Login / Signup

SermonStudio

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

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

IS FREE JUST LOOSE? -- Galatians 4:21-5:1a -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a wristwatch or a pocket watch on a chain.
GOD'S THICK SYRUP -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:some very thick syrup that you would use on waffles or pancakes.
Rest -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: In Christ there is rest from weariness.
Filled Up With God -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large glass of water and a clear straw
Gordon Glove And Henry Hand -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a glove on a stick
A Man With A Hard Name To Remember -- Acts 1:12-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: symbol of Jude
Parts Working Smoothly -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-21, 26-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: automobile parts (an be borrowed from car dealer)
The Sealed Secret -- Colossians 1:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large envelope with a wax seal
You Can't Hide The Light -- John 1:1-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box with a hole in one end and a blanket that will shut out the light attached to t
The Last Is First -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a circle of children holding hands
Jesus Helps Us See Better -- Hebrews 12:18-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pair of eyeglasses
Be Nice -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach the children courtesy and hospitality.
The Day The Winds Came -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been caught in a big wind?
A Paper Bag Is Worth A Lot -- Matthew 8:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a paper bag and a bunch of fruit - a dozen apples or oranges or anything that a child
A Big Problem -- Luke 12:49-53 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and a division problem
A Second Choice -- Acts 1:21-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: symbol of Matthias
When A Child ... -- 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coloring book, a novel, a toy car, a set of car keys
Bill And Bert Bell -- Romans 8:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two bells, only one of them having a clapper
Jesus Our Parachute -- Colossians 1:13-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a parachute (tie some strings to a handkerchief and attach a weight)
Gum! -- Luke 24:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use at Easter)
The Welcome Mat -- 3 John 5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a welcome mat
A Time For Giving -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
Share Your Crayons -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: If we give our life to God, he will give life back to us.
Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ears of corn
Turn Around! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a framed picture with the back showing

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 or Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
It's Time To Quit -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Many or all of us have some things over which we need to get control.
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Time Travel -- Mark 1:12-15 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Spirit hurled Jesus into the desert.
The Day That God Changed His Mind -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we account for the differences in the biblical teachings about God?
We Need To Talk -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is necessary for Christians to sit down together and discuss controversial
Have You Hugged Your God Today? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it mean to love God and do we?
Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
Theme For The DayGod's call requires a receptive listener.
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
1. Text
The Aliens Are Puzzled -- John 10:11-16 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The aliens didn't come to conquer the earth. They came just to survive.
Touch Me, Turn Me On, And Burn Me Down -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What part do, and should, emotions play in our faith experiences?
If You Can't Say Something Nice ... -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Constructive criticism is necessary and helpful, and we need to learn how to g
Religion That Will Scare You To Death -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is there still fear associated with some religion and should there be?
Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Burying The Seeds -- John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
She sat on the ground and watched the grass grow. The long green stalks were not good to eat.
Becoming A Tricky Old Dog -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is never too late for us to grow and change.
Let Me Tell You How To Vote -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Should our Christian faith dictate how we should cast our votes?
Drive-Thru-Window Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: For some churches and for some church members, a quick and convenient Sunday m
Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Deuteronomy 18:15-20 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
1. Text
The Bread Of Heaven -- Acts 1:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
"This could be kind of embarrassing!" she thought as she looked at the computer screen and read the
I Am Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
I Am Christ's Body 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
How Vulgar Can We Be? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What are the limits of acceptable vulgarity for the Christian?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

I Don’t Do Windows -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 -- Tony S. Everett -- 2007
For months, members of the parish property team had been having difficulty finding volunteers to cle
Having Fun With The Great Commission -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
I find it interesting that today as we commemorate the Trinity doctrine, the church assigns the Bibl
The Proof Is In The Pudding -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
It is an incongruous scene: a multitude in the desert.
Holding On To Christmas -- Zephaniah 3:14-17, Luke 2:15-20 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Since I was a small boy, one of my most memorable experiences at Christmastime has been listening to
A Little Theology At Christmas -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John N. Brittain -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Scholars who study such things are quick to tell anyone who will listen that Christmas is much overr
No Partiality -- Acts 10:34-43 -- John N. Brittain -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
You may be looking at the most fortunate person on the face of the earth. Let me explain.
Righteous! -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Perhaps some of you are old enough to remember one of the most popular musical groups of the mid 196
Forty Days And Forever -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Tony S. Everett -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Here's a story that many church members have been telling for a while.
With A Firm Foundation, Application Is Second Nature -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Practice makes perfect. If you do these things for Jesus, the Lord will bless you.
Appointment With Thunder -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
If you're like me, then you've spent your whole life in the church.
Not What You Expected -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Some years ago, my wife and I took a group of students on a short-term mission trip to Belize, the o
Caught In The Middle -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
It has become very popular to talk about how stressed out we are because we (both individually and c
In Spite Of Evidence To The Contrary -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
The scriptures talk about "faith" in many different ways.
Ruining The Christmas Spirit -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
This morning is the first Sunday of Advent, and therefore the first Sunday of the church year.
Sleeping Through The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
I might as well get this off my chest. I have an abiding dislike for alarm clocks.
Sick People Like Us Will Always Need The (Divine) Doctor -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Jesus spent a lot of his time hanging around undesirable folks, not with "good" people like us.
A Change Of Mind -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
While it has been suggested that idle hands are the playthings of the devil -- the same may be true
The Vastness Of Relationships -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John N. Brittain -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2007
At this time of year, the Christmas and Epiphany seasons, various preachers, teachers, and Sunday sc
Small-Minded Christians In A Big World -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound!
Boast In Our Suffering -- Romans 5:1-8 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
The phone rings in the middle of the night.
Hard Words To Hear At Christmas -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
We've gathered here today on the second Sunday of Advent to continue to prepare ourselves for the co
Putting The Genie Back In The Bottle ... -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
When our twins were quite young -- infants really -- I remember a scene that played out on our livin
Wonderful Opportunities For Mission -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
Jesus' ministry and mission was shifting into high gear.
Show Me What's Real -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Have you ever found yourself in a position or place where you would rather not be?
A Strange Way In And A New Way Out -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
The heroes of this little narrative certainly seem familiar to us.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
In this cold and lifeless world no one has so deep and strong a love except that which is found in a
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination molded by the Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Church Growth
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother's Day
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The philosopher, Immanuel Kant, said that the dove might consider air resistance a problem, somethin
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Being a friend of God is the essence of holiness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
Is It Too Late? -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Courtney worried for her daughter.
Niceties Don't Sell -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
During the time of the Christian church in Corinth, a trance--like state testified to the fact that
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship "Worship is not performance -- it is participation." (Robert Webber)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's praise has outstanding effects upon children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spirit-filled prayer is the best safeguard against backsliding.
The Viking Bachelor -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
In 1948 there lived a group of bachelors in the small Minnesota town of Viking.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know that he se
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
We may not be able to direct the wind of the Spirit, but we can adjust the sails to catch the wind.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motivation
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Somebody's mother once said, "If you're wondering when middle age begins -- watch out, it's begun al
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The carnal person is overcome by the world, while the holy person overcomes the world through the po
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Glory
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

NULL -- Haggai 1:6-8 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: You plant much but harvest little.
Come, Ye Thankful People -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Thanksgiving
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18, Psalm 23 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom 1 John 3:16-24.Leader:
Theme: It Don't Get No Better -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Other Services Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
In Times Of Emergency
First Sunday in Advent -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- Malachi 3:10 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Celebrate The Trinity -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Trinity Sunday
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on 1 John 4:7-21. Leader: Love -- what is love?
Theme: Wisdom. Real. -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 125:1-5) One:
Historic Anointing Services -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
From An 1887 Church Manual
First Sunday in Advent -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date: _________________________
NULL -- Matthew 2:11 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed dow
In Search Of Love -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Hymn Service Of Words On Love For Valentine's Day Or Family Day
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Embarrassed Enough To Finally Listen? -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:1-2, 7-9, 14) One:
A Hymn For Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
To the tune Hyfrydol ("Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus")
NULL -- Matthew 5:7 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Blessed are the merciful,
The Way To The Manger -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 1:1-3 (The Message)Leader:
Ancient Ruins Rebuilt -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 58:10-11)
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
HymnsO Christ, The Healer, We Have Come (NCH175, CBH379, UM265, PH380)
Come Into The Ark -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipCome into the ark, it's raining outside.
Connectedness -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:17-23 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe worship the Christ who promises to be with us always.
Costly Grace -- Luke 14:25-35, Philemon 1:1-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod's love is a costly love.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
16 – Children's Sermons / Resources
6 – Worship Resources
6 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas 2
20 – Sermons
60+ – Illustrations / Stories
12 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
12 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany of the Lord
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When to accommodate and when not to accommodate? That's the question we face today. Most likely, the minds and hearts of our congregations will be focused on the new year. They will have just celebrated the advent not only of a new year but in this case a new millennium. With all the hype about the year 2000, our attention will doubtless be engrossed in the calendar. On the other hand, today is also an important liturgical celebration of the naming of Jesus. It provides us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of that name which has become sacred in our tradition.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

CSSPlus

Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL