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Lent 2 -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's assigned text comes from the heart of Luke's Travel Narrative: 9:51„19:27.
Recovering The Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This is the only story that Luke tells from Jesus' childhood.
Be Ready -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I am sure that most of you shook the slats out of the cradle when you first heard the following stor
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text, with its appropriate Lenten theme of repen-tance, is assigned for the Lenten seaso
The Shrewd Steward -- Luke 16:1-13 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1997
1Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who
Describing The Indescribable -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (v. 15).
Lent 4 -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
We come now to the story in Luke in which the heart of the Christian faith is explicated in story fo
The Rich Man And Poor Beggar -- Luke 16:19-31 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1997
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The story of the Nativity of our Lord is narratively connected to much of the biblical story.
The Servant's Duty -- Luke 17:5-10 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1997
5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6The Lord replied, "If you had faith
Palm/Passion Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40, Luke 23:1-49 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jeru-salem" (Luke 19:28).
A Widow And A Bad Judge -- Luke 18:1-8 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1997
1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray
Proper 4 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Luke 7:1 marks a transition in the flow of material in this Gospel.
Two Men Praying -- Luke 18:9-14 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1997
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves
Proper 5 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
In Chapter 14 we referred to David Tiede's understanding that Luke 7 is a kind of "Christological dr
The Star -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1997
1. TextIn the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem
Proper 6 -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The lectionary at this point omits the material in Luke 7:18-35.
The Voice From Heaven -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Many commentators note that these verses are really the begin-ning of Luke's Gospel.
Proper 7 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text concerning the exorcism which set a captive Gerasene demoniac free is the only tex
The Wedding At Cana -- John 2:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1997
1. Text
The Blind Guiding The Blind -- Luke 6:39-49 -- William E. Keeney -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1997
39He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text presents us with the preaching of John the Baptist.
Proper 8 -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Scholars have recognized for a long time that the material in Luke 9:51„19:27 is unique in the Synop

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

Grace In The Midst Of Hopelessness -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Submarine accidents are rare. Successful submarine rescues, unfortunately, are rarer still.
Learning From The Spider -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
I've always been amazed by spiders. I love to watch them spin their webs and catch their prey.
A New Look For The New Year -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Just a few days ago we greeted loved ones and friends with a cheery, "Happy New Year." And we sincer
Keeping Sunday -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
One of the churches where I served was located next to a Jewish synagogue.
The Fox -- Mark 6:14-29 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
I know that I don't have much status up here in Gaul, but will you do me the favor of listening to m
What Are Your Goliaths? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
I chaperoned a fourth grade class on a field trip to the Olde Mystic Village and Seaport.
The Amazing Holy Week Equation -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
One of the typical difficulties of days like today is connecting the ritual and annual stories of Pa
Training The Heart -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Not long ago I heard about one more study done with rats.
The Story Behind The Glory -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Frederick R. Harm -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Welcome to the Sunday after Christmas! Tell me, has the glory begun to fade?
Birthing The Kingdom -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
I for one am heartily glad that the millennium (and its attendant madness) is well behind us.
Chosen -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- David G. Rogne -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
It is a difficult thing not to be chosen.
Out Of Control! -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Recently some 900 teenagers and adult advisors from all over New England gathered at Hammonasset Sta
The Source -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
One of the most precious and indispensable needs you and I have is to be able to have at least one p
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
I'm a bird lover, and spring time is prime time to get excited about our feathered friends.
Bedlam Or Bethlehem? -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Frederick R. Harm -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
I wonder if you have ever realized how the word "bedlam" entered our language?
When Nothing Is Everything -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
I was startled by a recent analysis of per capita charitable contributions by state.
The Ministry Of Fading -- John 12:20-33 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We could spend our sermon time talking with you about John's Christology and how our text indicates
God Calling You! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
One Friday I had kind of a rough morning.
So Great A Love -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Lent 4Ephesians 2:1-10So Great A Love
The Joy Of Shared Truth -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
The chasm between the realities in which two different people live can be vast.
Grace In The Midst Of Exasperation -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Spiritual storytelling (a.k.a.
Will The Real Blind Beggar Please Stand Up? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
It's easy to slap some people down.
Extravagant Gestures In A Cost-Effective World -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
Families of faith that dwell in older buildings eventually have to struggle with the issue of restor
Placard Faith, Complex World -- John 3:14-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
As you have sat in your easy chair munching on snack food during any NFL game, you have seen this si
Our Solution ... God's Solution -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
A familiar Yiddish folk tale goes something like this: a man goes to his wise and revered rabbi for

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Lord has come! -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- James R. Wilson -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our Savior has been born!
Seeking the Kingdom of God -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
Second Lesson: Colossians 3:1-11Theme: Seeking the Kingdom of God
The suffering servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- James R. Wilson -- Good Friday - C -- 1997
Maundy ThursdayCall To Worship
Where are our treasures? -- Luke 12:13-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21Theme: Where are our treasures?
Service of Recommitment to Christian Service for the New Year -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all who love the Lord gather in this house for worship!
Compassion not sacrifice -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
A blessed nation -- Genesis 12:1-8, John 8:31-36 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To Worship
Vineyard of justice and righteousness -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Do we remember the Lord? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who know the wonder of the Lord gather now for worship!
Messengers of God -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Faith in God's covenant -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Iniquities of the unfaithful -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Seek ye first the Lord -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Clay in the Potter's hands -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
With God's help we can! -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Accountable to God -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Accountable to God
To God alone belongs the glory -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Grace beyond sin -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:12-17Theme: Grace beyond sin
Blessed are the peacemakers -- Matthew 5:9 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would seek God's holy peace come together this day!
The Promise -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Seeking the Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10Theme: Seeking the lost
The cleansing of the Lord -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let the people of God give praise and worship the Lord!
The agony of God -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us celebrate God's wonderful redeeming love!
Third Sunday of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20Theme: The Blessing of the Lord
Faith beyond adversity -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship

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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