the background of the birth of Jesus.
Taking beautiful pictures -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Materials: Construction paper

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Focusing On Jesus -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
The difference the coming baby makes is the overall theme of Advent 4.
The right gift -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
Some gifts we receive are simply add-ons to the polite niceties of the relationship.
Baby changes everything -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
As one congregation went through years of great growth and expansion, it became obvious that there c
Good news, better news, best news -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
The apostle Paul begins his letter to the Romans by identifying himself as one who was "set apart fo
Are you kidding? -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with
Happy Easter -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
On the first Sunday after Thanksgiving the little box began to appear.
Can God be trusted? -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The central issue for this week's pericopes is the question of whether God is faithful to God's prom
It's all about Jesus -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1995
If you are an "Advent purist," one who refuses to preach Advent sermons that lapse into the Christma
The road no one wants to travel -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Last winter, I had to attend a meeting in Ontario, Canada.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2022) -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
Isaiah 7:10-16
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2019) -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
Isaiah 7:10-16
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2016) -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
Isaiah 7:10-16
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2013) -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Isaiah 7:10-16
This passage... -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
This passage deals with the entrance of the Savior on the planet earth.
The Fourth... -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Fourth Ecumenical Council, also known as the Council of Chalcedon, was a church council held fro

The Immediate Word

Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Fathering Hope: Giving Joseph A Voice -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we all know, the holiday season preceding Christmas is not universally one of comfort and joy, of

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Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:

Worship

The Immediate Word

Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Fathering Hope: Giving Joseph A Voice -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we all know, the holiday season preceding Christmas is not universally one of comfort and joy, of
Longing For Peace -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Because of the close proximity this year of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve/Day --
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
An Unlikely Place -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In any drama, the right setting for a scene can be key.

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Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:

SermonStudio

Prayer Of The Church, Advent 4 -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2020
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet
Advent 4 -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Gathering
Bulletin Insert for Fourth Sunday in Advent for Year A -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Fourth Sunday In Advent Advent Wreath Service Reader A:

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Fathering Hope: Giving Joseph A Voice -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we all know, the holiday season preceding Christmas is not universally one of comfort and joy, of
Longing For Peace -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Because of the close proximity this year of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve/Day --
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
An Unlikely Place -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In any drama, the right setting for a scene can be key.

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Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:

SermonStudio

Dreaming Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
Center Stage -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Now that Matthew has finished his genealogy, he starts his narrative.
The Power Of Positive Dreaming -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submit

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Fathering Hope: Giving Joseph A Voice -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we all know, the holiday season preceding Christmas is not universally one of comfort and joy, of
Longing For Peace -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Because of the close proximity this year of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve/Day --
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
An Unlikely Place -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In any drama, the right setting for a scene can be key.

Free Access

Missile Gap -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
For December 18, 2022:

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Sometimes a good-enough Christmas is more than enough.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jeff Wedge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.

Stories

StoryShare

The Midwife -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Keith Hewitt, John Fitzgerald -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
Contents "The Midwife" by Keith Hewitt
A Snowstorm Is Coming! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Keith Wagner, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Contents "A Snowstorm Is Coming!" by Keith Wagner
The Cell -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Keith Hewitt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Contents "The Cell" by Keith Hewitt "Angels Among Us" by Constance Berg
Samantha -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-17, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Argile Smith, C. David Mckirachan, Scott Dalgarno, Stan Purdum -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Contents What's Up This Week "Samantha" by Argile Smith

SermonStudio

Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
What a mess! Put yourself in Joseph's sandals. A simple man, a carpenter.
Gram -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
William Bell
The Perfect Imperfect Pageant -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his
Angels Among Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Books and magazines are filled with people's encounters with "angels": people who give selflessly, p
The Greatest Story Ever Told Or Heard -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
The opening verses of the gospel of Matthew, through the 17th verse, provide the passage of Scriptur

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Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
What a mess! Put yourself in Joseph's sandals. A simple man, a carpenter.

Drama

SermonStudio

Never Give Up On God ... God Never Gives Up On You! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-17, Romans 1:1-7 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Mr. Roberts And The Christmas Tree -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
Theme

Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 4 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
...

Monologues

SermonStudio

Joseph Ponders -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Edward G. Hunter -- 1994
It is in the early hours of that first Christmas morn.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Special Christmas Gift -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Matty was very excited.

Free Access

The Special Christmas Gift -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Matty was very excited.

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Jasmine's Christmas Present -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

All-Knowing God... -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
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