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SermonStudio

Preaching Because We Have Something To Say Rather Than Because We Have To Say Something -- James W. Angell -- 1995
The pulpit is less than half of the mystery of preaching.
The costs and the awards of following Jesus -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 22:1--14 (C)
Christ Confronts Nicodemus - The new birth -- Genesis 12:1-4, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Service And Reward -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1995
"For The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers
Come, O Blessed Of My Father -- John 5:24-27 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Christ The King SundayAnthem: Christ Is Risen
Windows Of Wonder - Choosing Illustrations That Set Ideas Dancing -- James W. Angell -- 1995
I feel life is so small unless it has windows into other worlds.- Bertrand Russell
Freedom from oppression -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, Romans 7:15-25a -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 24:34--38, 42--49, 58--67 (C)
Christ Confronts A Samaritan Woman -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Two Sons -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1995
When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was
Death In The Midst Of Birth -- 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For ChristmasCanticle: Nunc Dimittis
Make Way For Poets Of The Heart -- James W. Angell -- 1995
One of the dividends of the ministry is coming to know and enjoy different people - all ages and all
Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34
Christ confronts a blind man and heals him -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Wicked Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1995
"Listen to another parable.
Yet I Will Rejoice -- Habakkuk 3:17-19a -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Thanksgiving
To See Your Face Is Like Seeing The Face Of God -- James W. Angell -- 1995
If you could deliver one sermon, what would you speak about?
The Lord's victory over the powers of sin and death -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Easter Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Christ confronts Lazarus and raises him from death to life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The King's Wedding Feast -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1995
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a k
Changed From Glory Into Glory -- Isaiah 61:1-3 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For EpiphanyCanticle: Nunc Dimittis
Assists From Broadway -- James W. Angell -- 1995
Authors regularly use what they refer to as a "hook" to engage the attention of readers quickly.
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Victory Feast -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Prepared Or Not? -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1995
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this.
You Now Have Set Your Servant Free -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For The Feast Of The PresentationCanticle: Nunc Dimittis

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SermonStudio

Keep Your Eyes On The Sign -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Seventy--Fifth Anniversary Sermon
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
When God Is Not "User Friendly" -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Someone has suggested that if we simply posted the Ten Commandments on the wall in every school buil
The Power Of Little Things -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"... It is like mustard seed ... the smallest of all the earth's seeds ... yet ...
Suicidal Situation Ethics -- Exodus 20:13 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
When people think about Dr.
Torn Between Two Lovers -- Exodus 20:14 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
As a pastor and husband, I'm acutely aware every day isn't a hot fudge sundae for married folks.
You Want Me To Do What? -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
There's an old Charles Schulz Peanuts cartoon that has Lucy chasing Charlie Brown around the
How A Faithful Leader Deals With Faithless Followers -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
The ranchers of the 1800s would round up thousands of wild horses to tame as good riding animals for
Christopher Columbus Speaks! -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Five hundred years ago a man dreamed of reaching the east by sailing west.
Victims? -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
After watching Gandhi, the acclaimed movie about the nonviolent leader of India, for the sixt
Is God Fair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Reflections On A Prayer For All Seasons -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Sermon for the One Hundred and Fortieth Anniversary Year Let us pray:
Genuine Mutual Love -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
A rather insightful novel about the problem of Christian missions to Africa is Barbara Kingsolver's
The Real Miracle -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
All of you have heard stories of miracles. Some of you have experienced a miracle.
Feeling Tired -- Matthew 11:25-30 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"Come to me, all you who are weary ..."
Some Folks Are Just Like The IRS -- Exodus 20:15 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
Just like the United States Golf Association says, "I really, really, really love golf." It's fun, g
Why Worry? -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
We were told that one of the major trends of the latter part of the twentieth century was anxiety.
Where Are We Without God? -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Moses stood in the presence of Almighty God on Mount Sinai.
Try This On For Size! -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
I have a friend who is a millionaire.
A Call To Love -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Of all the words used throughout the world, the one that is used the most -- or misused the most --
What Do You Think? -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Operation Bootstrap Africa is making a difference.
Looking Back GratefullyAnd Then Striding Onward Faithfully -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
An Address at a 125th Anniversary Banquet
Credit For Suffering -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
The Second Reading for today is a continuation of readings from the Petrine epistles appointed for t
Noah And The God Of Impossible Possibilities -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Floods are terrible things. The destruction is unstoppable.
It Doesn't Pay -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
Withholding forgiveness can be detrimental to our character and well-being.

Spirituality

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SermonStudio

For All The Saints -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Call To Worship
Helpers -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The biblical story of human creation is rich with meaning and
For Goodness Sake -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationSomething Worth Thinking About:
Benedictions for Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: Brothers and Sisters, go now to work in and for Jesus Christ alone.
Believing We Belong -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Celebration Service Of Holy CommunionWe Believe We Belong To A Merciful God
Choices -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Compared to my miniature poodle, I'm a giant. But size doesn't
The Virtue Of Self-Management -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation from Isaiah 55:6-7
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with
We Belong In God's Presence -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Closing Night ServiceWe Belong In God's PresenceInvocation:
Generations -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm in one of those transition states -- "passages" as one
Burglars -- George A. Nye -- 1994
What angers me more than losing keepsakes when my home is
When The Heart Is Right Before God -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation: Psalm 51:10-12 (NRSV)
Easter -- Luke 24:1-2 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they
How Blessed To Work In Unity -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Morning Devotional ServiceInvocation:
PROPER 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPCome to Christ whose words are words of eternal life.
Number 68 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: As the acorns fall from the trees, some will be lost to the streets and the predators.
Number 27 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Come to worship. Come to pray and to praise.
Jairus' Daughter and The Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 60 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: There he was, running across the Valley of Armageddon, heading for the hills as if his life
A Prayer For Guidance And Protection -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.
Number 30 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: "Good" and "goodness" are not melodic sounds, but connected to God, they are made rich in me
Number 31 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Lift up your voices in praise!
Good Friday's Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Invocation *P: Standing in the darkness of this day, we feel the pain
Number 87 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Children's Day
Number 8 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: You have come to worship. What have you brought with you to offer up to 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

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!

Special Occasion

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