Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
More than any other Sunday in Lent, the fifth Sunday has lost its theological and liturgical identit
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) -- George M. Bass -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Sunday provides the theological clue within the cycle and season of Pentecost.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
The Holy Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Trinity Sunday had given its name to the entire second half of the church year; that changed almost
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
The Sundays after Christmas (there may be one or two some years) allow the church time to reflect on
The Day of Pentecost -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27 -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Just when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the event known as Pentecost, occurred is a matter of d
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Historically, most of the liturgical churches celebrate the First Sunday in Lent as Invocabit, as th
The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1990
The liturgical and theological function of the festival of Epiphany is to manifest the full glory of
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Wake up and watch is the biblical/liturgical theme for this First Sunday of Advent.
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Something of a minor liturgical controversy surrounds the celebration of the Ascension of our Lord.
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1990
In 1991 , this will be the pivotal Sunday in the Pentecost cycle/season; thirteen Sundays precede it
Proper 8 -- Genesis 32:22-32, Matthew 10:34-42 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Easter Cycle -- George M. Bass -- 1989
This cycle is made up of two seasons, Lent and Easter, which together form exactly one-quarter of th
Salt and Light -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1989
On this Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, we begin the series of parables in Leationary Cycle A with
Proper 14 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Faithful and Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
In the twelfth century Cistercian Abbey of Boquen in Brittany there is a madonna called by the monks
Proper 25 -- Ruth 2:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Sunday of the Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Seed and Soil -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
"O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord." (Jeremiah 22:29) These words of Jeremiah were ch
Proper 26 -- Ruth 4:7-17, Matthew 23:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 12 -- Exodus 3:13-20, Romans 8:26-30, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Treasure and Trash -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1989
According to Jesus, there is nothing more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- Leviticus 1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 5:38-48 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 15 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Romans 11:13-16, 29-32, Matthew 15:21-28 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Templates And Story-Sermons -- J. Will Ormond, Lucy A. Rose -- 1999
The buttonholer on my sewing machine uses templates.
Promises -- Promises -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
In Romans 4, the apostle turns his attention to Abraham, and rightly so for obvious reasons.
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall...! -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Do you remember the fairy tale "Snow White"?
A Grave Reality -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1999
The widow of Nain, the Gospel story just read: Can you picture the scene?
The Agenda Factor -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- William L. Self -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Architecture and power are Siamese twins joined at the hip.
Jesus And The Challenge Of The Bread Business -- Luke 4:3-4 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1999
The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus
On The Matter Of Love -- John 15:9-17 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
The presence of God is the difference between joy and happiness.
Deductive And Inductive Sermons -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
The processes of deduction and induction are mirror opposites.
Once And For All -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- John A. Stroman -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
We approach this first Sunday of Lent with mixed feelings.
The Need Of Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
From the beginning, it seemed, Ludovicio Gadda was destined for greatness.
Fishing With A Harmonica -- Matthew 4:18-20 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an elderly outdoorsman and church memberLawrence H. Craig
Going Through The Waters -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
I suppose when we hear this passage about the parting of the Reed Sea, many of us cannot help but re
The Journey To Freedom Begins -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Mohandas Gandhi, the famous Indian freedom fighter and certainly one of the most influential persona
A Time To Build Another Story On A Stone House -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
There was much excitement in the summer of '64 at Tell Makor in Israel.
It's Never Too Late -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
The term "late-bloomers" refers to people who respond later in life to an invitation, but still mana
Essential Personnel! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this t
The Word Of The Lord Came To The Prophet Haggai -- Haggai 1:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
There is something about seeing a zero creep up on the odometer, whether it's in your car, the world
Jesus Called To He -- Luke 13:12 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an active church member who had a long struggle with cancerT. A. Kantonen
One Last Reminder -- 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
One cannot read the gospels without being impressed with the way that Jesus dealt with the surprises
The Rain Of Bread -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
There is nothing like heading out into the back country, carrying on your back everything you need t
Our Need To Talk With The Son -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
Three sisters lived in the forest.
A Time To Come Along, Bravely -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
The waiting room is adequate but nothing fancy; magazines dog-eared and out of date, a few toys for
Doing Right Because It Is Right -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
In a vast field that stretched as far as the eye could see, a great multitude of people milled about
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
While This House Lies In Ruins -- Haggai 1:2-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
Hymnologists say the first hymn in a hymnal tells a lot about the rest of the book.

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
41. None of us can be alone, what God has created us to be.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
30. Communion calls us to our potential.
Proper 5 -- Psalm 113 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1991
Praise the Lord!Praise, O servants of the Lord;praise the name of the Lord.
Easter 2 -- Psalm 2 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Why do the nations conspire,and the peoples plot in vain?
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
45. We had a certified public accountant who believed the offering was God's tax on his people.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
34.
Proper 6 -- Psalm 42 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1991
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you,O God.
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30:4-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,and give thanks to his holy name.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
46.
The disciples' failure to understand what Jesus was teaching, and their fear about checking it out -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The events surrounding the last hours of Jesus' life. -- John 18:1-19:42, John 19:17-30 -- Good Friday - B -- 1990
Again, use an order of worship different from your usual order.Suggestion:
Jesus' rebuttal to the disciples -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Eastertide, the Season of the Resurrection -- 1990
Christianity focuses on, and revolves around, Easter Day (No such term as Easter Sunday exists.) Chr
Jesus deals with the question of divorce -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, John 20:1-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1990
1.
Jesus' confrontation with the rich young man and the disciples over riches -- Mark 10:17-30 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
The risen Christ confronts a doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' confrontation with James and John about sharing power -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The Appearance of the Risen Christ, and the Disciples initial disbelief -- Luke 24:35-49 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' healing of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by choice -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
The Great Commandment: Love God, and others as you love yourself. -- Mark 12:28-37 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
God the vinedresser; Jesus the vine; we the branches -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Friendship with God -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider these ideas:
Birth of the World's Savior - Include the themes of crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost -- Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1990
Suggestion: Use the following themes to identify each section of the order of worship:

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

Wildcard SSL