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Transfiguration -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The assigned Gospel text for this week is one of only two texts (see Proper 8; Luke 9:51-62)
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
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
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
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This is the only story that Luke tells from Jesus' childhood.
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 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).
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 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
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).
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
Proper 4 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Luke 7:1 marks a transition in the flow of material in this Gospel.
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 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
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 6 -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The lectionary at this point omits the material in Luke 7:18-35.
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 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 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 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
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
The Wedding At Cana -- John 2:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text presents us with the preaching of John the Baptist.

Sacrament

Self Help

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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.
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
The Light Shines In The Darkness, And The Darkness Cannot Overcome It -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Lament. What a powerful biblical word. Lament.
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
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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?
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 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Hanging The Law On Love -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Compared to some of the pericopes from Mark's Gospel, this one seems a piece of cake.
The Holiness Of The Sacred -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
In the April 7, 1999, issue of The Upper Room, Merial Scott of South Dakota wrote the following:

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

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Justice tempered with compassion -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Hosea 11:1-11 Theme: Justice tempered with compassion
The suffering servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- James R. Wilson -- Good Friday - C -- 1997
Maundy ThursdayCall To Worship
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
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!
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?
A blessed nation -- Genesis 12:1-8, John 8:31-36 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To Worship
Compassion not sacrifice -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - 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!
Vineyard of justice and righteousness -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - 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
Messengers of God -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - 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
Iniquities of the unfaithful -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - 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!
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 Promise -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
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!
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!
Faith beyond adversity -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
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

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

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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