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The Verse -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Return To The Lord)
The Great Thanksgiving (Litany) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come forward at the usual time for the children's sermon to avoid interrupting
The Great Thanksgiving (Preface) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come forward at the appropriate time.
Candles -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(At the time when the acolytes usually come out to light the candles, call the children forward.)
The Great Thanksgiving (Holy, Holy, Holy) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Bring a bag containing a Bible, a toy kids like to play with, and a delicate figurine to show the c
The words Of Institution -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(My preference was to have this during the regular children's sermon time.
The Lord's Prayer -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(At the regular time for the children's sermon, or following the prayer of the church when holy comm
At The Altar Rail -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(We have a tradition of encouraging parents to bring their children to the altar rail with them when
The Blessing -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come to the altar rail.)
Post Communion Hymn (Thank The Lord) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come forward.
Post Communion Hymn (Lord, Now You Let ...) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come forward.
Post Communion Prayer -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(When the children come forward, have a child's game with a spinner and a bag of goodies to pass out
The Benediction -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(When the children come forward, have a "Love" or "I Love You" stamp for each child, a large light b
Sent Forth -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(When the children come forward, have a badge of some type symbolizing a "deputy.
The Confession -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Before beginning the confession, ask the children to come forward.)
The Hymn Of Praise (This Is The Feast ...) -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Warn the organist ahead of time that you will have the children's sermon before the Hymn of Praise.
Postlude -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask an usher, an altar guild member, an acolyte and an organist - if practical - to come forward wh
The Prayer Of The Day -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(After the Hymn of Praise ask the congregation to be seated and the children to come forward.
The First Lesson -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come forward after the prayer of the day.
The Greeting -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Ask the children to come to the chancel after the entrance hymn.
The Psalm -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(If you or someone you know can play a guitar, make use of it as a stringed instrument.
The Kyrie - Part One -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(After the greeting, ask the children to come forward.
The Second Lesson -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(If you have a letter carrier in your congregation, ask him to wear his uniform and deliver a letter
The Kyrie - Part Two -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
Does anyone still remember what Kyrie means?
The Verse -- Larry L. Sydow -- 1991
(Alleluia)

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Proper 8 -- Mark 5:21-43 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Mark 5:21-43
Proper 9 -- Mark 6:1-13 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Mark 6:1-13
Proper 10 -- Mark 6:14-29 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
Mark 6:14-29
Proper 11 -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Proper 12 -- John 6:1-21 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
John 6:1-21
Proper 13 -- John 6:24-35 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
John 6:24-35
Proper 14 -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
John 6:35, 41-51
Proper 15 -- John 6:51-58 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John 6:51-58
Proper 16 -- John 6:56-69 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
John 6:56-69
Proper 17 -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Proper 18 -- Mark 7:24-37 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Mark 7:24-37
Proper 19 -- Mark 8:27-38 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Mark 8:27-38
Silence -- Revelation 8:1 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in
Christmas Eve -- Late And At Home -- John 14:27 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to
5:15 a.m. -- Mark 1:35 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went
At The Communion Rail -- Matthew 9:35-36 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in
At The Altar Rail -- Marriage -- Ephesians 5:31-32 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be
Birth -- Psalm 139:13-17 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together
Baptisms -- Romans 6:3-6, 11 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ
My First Experience With Death -- John 11:35 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Jesus wept. -- John 11:35
Walking Away From A Grave -- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have
Home Communion -- Matthew 25:36 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
... I was sick and you took care of me ... -- Matthew 25:36
6 a.m. Bible Study -- 2 Timothy 3:16 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for
Cancer -- Psalm 23:4 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
Wednesday Bible Study Small Group Time -- Isaiah 55:10-11 -- William C. Bartlett -- 2001
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not

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It's The Least You Can Do -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What is the minimum expected behavior for a Christian?
My Mind Kept Racing Back To The Bible -- Larry Lange -- 2005
Hermeneutical Concerns With Creative Ways Of Retelling Biblical Stories
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day God's holiness awes, cleanses, inspires, and sends forth.
You Can Learn To Like Spinach, Liver, And Theology -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We need to overcome our resistance to Sunday school and Bible study.
Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21
Would Jesus Stretch The Truth? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Jesus used exaggeration in his teaching and for good reason.
What Did He Do That Was So Bad? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Why did anyone want to kill Jesus?
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Revised Common Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Who Do You Love Better: God Or Me? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it mean to love God more than your spouse or parent or child?
I See What You Mean -- Larry Lange -- 2005
Factors Affecting "The Willing Suspension Of Disbelief"
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 61:10--62:3 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40
A Bodyguard Named Jesus -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is certainly appropriate and important to ask ourselves what our motive is,
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35
A Sunday School For Adults Only! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Sunday school is not only for children, but also perhaps even more important f
Don't I Look Nice? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Our obsession with physical appearance does not fit with Christian values.
The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Genesis 1:1-5 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11
The Ubiquitous Nature Of Religion -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians need to be reminded that religion or theology undergirds and encomp
I Just Can't Listen Unless There's Something Happening! -- Larry Lange -- 2005
Including Visual And Musical Dimensions In Sermons Which Retell Biblical Stories
The Nativity of our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20
From Inside A Really Big Empty -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Because many of us do not recognize our need for God, we find substitutes (som
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Ephesians 4:25--5:2
Up Close And Personal -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Unfortunately, until it affects us, we usually are not willing to get involved
Knock, Knock -- Who's There? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we handle the religious zealots who knock at our door?
Christ The King (Proper 29) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
Catch Me If You Can -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A congregation should be invited into dialogue with the minister regarding the

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

It Was Only Fair -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
The blizzard was kind enough to have shown up on Friday evening, so that when it had finished rattli
Is It Time Yet? -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Tony S. Everett -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
A popular skit at church camps involves about a dozen folks lined up side-by-side, looking anxious a
To Be Passed Over -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
This ancient story comes down the centuries to us with power.
The Porch Light's On -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
All of us have heard various short, sarcastic sayings that describe people and groups who seem to la
The Cross No One Wants To See -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Lee Griess -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
Garbage truck driver, Craig Randall, brings his work home with him sometimes.
A Big Enough Reason -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Peter writes to Christian slaves.
To Say Elohim -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
Since we are gathered here in a church, I suspect that there are not many of you present who do not
The Angels' Song -- Luke 2:8-20 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
We don't talk or even think much about angels anymore.
The Armor Of Light -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Characters Harry Christian Margaret Christian (Harry's wife)
From 'Uh-oh' To 'Ah-hah!' -- An Axe, A Stump, And A Shoot -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Tony S. Everett -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
One hot summer day, a young pastor decided to change the oil in his automobile for the very first ti
Where The Rubber Meets The Road -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
I don't need to tell you that we belong to a portion of the Christian family called the "Protestant
Burned Beef -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Tony S. Everett -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
Jenny was employed as an emergency room nurse in a busy urban hospital.
The Rest Of The Message -- John 20:1-18 -- Lee Griess -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
On June 18, 1815, the combined forces of Austria, Russia, Great Britain, and Prussia under the leade
Yes, You -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Most congregations experience the joy of their former pastors visiting.
The Three Dimensions Of Life -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Today's reading starts in the ancient world before the great flood.
Making Room For Christ -- Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 2:1-7 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The story of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is one of the most familiar parts
The Land Where Our Fathers Had Lived -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- David Kalas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
The story begins innocently enough.
The Holy Way -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Tony S. Everett -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Our text centers on God's promised action in the wilderness.
Preaching Peace By Jesus Christ... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you!
Backseat Drivers: Named, Claimed, Commissioned -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
When his oldest daughter, Nancy, was approaching her sixteenth birthday, Harold decided to teach her
Behind Closed Doors -- John 20:19-31 -- Lee Griess -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
There are some jokes that are just too terrible to tell from the pulpit.
Rock Bottom -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- David O. Bales -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Peter begins a new paragraph here by asking, "Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is g
God, What Are You Up To? -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
One of the better programs on television from 2003 to 2005 was a series on CBS called Joan of Arc
The Mystery Of Bethlehem -- Isaiah 53:1-6, Luke 2:1-7 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
A small boy, who was in a church kindergarten class, continued to go up to the nativity scene in his
God's Providence: The Long And Short Of It -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
We human beings are naturally fond of happy endings.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness harmonizes us with the character of God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Joy
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Word
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motherhood is woman's greatest achievement.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The act of evangelism is the overflow of the Spirit in a person's heart.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Friendship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Sacrifice
The Faith Of Rachel Bella Calof -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
This passage fits the life of Rachel Bella Kahn Calof.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers help set the morals that develop character in their children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
My human best filled with the Spirit's best is a tremendous motto for life.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Decision
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Morality
Strike Three, You're Out! -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
It was a difficult issue: LaTonya was a beloved woman who had been asked to watch the church nursery
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christmas -- Room In The Heart
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother needs to teach her children that a basic value system comes from God.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness makes us morally fit for heaven.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Joy Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Work
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Simply having children does not make mothers." (A. Shedd in Salt from My Attic)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
When the Holy Spirit comes, a hungering for excellence is the result.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Friendship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Salvation
That Which Is Good And Right And True -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Many, many people have tried to give a formula for the secret of happiness.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Moms are like lighthouses -- they always send out light.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit is God at work." (Dwight L. Moody)

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Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipPsalm 34:1-8 Leader:
NULL -- 2 Chronicles 31:10 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: And Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, "Since the people
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
This Sunday's passages reflect a cry for God to restore.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) Theme: Have Your Own Way Instead
Third Sunday in Advent -- Psalm 126 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 8:2, 7, 12 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Out of their most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty wel
Theme: View From A Height -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Isaiah 40:31)
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 15:7--18:5, 10-16, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-8, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipPsalm 146 Leader: Praise the Lord.People:
NULL -- Ezra 3:3 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundati
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on the Genesis 17 passage. Leader:
Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Do Overs / Blind Man's Bluff / So What's That Like? -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 Theme: Do Overs
Third Sunday in Advent -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 9:10, 11 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and incre
Theme: If Only -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 130 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
NULL -- Nehemiah 10:32 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister and Congregation: "We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a
Saints Through The Ages -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Reformation/All Saints Day
All Saints Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipRevelation 21:1-6 (The Message) Leader:
Christmas Day -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Theme: The Harder They Fall -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Bulletin Insert for First Sunday in Advent for Year B -- Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Advent Wreath ServiceReader A: ______________________

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 -

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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

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