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Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lor
Something To Do While The World Falls Apart -- Mark 13:1-8 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
A number of years ago, leaders in a church decided to track down the congregation's drop-outs.
Liberating Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- William G. Carter -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
During the 1960s, Sherwood Schwartz wrote and produced a number of hit television shows.
Easter Joy -- John 15:9-17 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
A remarkable feature of Dwight D.
Epilogue: Endorsing The Future -- 1996
One of the first things you do when you move to a new place is establish a checking account with a l
How Odd Of God -- Luke 1:26-38 -- John A. Stroman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
In every generation if we are to apprehend the abiding forces that will dominate and direct the futu
The Strange Tactics Of God -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Some of you will remember Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark, a film released several ye
Double Image -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- William G. Carter -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
"You know why I want to join the church?" The speaker was a father in his thirties, holding an infan
Easter Consecration -- John 17:6-19 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
A. E. Hotchner has written an autobiographical account of his experience of the Great Depression.
Redrawing The Landscape -- 1996
One summer's day my wife and I journeyed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to attend a conference.
A Moment Of Decision -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John A. Stroman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
Experiences have the effect of changing the direction of our lives.
A Habitat For Humanity -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live i
Tears At The Tomb -- John 11:32-44 -- William G. Carter -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
By all appearances, the junior high youth group at First Church was going well.
The Spice Of Death -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Good Friday - B -- 1996
Good Friday draws us to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ that we might concentrate and meditate on
Living With Limits -- 1996
One of the leaders in the world of pastoral psychology is Wayne Oates.
Pass It On -- John 1:43-51, John 1:35-42 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Here we see the dynamic of witness. Look at what took place.
Here Is Where It Happens -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Here is where it happens. Where is here? Here is right here, among us.
It Is Blessed To Receive -- Matthew 6:25-33, Luke 17:11-19 -- William G. Carter -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
In the small town of Mapleville, the ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve service was poorly attended.
Resist Temptation -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
The Holy Gospel for this First Sunday in Lent is the evangelist Mark's very brief account of the tem
Illusion Or Reality? -- 1996
Back in the mid 1970s to early 1980s hypnosis was viewed as a major cure for many of society's ills.
Drop-Everything-Discipleship -- Mark 1:14-20 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
This text is a statement about a radical discipleship.
Saul, The Tormented King -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
He was like a meteor.
Sent From The Mountain -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- William G. Carter -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
There is nothing like taking part in a worship service with 17,000 people.
Dim Visions And Blind Guides -- 1996
The societal limits which impinge on our world also affect our personal existence in profound ways.
By What Authority? -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Two remarkable things happened. Jesus' words in the synagogue left the people amazed.

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The Death and Raising of Lazarus -- John 11:32-44, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Ash Wednesday -- Joann H. Hary
Order of Worship
More Signs of the End of the Age -- Mark 13:24-31 -- Wayne H. Keller
Celebrating God's Presence and Power
Jesus Appears to the Disciples -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - B
An Invitation To Ascension SundayPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Easter Sunday -- Joann H. Hary
Easter SundayOrder of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
Mark 1:40-45; 2:1-12; 2:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Mark 2:18-22 -- Wayne H. Keller
Proper OneEpiscopal: Mark 1:40-45Proper Two
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - B
After everyone leaves the sanctuary on Fat Tuesday, and before anyone enters the sanctuary on Ash We
First Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
John the Baptist Beheaded -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
AdorationInvitation to the Celebration (Pastor and Ministers)
The Wise Men's Visit -- Matthew 2:1-12, Mark 1:4-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
The Ekklesia Gathers To CelebratePastoral Invitation
Second Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 Men, Plus Women and Children -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
The Week Following Easter -- Wayne H. Keller
Bright Monday
Third Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
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
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
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
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)
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
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Joann H. Hary
Order of WorshipAnnouncements, Prayer Concerns, Joys
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)
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
Palm/Passion Sunday -- Joann H. Hary
Order of Worship
People Argue Among Themselves -- John 6:51-58 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Note
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

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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 -

CSSPlus

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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