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SermonStudio

Reading Faces -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children learn how to tell what another person might be feeling.
Black And White -- 1 John 1:9-11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you are good at coloring?
The Easter Lily -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand the meaning of Easter.
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A spear
The Empty Tomb -- Matthew 28:2-6 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A picture of an empty tomb
The Ladder And The Sponge -- Matthew 27:45-49 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A ladder and a sponge
The Dice And The Robe -- John 19:23-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:Dice and a robe
The Crown Of Thorns -- Matthew 27:26b-30 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A crown of thorns
The Rope -- John 18:12-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A rope
The Lantern -- John 18:3 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object: A lantern
On Using Problems -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about the reason for problems in life.
Know Your Limitations -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to live with our limitations.
Can You Go Home Again? -- Luke 2:1-7 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"All went to their own towns to be registered.
The Saving Prayer -- Matthew 26:31-35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
The head of a seminary, a school for ministers, told of all the teachers there voting to picket, to
Zero -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to handle failure.
Learning From Riddles -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to take care of ourselves.
Tell God When You Are Happy -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Erskine White -- 1993
"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.' " (v
The Unwanted Cup -- Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Our sacred story for today tells of Jesus, when he knew he was about to die, going to the Garden to
Symbols Of Thanksgiving -- Stone And Rope -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress our need to thank God for all the good things
The Sawhorse -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show that even simple things can be used to serve God.
What Are You Looking Forward To? -- Luke 2:21-35 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout
The Betraying Kiss -- Matthew 26:47-50, Mark 14:43-50 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
(The following questions are rhetorical questions, not requiring an answer):
The Wishbone -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: How to reach our goals in life.Material: A chicken or turkey wishbone.
Wave The Flags -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about what it means to say, "One nation under God."
Your Light Has Come -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."

Christian

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Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Easter 6 -- Psalm 66:8-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
... we went through fire and through water, yet you have brought us to a spacious place.
You Who Live In The Shelter Of The Most High -- Psalm 91 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge ...
O LORD, Our Sovereign, How Majestic Is Your Name -- Psalm 8 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ...
Lent 4 -- John 9:1-41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
... One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.-- John 9:25
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
... Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?"
Deliver Me From My Enemies, O God -- Psalm 59 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Deliver me from those who work evil ... Each evening they come back,
Hear My Prayer, O LORD -- Psalm 143 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Do not enter into judgment with your servant,
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with Go
Epiphany 2 / OT 2 -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
... The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me.
Advent 2 -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire o
Easter 6 -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope th
Easter 6 -- John 14:15-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.-- John 14:15
It Is Good To Give Thanks To The LORD -- Psalm 92 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
I Will Give Thanks To The LORD -- Psalm 9 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
Lent 5 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
... They say, "Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely."
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have hea
O God, You Have Rejected Us -- Psalm 60 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O God ... you have made your people suffer hard things;
Blessed Be The LORD, My Rock -- Psalm 144 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Blessed be the LORD ... my rock and my fortress,
Proper 13 / OT 18 (Psalm 17:1-7, 15) -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholdin
Epiphany 2 / OT 2 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my
Advent 2 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own au
The LORD Is King -- Psalm 93 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty ...
Why, O LORD, Do You Stand Far Off? -- Psalm 10 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Rise up, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed.

Drama

SermonStudio

Power -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
A Thorn -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-6 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJessica: a sick singer who wants to make a career singing
Miracle In The Bethlehem Inn -- Mary Lou Warstler -- 1993
WelcomePrayerCarol "O Little Town Of Bethlehem"Scene I
Blow The Trumpet! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Inheritance -- Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAttorney: middle-aged, can be male or female
Everyone's Invited To The Feast! -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:14-29 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Food -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, John 6:1-21 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersKristen: female, college age or older
Paul's Early Life Through His Conversion -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul! Paul! May I speak with you?
Billy Belief And Donald Doubt -- Acts 3:12a, 13-15, 17-26, 1 John 5:1-6, John 20:19-31, Psalm 111 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Years Of Suspicion -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul, when we left off talking the last time, you were
Sherman Skeptical And Rodney Rude -- Micah 4:1-5, Acts 4:5-12, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 98 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The First Missionary Journey -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Well, Paul. I'm eager to hear of this new chapter in your life.
B-a-a-a-a! -- Ezekiel 34:1-10, John 10:11-16, Psalm 23 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Gospel Reaches Europe -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Well, Paul. This time when you, as an old hand, started
The Third Journey And Trials In Caesarea -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul, after you came home from your second journey, did you visit Jerusalem?
Love: A True/False Quiz -- Acts 8:26-40, John 14:15-21 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Journey To Rome & Paul's Last Days -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: So Paul, it was Festus and Agrippa who sent you off on your fourth journey.
Righteous Rudy And Judgmental Judy -- Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:9-17, Psalm 33 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Prodigal Son -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
So he returned home to his father.
'Wow, I Just Won The Lottery ... I Think!' -- Acts 1:15-26, John 17:11b-19 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Great Feast -- Luke 14:24 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
Symbol And Reality -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-13, Psalm 25 -- John A. Tenbrook -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Ten Virgins -- Matthew 25:10-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
My Son, My Only Son! -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 8:31-39, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 16 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Unprofitable Servant -- Matthew 25:19, 21, 26 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

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Inspirational

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Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

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Mother's Day

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SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Psalm 65 -- Stan Purdum -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2006
(See Proper 25/Pentecost 23/Ordinary Time 30, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Advent 4 -- Psalm 80:1-7 -- James Evans -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Lent 5 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(See Ash Wednesday, Cycle A, and Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18, Cycle B, for alternativ
Lent 1 -- Psalm 32 -- Stan Purdum -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Easter 2 -- Psalm 150 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Psalm 150 offers eloquent testimony to the power of repetition.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 14 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 14 -- James Evans -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Vengeance/Injustice/Anger -- Psalm 94 -- 2006
O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2006
Psalm 106 is recitation of the sins of Israel, an enumeration of the ways in which the nation failed
Christmas Eve -- Psalm 96 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Psalm 96 is an enthronement psalm.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Lent 5 -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
The reason for this alternate lectionary selection, culled from the longest of the psalms, is undoub
Lent 2 -- Psalm 121 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
This is a hymn of praise.
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30 -- James Evans -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(For alternative approaches, see Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B; and Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Or
Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B, and Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9, Cycle B; see
Help/Strength/Comfort -- Psalm 121 -- 2006
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day We are all wanderers, dependent on the providence of God.
Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 99 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2006
(See The Transfiguration Of Our Lord/Last Sunday After The Epiphany, Cycles A and C.)
Christmas Day -- Psalm 97 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cyc
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Palm Sunday/Sunday Of The Passion -- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Palms, Cycle A; see also The Re
Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2006
Psalm 40 is possibly a combination of two psalms.
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- James Evans -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

From Emptiness To Fullness -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Today, we learn from two women. The first is the woman we met last week, Ruth.
Words That Wound, Words That Heal -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building ot
Contemporary Prophets Speak The Truth -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
Dorothy Day, a woman who many people today believe to be a prototypical saint for twentieth-century
A Strange Authority -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
When I was just barely into my teens, I went through a period of time when I wanted to be someone el
Who Will Vouch For Me? -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we?
Do Not Forget Your Servant -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
How to have law and order without tyranny? That is the question.
God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Have you noticed that no matter how much of a mess we make of our lives, God never gives up on us?
Be Careful How You Live -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opport
You Are In Good Hands With God -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
The SS seemed more preoccupied and more disturbed than normal.
The Unsilenced Voice -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2008
There is a book on my shelf titled Texts of Terror.
The Eyes Of Faith -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Scott Suskovic -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the ligh
Are You A King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
Are you the king of the Jews?
Sleeping In On Sunday -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. -- Ephesians 6:10
No Litmus Test For Jesus -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
United States society in 1917 was one filled with much fear and misunderstanding.
God's Anthills -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
Four years ago this week, I was walking through an African village in Namibia with my friend, Solvei
The Season Of Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday is the day when we enter into an annual pilgrimage that takes us from the grave that n
When Grace Dances -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
The church has been given some fine texts for Thanksgiving but, like all texts, they require a conte
The Ear, The Tongue, And The Temper: A Lesson In Spiritual Anatomy -- James 1:17-27 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow t
The Renewal Of Life -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
There once was a tree that lived happily in a big forest with many other trees.
When The Impossible Becomes Imminently Possible! -- John 6:1-21 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
He already had in mind what he was going to do.-- John 6:6
The Width And Depth Of God's Grace -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Nancy Kraft -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the number one wilderness boxing event of all time.
A Whole City At The Door -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
One of my all-time favorite church magazine cartoons pictures a physician in his office, speaking wi
Yielding To Spiritual Maturity -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
Peter Drucker has conducted management seminars for both businesses and churches.
The Tongue Is Mightier Than The Sword -- James 3:1-12 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
Reconciliation -- The Heart Of Love -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Have you ever taken a course of action or held a particular attitude, all the while thinking that it

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Unwanted
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A frustrated mother of three very lively boys went to the manager of the local grocery and begged, "
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The world needs true examples of holiness.
Sweet/Salty Love -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
While waiting at the beauty salon, I was captivated by an article in People magazine (January
The Stolen Generation -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
In an October 2, 2000, Time magazine article written by Terry McCarthy, Archie Roach recounts
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The will to excel is through the Spirit from God.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Henry Ward Beecher: "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit gives love, inspires eternal hope, and sets the spiritual captive free.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Child
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Honesty
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Virginity
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One Mother's Day card read, "Now that we have a mature, adult relationship there is something I'd li
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The greatest benefit of holiness is that it results in eternal life.
Extraordinary Ordinary Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Catchy quotes help us envision things that are hard to understand.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Pride
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Cross
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Automation: a technological process that performs all the work while we just sit there.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God does not force holiness on you ... He offers it to you free of charge.
Conscience-Building -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Trace was known for his strong, durable buildings.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Spirit, not chance, determines destiny.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother." (Napoleon Bonaparte)

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Theme: Life In A Dead End -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship One: Life is filled with sorrows.All:
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- Luke 6:38 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Give, and it will be given to you.
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 19:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA celebration of the God who is our foundation. Leader:
Theme: Spell My Name With An "H" -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 22:23-24) One:
NULL -- Genesis 4:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 6:9a, 11b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get mo
Theme: Give Me Back What The Bugs Stole -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Life Beyond The Dead -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- Luke 12:48 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship.Based on Psalm 111. Leader:
Theme: "No's" That Mean "Yes"! -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:1-4) One:
NULL -- Genesis 14:19, 20b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth ..."
When called to go to a place... -- Hebrews 11:8 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheri
Theme: When God Began To Create ... -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Silent Lips, Praying Lips -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)
Third Sunday in Advent -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- Luke 16:10, 11 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever
Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalm 84, John 6:56-69 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipVerses from Psalm 84. Leader:
Theme: Snake Eyes -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 107:17-22) One:
NULL -- Genesis 28:22 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "And this memorial pillar shall become a place for worship;
NULL -- Hebrews 13:5 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, beca

Worship Service

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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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