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Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- George M. Bass -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-13, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:27-37 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 20 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Matthew 20:1-16 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 10 -- Exodus 2:11-22, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 13 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 8:31-39, Matthew 14:13-21 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:1-10, John 14:1-14 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 17 -- Exodus 19:1-9, Matthew 16:21-28 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1989
Exodus 19:1-9Romans 12:1-13Matthew 16:21-28
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 16 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
First Sunday of Lent -- Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17, 25-3:7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 6 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 5:6-11, Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Holy Trinity -- Deuteronomy 4:32-40, 2 Corinthians 13:5-14, Matthew 28:16-20 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Nativity of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George M. Bass -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-17, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 11 -- Exodus 3:1-12, Romans 8:18-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hosea 6:1-6, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- George M. Bass -- Good Friday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 4 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 3:21-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a (4b-8), John 3:1-17 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The arrangement of the lessons for the second through the fifth Sundays in Lent is rather confusing;
Proper 19 -- Exodus 20:1-20, Matthew 18:21-35 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Epiphany 2 -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons
Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

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Make Good Use Of Your Injustice -- Philippians 2:1-11 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... he emptied himself taking the form of a slave...
Easter: A Time For Higher Things -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
The Mandate: Positive And Purposeful -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- William A. Jones -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
No other God, no graven images, no taking of the name of the Lord in vain, no work on the Sabbath, n
Inherit The World -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
"The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come throug
On The Twenty-fourth Day -- Haggai 2:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
Haggai works his way to this crucial question, and so shall we.
Center Yourself In The Lord -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in h
Salvation Serving -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Joseph M. Freeman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
When I was in high school, I had a bad case of acne. Many teenagers did then and many still do now.
Food For Hungry People -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
There is no story in all of the Bible that more graphically demonstrates the dilemma of biblical int
Overcoming Spiritual Anemia -- John 6:51-58 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Webster, the famous dictionary author, defines anemia as a "condition in which the red corpuscles of
In The Flesh -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1998
"And the Word became flesh."
God Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- Anthology -- 1998
a funeral meditationJohn R. Brokhoff
Bad Habits -- Mark 9:38-43, 47-48 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out...
When God Says, "Let Me Alone" -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- William A. Jones -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Poor Moses, poor Aaron, poor people. I label all of them poor, but for different reasons.
Enter Your Pax Word A Lenten Lexicon -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen.
Is There Any Seed Left In The Barn? -- Haggai 2:19 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
About eight years ago I first considered moving from Los Angeles to northern Indiana, from the city
The Community Of Life -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Unity and disunity -- these words are more than mere opposites.
The Marvelous Style Of Jesus: Truth And Love -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Joseph M. Freeman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Jesus' use of parables is his way of communicating a striking truth with significant love.
The Tie That Binds -- Mark 14:12-21 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
For centuries the question has been debated among Christians: When did the Church begin?
Zapped By The Spirit: No Post-Easter Slump -- John 20:19-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost -- the "religious holiday" ignored by the mass media. Thank God!
Presents And The Gift Of Presence -- Luke 2:1-20 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- 1998
Some of you may have opened gifts before you came here tonight, others may do so later tonight or to
Death Shows No Partiality -- Anthology -- 1998
for a little childJames W. Robinson
Top Ten List -- Matthew 18:21-25 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive...
On Seeing His Backside -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- William A. Jones -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
"I beseech Thee, O God, show me thy glory. Show me the essence of your being.
Pleasing The Teacher -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Pleasing the teacher.
For I Have Chosen You! -- Haggai 2:20-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
When I was a kid the night before Christmas was the longest night in the world.

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John's version of the Christmas story - The Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' calming of the sea: the disciples' fear and awe -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The preaching ministry -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' healing of the woman with a flow of blood and the ruler's daughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' healing of the leper -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Announcement - You're the one, Mary! You're the ones, church! -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Invitation to the Corporate CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus healing the bed-ridden -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Theme: Jesus healing the bed-ridden, followed by the hostility of the scribes.
Jesus' inability to do any mighty works in his own community because of the peoples' disbelief -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Watchfulness -- Mark 13:32-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Suggested quotes at the beginning and end of the order of worship:
Jesus calling the disciples and sending them out two by two -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The Transfiguration of Jesus -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' invitation to the disciples to leave the crowd and to rest -- Mark 6:30-34 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The Baptism, Temptation, Message of Jesus -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' attempt to be alone with his disciples -- John 6:1-15 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Jesus' awareness of the cost of discipleship -- Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-10 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus, the Bread of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
The cleansing of the temple; the promise of Jesus' resurrection. -- John 2:13-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' response to, his critics, and his reiteration of the Bread of Life theme -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
God's love for the world to which the son came to bring light and judgment. -- John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Jesus' insights into his body and blood -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Order of Worship HeadingsConsider this:
Jesus' moving toward his death and glorification; the call to die in order to live -- John 12:20-33 -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Jesus, the living Bread and Wine -- John 6:55-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' insight into his death because of the people's attitudes -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
The final events of Jesus' life -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
The idea for this Holy Week celebration came from an idea suggested by a pastor in a church periodic
Christmastide, the Season of the Nativity -- John 14:9 -- 1990
The most popular of all the Christian festivals is the season of Christmas.

Worship Service

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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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