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SermonStudio

How Good Was Jesus With A Sword? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Did Jesus mean what he said about dividing a family, one member against another?
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
In Job 23, Job responds to Eliphaz, one of Job's supposed
Who Are The Real Christians? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Behind the query of who is and who isn't a Christian lies the fundamental questio
Last Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 50:1-6 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1993
The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun
Good Friday -- Psalm 22:1-18 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Good Friday - B -- 1993
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me,
What's The Matter With Sex? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: A sermon intended to help the Christian find a healthier attitude concerning sexu
The Dragon Who Ate Himself To Death -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: A sermon recommending fasting.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
These verses constitute the conclusion of a Roman centurion's
Is Your House Haunted? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: No plan for preaching is complete without an occasional sermon on fear.
Proper 5 -- Psalm 61:1-5 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1993
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.From the end of the earth I call to you,
Columns Of Stone Or Coals Of Fire? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Revenge has no place in the Christian's repertoire.
Nobody Actually Takes The Bible Seriously -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Everyone reveres the Bible as the Word of God and more important than any other b
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1993
The arguments of Job's four friends come to an end. Now the
Can You Keep A Secret? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: If we are so eager to pass along secrets, why can't we be as excited about sharin
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
Lent 1 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.O my God, in you I trust;
Mystery Of The Red Dragon -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: This is an opportunity to preach on apocalyptic literature in our Bible and the w
Women: What Men Need To Know -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Men need to consider seriously being more like women.
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
The church is living between Jesus' departure and the coming
Made Anybody Uncomfortable Lately? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: God's word is not always popular and can make us feel uncomfortable.
Proper 6 -- Psalm 92:1-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
The Famous Anonymouses Of The Bible -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: A sermon intent on keeping us humble, as well as keeping our motives more altruis
Try It -- Perhaps God Hasn't Heard That Excuse Yet -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: We must honestly confront our own excuses for avoiding God, not attending church,
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1993
In this passage we come to the book's conclusion. Now Job
So, What? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: What is the reason for the cross and what does the cross do for us?

Sacrament

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A Note To Fearful Hearts -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
The frail, tired woman had experienced a sleepless night in her hospital bed.
The Second Article: Jesus Born Of The Virgin Mary Is My Lord -- Genesis 3:14-15 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Apostles' Creed -- The Second Article
The Child Of Promise -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Benjamin Britten's cantata "St.
At Christmas Time, Don't Miss Christmas! -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Don M. Aycock -- 2000
A man who lives in Hollywood tells this to friends who come to visit: "When you are in Hollywood, do
True Friends -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Robert R. Kopp -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Twice a year for many years, Eric Felack and I have played a grudge golf match against my father and
How Not To Throw A Party -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2000
When I prepare a sermon, I usually begin by reading the assigned Bible passage for that day, often i
Getting It Together -- Luke 6:39-49 -- William G. Carter -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Hypocrisy. We know it when we see it.
Words We Know, But God Doesn't -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Native Texans know the place as "the hill country." Not like the high rolling plains of the Edward's
The Sacrament Of The Altar: Given For You -- Exodus 24:1-8 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Sacrament Of The Altar -- What The Lord's Supper Is
Your Sins Are Remembered No More; You're Free! -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Mark Ellingson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Have you ever felt weighed down by your sins and shortcomings?
True Or False? -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- John W. Wurster -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
"Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom.
Dealing With Disappointment -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Don M. Aycock -- 2000
How do you deal with disappointment? Some of us get angry.
The Power Of Uninformed Decisions -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
One of the most nerve-wracking experiences in life is finding a place to live and a person to live w
The Second Article: Jesus Is My Lord -- Daniel 3:19, John 20:24-29 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Apostles' Creed -- The Second Article
The Promising Child -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
The Holy Gospel appointed for this First Sunday after Christmas was chosen to help us understand the
Affirmations For A New Year -- Isaiah 55:6 -- Don M. Aycock -- 2000
January is named after the Roman god, Janus.
Pray Devoutly, Hammer Stoutly -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Thomas A. Renquist -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
They had not been married long -- three or four years -- when it started to unravel.
What To Do With Bad Guys -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Robert R. Kopp -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
When I asked Dad to go to Israel with Mom and me about fifteen years ago, he said, "Son, I've been i
Sunday Dinner -- Luke 24:28-35 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2000
Remember Sunday when you were growing up? Maybe a lot of your families were like mine.
Beyond Our Sight, Within Our Hearing -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- William G. Carter -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
I wonder what they were thinking as they started up the mountain.
If You're Going To Get There, You've Got To Leave Here -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Cokie Roberts, Chief Congressional Analyst for ABC News and a national correspondent for National Pu
The Sacrament Of The Altar: Eat And Drink Forgiveness -- Zechariah 9:9-11 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Sacrament Of The Altar -- The Benefits And Power Of The Lord's Supper
A Fresh Start! -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Mark Ellingson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Have you ever felt that you were absolutely at the end of your rope, left without hope?
God Knows -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- John W. Wurster -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
It's a phrase meant to underscore the limits of our knowledge.
Ceremony 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Pastor: In the beginning days of creation, God was pleased with all He had created.

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Number 12 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Whom do you trust?
The Tomb Confesses Its Emptiness -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Tomb Confesses Its Emptiness *P: The tomb is empty! He is risen!
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16, Romans 16:25-27 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPHappy are the people who have learned to give acclaim to God, and
Number 81 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Easter SundayPastor: Do you hear it?
Number 74 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Athanasius Faithful Teacher -- Thomas A. Renquist -- 1993
Reader 1: In the early part of the fourth century it suddenly became a lot less dangerous to be a Ch
Solomon Succeeds David As King -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 92 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Independence DayPastor: "If my people...."People: We are God's people.
Number 41 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things
Number 44 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Ah, yes!
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPIn Christ Jesus every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this
The Empty Tomb -- John 20:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or
Number 42 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Have you ever looked for something, and searched and searched, but you couldn't find it anyw
Number 13 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
(The following outline is designed to be used by the pastor to lead the congregation in reflective t
The Lord Makes Confession -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Lord Makes Confession*Invocation
ALL SAINTS' -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24, Revelation 21:1-6a -- B. David Hostetter -- All Saints Day - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPGod has spoken. Let us be glad and rejoice in the salvation of
Number 9 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Where might God come to you and call your name?
Number 75 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Presidents' Day
Ludwig Nommensen Missionary To The Bataks -- Thomas A. Renquist -- 1993
Reader 1: In the Pacific Ocean of southeastern Asia lies the country known as Indonesia.
The Whole Armor Of God -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 93 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Labor Day
Number 43 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: When you think about it, it is an awesome thought!
Number 45 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: No solution! Sometimes there just seems to be no solution -- no way out.
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:18-22, Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPBless God from your innermost heart and hallow God's name,
Jesus Appears To His Disciples -- John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or as a call

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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