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The Shepherd And His Flock -- John 10:1-10 -- William E. Keeney -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by ano
God's Illuminating Spirit -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Living in readiness and anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ. -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1--3a, 14--25 (C)
Being ready for Christ's kingdom -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
A Sheep Of Your Own Flock -- Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 121, Psalm 23, John 10:11-16 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For The Season After Pentecost*
Self-deception, Hearers And Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1995
"Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one w
God's Forgiving Spirit -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15--20 (C, L)
A contrast between the righteousness of obedience and the righteousness of faith -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24, Romans 1:16-17, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:11--22; 7:24; 8:14--19 (C)
A Dwelling Place -- Psalm 27:1, 5-12, 17-18, Psalm 23, Psalm 84 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For The Season After Pentecost
Sowers Of The Seed -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1995
The same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
A Loving Spirit is the gift of Christ to all who believe. -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The call -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1--9 (C)
Face To Face -- John 14:1-6, Job 19:21-27a -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For TheTransfiguration (August 6)*Canticle: Nunc Dimittis
Thistles Among The Wheat -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1995
He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed g
Renewal through trusting God for daily needs. -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
To Search The Heart With Candles, And A Man Named Angell James -- James W. Angell -- 1995
I was ten when I first got an inkling that someday I might wind up as a preacher.
God's people are commissioned for mission -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
Lift High The Cross -- Psalm 116:1-8, 12-13, Job 19:21-27a, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Holy Cross Day (September 14)Music: Lift High The Cross
Treasures And Trash -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1995
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in h
The Gift Of Guidance -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
After A Lost Election, Field Of Dreams -- James W. Angell -- 1995
Iowa is an Indian word meaning "beautiful land." And that's where it all began for me.
Adversity one suffers in faithfulness to God -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
For All The Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For The Octave Of All Saints'Music: For All The Saints
Unlimited Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1995
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how ofte
Christ Confronts Satan -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

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When A Halo Slips -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received.
What Is The Good Life? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Introduction
The Word Of Confession -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Tom M. Garrison -- 2001
On January 21, 2001, George W.
Lent Is About Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
The story of Lent really begins back in the Garden of Eden.
Why I Go To Church -- Exodus 20:8 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
I met Rus Howard at Princeton.
Meditations On Life In Danish Cemeteries -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Sermon Preached in our Son's New Congregation
Living On One Day's Rations -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Preparing for an outdoor adventure of hiking, camping, mountain climbing, or canoeing includes plann
It's All The Same To Me -- Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... Peter entered the house of Cornelius ...
Are You Happy? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's c
Shine! That's The Style! -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
It is appropriate on this day designated as the Epiphany Of The Lord to explore some questions we mi
Is Big Brother Watching You? -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Have Mercy On Me -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
"Lord, have mercy on me." My earliest memory of that statement goes back to a little farm in central
Easter Is About You -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Probably the most difficult sermon the Christian preacher is assigned to deliver is the sermon for E
Hallmark Card Religion -- Exodus 20:12 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
Ross Perot has been asked many times over the past five or six years if he feels qualified to be Pre
Justification By Grace Through Faith -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Sermon Preached on the Occasion of 1917 - The Diamond Jubilee - 1992
Does God Help Those Who Help Themselves? -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
People can survive longer without food than they can survive without water.
How Thinking -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"... take your invoice, sit down quickly, and make it fifty ..."
Let Your Light Shine -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
I heard a story some years ago about some neighborhood children who were playing in the front yard w
Called To Be Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Today the church world observes what is called All Saints' Day.
What Does Your God Say About People Like Me? -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
London, England, the Bloomsbury District, tenth floor of the old Ivanhoe Hotel, autumn, 1971.
Must I Forgive? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Introduction
A Living Sacrifice -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
I had always assumed I understood the word "sacrifice." A recent trip to Mexico City, however, washe
The Outcome Of Faith -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
The United States of America has earned the reputation of being the most violent culture in the worl
Suicidal Situation Ethics -- Exodus 20:13 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
When people think about Dr.
The Palms -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
The Symbols Of The CrossThe Palms

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Do You Want To Be More Spiritual? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation: (The congregation reverently quiet)
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness
Loneliness -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In part, Easter is the story of victory over loneliness, and
He Came Seeking Fruit -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords To Start Our Meditation:
Lent 2 -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader: Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must
Mixed Signals -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Talk about split personalities! I saw a van last week that had
Blessing Through Marriage -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Anniversary Of Marriage ServiceHymn: ''Blest Be The Tie That Binds''
Strong Faith For Weak People -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationSome Thoughts To Meditate Upon:
Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to
Environmental Concerns -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Many church kitchens have a sign that says: "Please leave this
The Blessing of Giving -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Post--Lenten Ingathering Service
What Do You Expect Your Religion To Do? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation (The people reverently quiet)Words Of Preparation:
Lent 4 -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him
Kites -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Many who feel emancipated are merely disorganized. Freedom is
A Feast Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Following Soup And Sandwich SupperWe Prepare Our Hearts
Elements Of Devotion -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation
Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: Now among those who went up to worship at the festival
Mystery -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The fun thing about a mystery is that it gives us a chance to
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
The Best Surprises -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationA Hymn: "Sometimes A Little Surprises"
Palm Sunday -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: When Jesus and the disciples drew near to Jerusalem and
Compassion -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Variations on the phrase, "cast the first stone," come from
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
The Wonderful Mystery Of The Christian Religion -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationThe Call To Worship:
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31-35 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew

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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