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The Gospel Of Our Calling -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A friend related to me how, when he was a youngster, he spent a lot of time on the other side of the
The Need for Practical Help in Developing -- Ephesians 4:11-16 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Grow Not In Each Other's Shadow -- Leslie F. Brandt -- 1997
In his book The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran talks about marriage:
The Word Of The Cross Is The Power of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
When Neil Armstrong was on the moon, an American flag was planted to signify the accomplishment of h
Marks Of A Model Minister -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1997
Because he often banged his fists into people's faces, they called him Bam Bam.
A Motto For Marriage -- Duane T. Wuggazer -- 1997
You have come here this evening to be joined together in holy matrimony.
As Is -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Once upon a long time ago, a friend of mine owned a yellow Datsun.
Giving Up For Lent -- John 5:2-9 -- Erskine White -- 1997
I am afraid that this season of Lent, so rich in tradition and so pregnant with spiritual meaning, h
Christian Marriage -- Elmer E. Flack -- 1997
Text: Romans 15:5-6: "May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in
Prayer Clothes -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Going to northern Canada? Bring your parka.
The Judas In Us All -- John 13:21-30 -- Erskine White -- 1997
As we continue our journey to the agony of Calvary and the glory of Easter, certainly one of the maj
Hope In Christ -- Elmer E. Flack -- 1997
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Obedience -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Sunday was a day in Jesus' life that started the week off with palms and praises -- a week that ende
Resurrection Of The Heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Luke 24:36-49 -- Erskine White -- 1997
I demand that you love me!
Living In Harmony -- Elmer E. Flack -- 1997
Text: Philippians 2:1ff: "Now if your experience of Christ's encouragement and love means
Where The Spirit Must Live Or Die -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Erskine White -- 1997
In the months leading up to the day I was married, it fell on me to plan the honeymoon.
The Greatest Of These Is Love -- Kenneth H. Sauer -- 1997
(A wedding homily for the service of marriage for two people who had been previously married)
Deadly Sins: A Matter Of Sutton's Law -- Romans 7:14-25 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
You have said it before and I have, too, to a friend, your husband or wife: "I'm sorry.
Barabbas Speaks -- Matthew 27:15-26 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Have you ever watched someone else die in your place?
Self-Disclosure -- Self-Surrender -- Leslie F. Brandt -- 1997
In a world where good interpersonal relationships are hard to come by, marriage, potentially the mos
Pride: An Occasion For Emptying -- Luke 18:9-14, Philippians 2:1-11 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
Girolamo Savonarola was one of the great preachers of the fifteenth century.
Christians Too Busy To Pray -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Erskine White -- 1997
It was bedtime for the six-year-old who had been sitting in the living room with his family.
Mystical And Real -- Paul O. Hamsher -- 1997
(This wedding meditation was used at the marriage of a young couple in the author's parish.
Envy: Where Is The Grass Greener? -- Genesis 4, Philippians 4:4-13 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
I have a friend by the name of Robert who has always enjoyed playing jokes, especially at the expens
The Things We Don ït Want To Do -- Jonah 3 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Everybody knows the story of Jonah and the whale, right?

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The use of contemporary news stories and ashes focuses on our need for a Savior. -- William Luoma -- 1986
It was Ash Wednesday, and a woman sifting in a crowded Catholic church, leaned over to the young man
LENT 1 -- Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17, 25-3:7, Psalm 130, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
God's gifts of life and free will, mankind's choice of sin and disobedience, mankind's need for forg
Faith to follow God -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 3:21-28 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
A call to repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10) -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 9 -- Psalm 124, Exodus 1:6-14, 22-2:10, Matthew 11:25-30 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1986
In each of these seven texts, the Lord is said to relieve the burden of those who are bowed down wit
"Crown Him Lord of all!" -- William Luoma -- 1986
According to the three-year ecumenical lectionary, developed in recent years, the Sunday before East
LENT 2 -- Psalm 33:18-22, Genesis 12:1-4a (4b-8), John 3:1-17 -- Norman A. Beck -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
The unifying factor in all eight of the texts that are utilized on Lent 2 within the Common, Luthera
God's protective love -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
The Lord is our righteousness -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1985
Call to WorshipPastor:May the blessings of Advent be yours!People:
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1985
Theme:Return to the LordCall to WorshipPastor:
Maundy Thursday -- Howard Eshbaugh -- 1984
Call to WorshipLeader:Praise the Lord, all nations.People:
Good Friday -- Howard Eshbaugh -- 1984
Call to WorshipLeader:Praise the Lord, all nations.People:
Easter Sunrise -- Howard Eshbaugh -- 1984
Call to WorshipLeader:Praise the Lord, all nations.People:
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 6:1-13, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-13Theme: Worship leads to our being commissioned
FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Jeremiah 33:14-16Theme: The Lord is our righteousness
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-10Theme: Trust in God, not in manCall to Worship
THE EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Isaiah 60:1-6
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY -- Genesis 45:3-11, 21-28, Luke 6:27-38 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Genesis 45:3-11, 21-28Theme: Forgiving othersCall to Worship
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Zechariah 7:4-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Zechariah 7:4-10Theme: Righteousness is more important than ritual
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY -- Jeremiah 7:1-15, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Jeremiah 7:1-15Theme: God requires changed lives
EASTER DAY -- Exodus 15:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Heth H. Corl -- Easter Day - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Exodus 15:1-11Theme: Jubilation over deliverance from death to life
Transfiguration of the Lord -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Luke 9:28-36 -- Heth H. Corl -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Theme: God's self-revelation through Moses' death
ASCENSION DAY -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: The Ascension of JesusCall to Worship
Proper 15 | Pentecost 13 | Ordinary Time 20 -- Jeremiah 38:1b-13, Luke 12:49-56 -- Heth H. Corl -- 1976
First Lesson: Jeremiah 38:1b-13Theme: Faith in conflict with man-power
Malachi 3:13-4:2a, 5-6, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Heth H. Corl -- 1976
First Lesson: Malachi 3:13--4:2a, 5-6Theme: God's judgment on the wicked and righteous

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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