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The Baptism of Jesus and Baptism of the Spirit. -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The baptism of Jesus and baptism of the Spirit.
Local History As Gospel Parable -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
In my 35 years of preaching I never found a sermon series in which the congregation and community ha
Palm Sunday -- Mark 11:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
"When they were approaching Jerusalem." These words open the Palm Sunday text.
The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hold on you. -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hol
The Epiphany Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Epiphany Through The Centuries
The Parable Of The Sower -- Mark 4:1-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We have indicated a number of times that the Parable of the Sower plays a crucial role in the overal
Our human pride gets in the way of our worshiping and serving the Lord -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Our human pride gets in the way of our worshiping and serving the Lord.
Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Good Friday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, God's
Passion Sunday -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The Sunday of the Passion confronts us with a different kind of challenge.
God in Christ is ever available to hear and heed our cries for mercy. -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God in Christ is ever available to hear and heed our cries for mercy.
God's good news -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's good news.
Proper 10; Pentecost 9 -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
Today's text centers in two men: John the Baptist and King Herod.
Getting back to the basics -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Getting back to the basics, to love God with one's entire being and to love the
Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The road to God's kingdom is the way of obedience, suffering and death, th
A call to spiritual renewal and cleansing -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: A call to spiritual renewal and cleansing.
Proper 11; Pentecost 10 -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
In her outline of Mark's Gospel, Mary Ann Tolbert presents Mark 6:35„8:21 as a unit of material.
Security -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Security.
We are saved by grace through faith -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: We are saved by grace through faith.
Proper 17; Pentecost 16 -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
With Mark 7 we come to some repetition of basic Markan themes.
Knowing the signs of the Lord's return -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing the signs of the Lord's return.
The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new heart. -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new h
Proper 18; Pentecost 17 -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
Both of the Markan stories appointed for this week take place in the land of the Gentiles.
The Church is renewed -- Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Church is renewed as it opens itself to the transforming power of the gospel
The Lenten Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Historical Development
Proper 20; Pentecost 19 -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The lectionary moves directly from the story on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:1-8) to Jesus' secon

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Buried, But Alive -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Baptism is a solemn, sincere, often serene, significant service of Christian worship.
The Office Of The King Was Not Vacant -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13a -- Robert J. Elder -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Not all the water in the rough rude seaCan wash the balm from an anointed king.
When Life Is The Pits! -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Joseph got thrown in a big hole by his brothers, and he quickly discovered what life is like down in
Judas -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Why do you look at me that way in your smug self-righteousness?
Father, Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit -- Luke 23:46 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
Perhaps no scene is more indelibly impressed in the consciousness of western civilization than that
The Critic's Choice -- Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites ..."
The Power Of A Dream -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Do you dream? Do you remember your dreams?
What Is Priceless? -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Still Small Voice -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Ask any child at Christmas!
Free: For What? -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina sits on property that was once a large southern plantation.
Life In The Old Bones Yet -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Robert J. Elder -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Several years ago a psychologist conducted a survey in which he asked 3,000 people the question, "Wh
When It Hurts To Forgive -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
How could Joseph possibly forgive his brothers after all they did to him?
The Nails -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
During these Sundays in Lent, we have been looking at the symbols of the cross.
It Is Finished -- John 19:30 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
In the time of Jesus, Rome was a great power, but it was a brutal power.
Asking -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men."
Show And Tell -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
An article in U.S.
How Much Is Enough? -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Is there anything better to eat than fresh homemade bread? I don't think so.
What Good Music Can Do For You -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
It is a scientific fact that when the music of Mozart is played in a henhouse, chickens lay more egg
Too Err Is Human -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Craig Christina in his excellent sermon, "Between Two Worlds," reminds us of Robert Lewis Stevenson'
For And Against -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Robert J. Elder -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
One-Way Theology -- Exodus 20:3 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
God knows we don't do much theology these days.
Nothing Left But A Baby In A Basket -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Every head of a family would like to do everything possible to make life better for the next generat
Mary Magdalene -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Unloved and unlovable.
Woman, Behold Thy Son; Behold Thy Mother -- John 19:26-27 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
Ask most sons and they will tell you their mothers do not understand them.
It's Not Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
If I were to catalog the most frequent expressions mouthed by hospital patients, at the top or near

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Germination -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A couple of weeks ago, I re-seeded a portion of my lawn. As I
He Has Come Back To Life! -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation (By the Worship Leader)
Commitment -- George A. Nye -- 1994
"Make me feel good, Lord," is the prayer of some who seek an
Cables -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In Washington State, the old timers remember the Starbuck
What Is That In Your Hand? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation:
"They" -- George A. Nye -- 1994
"They" is an ugly word. It robs us of our most precious gift -
Trees -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A scourge of the emerging generations is their state of
Like A New Batch Of Dough -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Music Appropriate To Observance Of The EucharistWords Of Preparation:
Building Arks -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Build your ark while the ground is dry; for when the floods
Hospital Gowns -- George A. Nye -- 1994
One of the worst things about being a patient in the hospital
What Can I Do With Who I Am? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation Matthew 16:13-17 (TEV)
Joint Responsibility -- George A. Nye -- 1994
One of the saddest of human experiences is divorce and often,
Hope -- George A. Nye -- 1994
For some of us, there comes a time when we lose hope. The
What Did You Say? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation from Psalm 15
Elevators -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The "3-Ds" that terrify us the most are disease,
Valuables -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Things possess the qualities of fun, value, or interest that
Expect Great Things To Happen! -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation:
The Visitor -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In yarns about visitors from outer space, alien life from the
Goofs -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I remember in the 1950s, seeing Jackie Gleason run off stage
With Christ As Partner -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation:
Natural Expressions -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Jesus tells us the parable of The Good Samaritan, in which a
Self-limitations -- George A. Nye -- 1994
"It's my life!" "This is my body!" We're very possessive of
George A. Nye -- 1994
With Praise And CelebrationNumber 4Pastor: Immortal God!
If We Are Dreamers -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationThe Call To Worship:
Headlines -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The tabloid headlines at the checkout stands are intriguing.

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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