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Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
1. Text
Miracle 4 Resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
1. Text
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 18 -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Matthew 18 is of crucial importance to the structure of Matthew's Gospel.
Feeding 5,000 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
1. Text
Miracle 2 The Man Born Blind -- John 9:1-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
1. Text
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
In our previous chapter we discussed the importance of Matthew 18 as a whole.
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
1. Text
Miracle 3 Raising Lazarus -- John 11:1-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.1
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 20 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come this week to one of the most memorable stories in all of Matthew's Gospel: the parable of th
Demon-Possessed Child -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
1. Text
Miracle 6 Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:2-7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7 (E)
Palm/Passion Sunday -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5 (C, RC, E)
Miracle 7 Feeding 5,000 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
1. Text
Miracle 8 Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
1. Text
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON PASSION/PALM SUNDAY
Proper 21 -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Jesus enters the temple: Matthew 21:12.
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 11:1-10 (C, RC, E)
Proper 24 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The appointed Lukan text for this week is given to us without its context.
Becoming What We Are -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
Shell--shocked soldiers presented a perplexing problem for the French Army following the conclusion
The Neighborly Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1997
25Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus.

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Don't Forget What You Look Like -- James 1:17-27 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
A young college graduate embarked on what he hoped would be a promising career in sales.
The Widow's Mite, The Mighty Widow -- Luke 21:3-4 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Widows occupy a very special place in the biblical religions of Judaism and Christianity.
Missing The Point -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Have you ever been in a group of people where someone told a joke and everyone else laughed except y
The Dangerous Truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
I'd rather hear Saint Matthew talk about Christ the King. His story of the Last Judgment is vivid.
The More -- Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
In seminary there was a very popular saying.
King Forever! -- John 6:56-69 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Norman Rockwell has a painting titled Lift Up Thine Eyes.
Joy To The World -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Curtis Lewis -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Open the hymnals. Pull out the stops on the organ, for we are going to sing a song.
Who Can Ask For Anything More? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Those who have read Charles Dickens' famous story, Oliver Twist, will recall that little Oliver, sti
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'
Taxes To Caesar - What To God? -- Matthew 22:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A young politician running for office asked a veteran politician for advice on how to assure victory
Anxious Thanks -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
On Thanksgiving, isn't it odd to hear a Gospel that talks about anxiety and worry and not about, wel
A Friend In High Places -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
What we want to talk about is not, I am extremely sure, a theme that dominated your breakfast conver
The Dangers Of Being Religious -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Jeff Foxworthy has made a career of telling "redneck" jokes.
First Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Curtis Lewis -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?
Everybody Loves A Parade! -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
This is the season for parades.
Security Concerns -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Security has become big business in our world.
Stocks, Bonds, And Petty Cash -- 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
The Christian Faith owes a great deal to sailors on the seas.
Heart Transplant -- John 8:31-36 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Imagine the scene: you are in the doctor's office, an array of EKGs, echocardiograms, and other test
The Making Of A Saint -- John 11:32-44 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is difficult to preach on All Saints' Sunday.
To A Life Beyond -- John 6:51-58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
The torches burned long into the night in the banquet hall.
The Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Today we celebrate the Festival of the Holy Trinity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Don't Fence Me In! -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Goodspeed translates our text: "I may do anything I please but not everything I do is good for me.
Gifted People -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
You and I are "gifted" people. We live in a "gifted" country. We gather in a "gifted" institution.
2001: A Faith Odyssey -- Luke 12:15 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It made the headlines when it was first released. Magazines and newspapers were raving about it.
You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst

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The Great Commission in Response to the Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Trinity And Great Commission
Jesus' Walk to Emmaus -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Prayer 29 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Benign Protector:
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9aTheme: Like FlintCall To Worship
Birth and Escape -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
The Community Acknowledges God's Presence
Jesus the Good Shepherd who Brings Abundant Life -- John 10:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Prayer 30 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Participant Observer:
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:1-21Theme: I Hear!Call To Worship
Birth of Jesus and Birth of the New Year -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1998
The Community Acknowledges God's PresenceInvitation to the Celebration
Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- John 14:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Prayer 31 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Source Of Truth And Reality:
Pentecost 27 (Lutheran) -- Jeremiah 26:1-6, Matthew 24:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Jeremiah 26:1-6Theme: They Might ListenCall To Worship
Birth -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
The Community Awaits God's Coming"For whom are we waiting, anyway?"
Promise of Holy Spirit -- John 14:15-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
The Lord is our Provider -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord our God is mighty and wonderful!
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Acts 11:1-18 Theme: Christ for the world
Evil will not prevail against the Lord -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15 Theme: Salvation for all who believe
Passover -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Faithful to the voice of God -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1997
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-15a Theme: Faithful to the voice of God
The power of the Gospel -- Acts 16:16-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the people of God gather this day in praise and thanksgiving!
We shall not be ashamed -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- James R. Wilson -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Prophets of the Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
God's promise of greatness -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Praise for the blessing of parents -- Luke 2:41-52 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us come together giving honor to Almighty God!

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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...

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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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