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SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day, USA -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
We come in this passage to the Priestly version of God's promise to Abraham of a son.
Grace Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
So this fellow up in Sonoma County, not far from wine-growing Napa County, anxiously watched the wea
Christ The King Sunday -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teachings of Jesus the Christ.
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In this season of Lent, we are Sunday by Sunday approaching the foot of that executioner's cross on
Some Tenants Are Better Than Other Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Some tenants are a lot better than other tenants.
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In today's Gospel lesson from John 3:14--21, Jesus says to Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpen
Joy, Grace, And Living Together -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Chirpy was a parakeet.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
Few accounts are more instructive of the ways of God with his people Israel and with us than is the
In Celebration Of The One-Talent Person -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Some parables of Jesus are really upsetting. This is one of those.
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2001
The scene in our text takes place shortly before Israel's redemption from her slavery in Egypt.
Safer Roads And Real Life -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2001
Maybe the priest and the Levite were the smartest after all.
Trinity Sunday -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.
The Never Lost Ninety-Nine -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2001
The homemade sign hanging on a large construction crane outside Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Io
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-9, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Death: A Way Of Life -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Bill Mosley -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
In 1933 Bishop Fulton J. Sheen published a little book on the seven words of Jesus from the cross.
Faith's Curious Dynamic -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"?
Children And The Sacraments -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Communion And Children
Thank God For The Church -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Try to visualize yourself on the way to church. Not too difficult? Let's make it a little harder.
Writing The Law On Our Hearts -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
In his wonderful book, Open Secrets, Richard Lischer tells of a retired Lutheran pastor who c
Help Wanted: Fathers -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, Ephesians 6:1-4 -- 2004
A few years ago Mass Mutual Life Insurance conducted a survey on Americans' views of their fathers.
The Cry For Help -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
In the Gospel of Mark, the woman in our story is called a "Syrophoenician." Matthew, however, calls
Family Tree -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Bill Mosley, Bill Mosley -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The fence between Heaven and Hell was falling apart. It was badly in need of repair.
Completing The Master's Work -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
Sacrament Poems -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
The Gift Of BaptismAt baptism I was given a gift,
Removing Obstacles -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Our church has an important mission.
Passing And Failing -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
School might be tolerable if we could do away with tests.
What's So Grand About Grandparents? -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- 2004
The title of this sermon is: "What's So Grand About Grandparents?" Many of you already knew that tod
The Incomparable Christ -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
While sightseeing in Boston last fall, I entered the narthex of a church building.
Honest Abe -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
There's an oft--told story about someone going to church to hear the new young preacher give his fir
Pass The Pigweed -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Bill Mosley -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
They tell a story about a hurricane blowing through Galveston, LaMarque, and Texas City heading stra
Building Our Foundation On God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Br
The Letter To Ephesus -- Revelation 2:1-7 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In the season of Lent we prepare for Easter.
Different -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
The Christian faith is supposed to make a difference in our lives.
Getting More Of God Than We Really Want -- Exodus 24:15-18 -- John T. Ball -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
There is an old story about a Sunday school teacher who asked a young girl in her class why her litt
We Need A Good Priest -- Always -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- 2004
The purpose of this sermon is first to present Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest, as described i
Do You Get It? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
"Is that really necessary?" It's a question that we may ask when something unpleasant or disturbing
The Seeing Eye -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
An airplane flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles had a 45-minute delay and everybody on board wa
God's Delight -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Susan R. Andrews -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Once upon a time a student approached his teacher and announced that he was ready to assume the offi
The Hallelujah Chorus -- Revelation 19:1-8 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In 1741, a 56-year-old German living in England was at the lowest point in his career.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Father And Son -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
The little group of doctors and interns burst out laughing at
Neighbor To The Man -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Minneapolis is a cool city to live in. In more than one sense is it cool.
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Weeds Among The Wheat
Connecting -- 1 Samuel 3:10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
It's not the connections you have, Kara thought, but the
Answering The Call -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
It was in the days of sail, long before electricity, when oil
Midas -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The spirit of the 1980's had penetrated far deeper into the life style of Americans than even most e
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 18:23-35The Unforgiving Servant
Eden -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11, 16-20 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The small country of Gardenia had been a democracy for more
Getting Up The Courage -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Julie hadn't been able to think of anything for a month but a
I've Heard That Song Before -- Luke 14:16-24 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''I suppose you're aware of the fact that Uncle Henry's annual bash is coming up soon,'' Chad said t
The Contractor"s Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 20:1-16The Laborers In The Vineyard
Believing Is Seeing -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
"Oh great!" Al was not excited about being at this workshop on team-
What's Appropriate? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mary and Jack had really begun to feel at home in their new
Which Ones Were Lost? -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The first time I set eyes on that grand old church building was in the cool of a January evening.
The Bishop And The Lady -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Passage: Luke 7:36-50A Sinful Woman Forgiven
And The Wind Came Up -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun
Casting Out A Demon -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
The name "Gabby" does not invoke terror. Maybe sheer gabbiness
Midas -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Luke 12:13-21The Rich Fool
Touching Cloaks -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
Beth found herself humming. It was always like this for her as
Time To See The Moon -- Mark 1:40-45 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
Her life was a suffocating mess, totally out of control.
I've Heard That Song Before -- Luke 14:16-24 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Luke 14:16-24The Great Dinner
Hometown Prophets Don't Get No Respect -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
Caroline grew up in Phillipsville and spent all her life there
Remember Not The Former Things ... -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
The old man sat down, picked up his pen and tried to write.
Life In The Light Of Eternity -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
Emilio Lopez received a surprise phone call from his bishop
Calling For You And For Me -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
Karenza smiled as she hung up the phone. The principal's

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (First Reading) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:1-15a Theme: The Sound Of Silence
Cracked Cisterns -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Did You Know? -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Did you knowDust creates the snow?Common, useless, nuisance dust
Paradox -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 23:33-43Theme: ParadoxCall To Worship
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 5:1-11
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Second Reading) -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Galatians 3:23-29Theme: Before Faith Comes
Fully Alive -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:17-26
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Gospel Reading) -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 8:26-39Theme: Tell All
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: Authority From BeyondCall To Worship
Epiphany 7 -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:27-38
A Double Share -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)Theme: Straight-Away Call To Worship
Epiphany 8 -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:39-49
It's Up To You -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: It is up to usPeople: To take the first step.
To Be Continued -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: After Jesus' death, many wondered if the healing had ended.
Epiphany -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Green(January 6 to the Beginning of Lent)
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: From the least to the greatest among us, all will know God.
No Distinction -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lydia -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/Black; White in some culturesGospel: John 18:1--19:42
Cornucopia -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Come, let us give thanks to God.
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 16:16-34 Theme: Do Not Harm Yourself Call To Worship
Lent 1 -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 4:1-13
Mask -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship

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

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

(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Lutheran Church [ELCA], Oakwood, Georgia. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She is the co-author with her husband of three books.
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

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