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Prayer is the golden thread -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 21 -- Psalm 27:7-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
Is There Any Future In The Bible? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: It is important to preach on the nature of biblical prophecy to dispel the myths
Astrology, Flip A Coin, Or Jesus -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: What criteria do we use to make critical decisions?
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
David's rebellious son, Absalom, sought to gain the kingship
If Crows Don't Worry, Scarecrows Won't Work -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Apparently stress or worry is one of our greatest burdens and needs consideration
When And How To Break The Law -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Are good Christian citizens ever allowed to break the civil law?
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Isaiah 61:1-13 is the text for Jesus' inaugural sermon at
Proper 22 -- Psalm 128 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1993
Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways.
Why Teachers Can't Pray -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: It is important to preach a clarification sermon on the issue of Bible reading an
Baal: The 2003 Edition -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Baal was the chief rival to God during Old Testament times.
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
We have come to the end of the story of great King David who
Epiphany -- Psalm 72:1-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1993
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
Things To Do During A Dull Sermon -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: What is the proper way to respond to sermons?
Christianity Is Not A Majority Rules Activity -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Christianity is sensitive to all persons and no minorities should be overlooked o
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
David tells his prophet, Nathan, that he wants to build a
That's Blasphemy! -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: The definition of blasphemy is making mocking, slanderous, or vulgar speech conce
Don't Even Think It! -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: We need to appreciate the fact that the thought is more dangerous than we imagine
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1993
David becomes king of all Israel. For 71/2 years he ruled the
Proper 23 -- Psalm 90:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About The Bible Because You Were Afraid I'd Ask -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Occasionally there needs to be a sermon just on the general background of the Bib
Staking Out Your Donkey On Friday -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: What day is the Sabbath and what do we do on it?
Proper 16 -- 2 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1993
At the completion of the building of the temple, Solomon calls
Epiphany 2 -- Psalm 63:1-8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1993
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my souls thirsts for you;
Tell Me How You Know There Is A God -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Make an interesting list of the evidence for God's existence.

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Disruptive Faith In An Organized World: The End Of Nice Christianity -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Once, not too long ago, a certain pastor was leaving the grocery store with some supplies for his fa
A Voice From The Inside Of The Sanhedrin -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A week ago on Palm Sunday when we last met here in this sanctuary, I, Nicodemus, confessed to you my
Access To Grace -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the
Formed By A Dream -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
There was a movie several years ago called Flashdance.
Even Me, God? -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Grace And Peace
Who Can Endure The Day Of His Coming? -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
Have you ever noticed that many people seem to feel they either have "too much" Christmas or "not en
The Prophet's Reward -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Children are sometimes the best teachers one can imagine having.
Bring Me Up Samuel - A Sermon Preached on Mother's Day -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
This sermon with a strange title which, by the way, is a quotation right out of the Bible, is about
Live In The Light -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Sidney Sheldon repeatedly has given us evidence of his remarkable gift for weaving tales of the biza
Eve And The Garden Tensions -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
There is an old rabbinic legend about Lillith, the first wife of Adam.
Does Your Grace Still Matter, God? -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: God's Grace
Mary's Song -- Micah 5:1-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
It's almost here, isn't it: Christmas! Can you believe Christmas is just four days away!
A No-Win Situation -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
I think one of the best lessons I have learned in ministry is the lesson of win-win.
Mary, The Mother Of Jesus -- Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
One of the greatest works of religious art ever conceived shows Mary, the Mother of Jesus, holding h
Good Seeds, Good Soil: The Call To Christian Community -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Not too long ago I was in a garden shop and I bought a "meadow in a can." Have you ever seen one?
If I Had Only One Sermon To Preach! -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Sermon Preached on the Occasion of an Adult Baptism
A Higher Lifestyle -- Romans 8:6-11 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
A gripping and extremely well told story of how the law works out in the lives of people is Midwi
Looking Up, Looking Out -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Robert J. Elder -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Alan Paton was a courageous South African author whose courage was manifest in his novels, written d
Why, God? Enough Is Enough -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Endurance
Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
We continue this morning with a second sermon in the "Witnesses To Christmas" series.
Growing Together Until The Harvest -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
I once knew this person who had both the blessing and the curse of utter clarity in his life.
Why I Am A Lutheran -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
Lest we lose our perspective, I want to begin with an anecdote.
All Baked Into One Loaf -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
On Passion Sunday we took note of the work of Richard Fortey, an English paleontologist, who publish
What Are They Saying About Us? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Robert J. Elder -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
Why should it be said among the peoples, "Where is their God?"
Sometimes, God, I Feel Marked By An Unknown Destiny -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Marked With The Seal

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Will You Tarry With The Lord This Night? -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
*P: We enter the darkness of this Easter Vigil in the hope
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- B. David Hostetter -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPSing praises in God's honor with the harp and the music of the
Number 84 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pentecost
A GLOBE OF THE WORLD -- Mark 1:36-37 -- Richard J. Hull Ii -- 1993
Preparation: Each week during the Lenten season we are asking church members to present a symbol of
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (Number 74) -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Number 66 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Jesus said that except as you become as a little child, you shall not enter into the kingdom
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal -- John 13:21-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or see
Number 33 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: We hold coronations just about every day of our lives.
Number 36 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Power and majesty, friendship and intimacy. They don't seem to go together.
The Anointing Of Jesus -- John 12:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PROPER 22 -- Job 1:1, 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively)Sing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
Number 10 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: We have come together, as the Body of Christ, to worship.
The Coming Of The Son Of Man -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- B. David Hostetter -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively)How awesome is God most high,
Number 85 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Memorial SundayPastor: Back to the future!
A LANTERN -- John 3:20-22 -- Richard J. Hull Ii -- 1993
Preparation: Each week during the Lenten season we are asking
Number 75 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Presidents' Day
Number 67 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Talk about commitment! Listen to this promise of the Lord to His people: "...
A Call To Praise God -- Psalm 148 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as an anthem
The Great Heart Of Neuendettelsau -- Thomas A. Renquist -- 1993
Reader 1: In 1808 in Germany, Wilhelm Loehe was born into a pious Christian family with deep roots i
Number 34 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: So great a cloud of witnesses!
Number 37 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem -- Mark 11:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PROPER 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPBe satisfied with God's love when morning breaks and sing for joy
Number 100 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
AdventLighting The Fourth Advent Candle

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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