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The Barren Fruit Tree -- Luke 13:1-9 -- William E. Keeney -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
1At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate h
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The narrative possibilities of today's text are almost endless.
Proper 9 -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Chapters 9 and 10 of Luke are much occupied with the disciples.
The Catch Of Fish -- Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 4:18-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1997
1. Text
A Father And Two Sons -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- William E. Keeney -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to
Baptism Of The Lord; Epiphany 1 -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This story of Jesus' baptism has manifold narrative connections in Luke's Gospel.
Proper 10 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
We come this week to one of the great Lukan stories that have found their way into the consciousness
Jesus Transfigured -- Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1997
1. Text
Forgiving Debts -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1997
36One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he
Epiphany 3 -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
With this week's text we come to the absolute center of Luke's concerns.
Proper 11 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The few verses in this week's Gospel text have been the subject of much interpretation.
The Sprouting Fig Tree -- Luke 21:25-36 -- William E. Keeney -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
25"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
The Post-Resurrection Catch -- John 21:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 12 -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
One of the basic agendas "on the way to Jerusalem" is instruction of the disciples.
The Centurion's Servant -- Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 8:5-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 13 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty" (Luke 1:53).
The Widow's Son at Nain -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 14 -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text begins with a clear statement of the Gospel message. "Do not be afraid ...
The Lepers -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 15 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"I came to bring fire to the earth...." "I have a baptism with which to be baptized...." Je
Proper 16 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
We have seen that the material in the Travel Narrative consists primarily of Jesus' giving instructi
Proper 17 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Chapter 14 in Luke's Gospel consists of a series of discourses in the setting of a banquet.
Proper 18 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
In this week's text Jesus fixes his gaze on the multitudes who have followed him and calls them to d
Proper 19 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because ...
Proper 20 -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
We have made reference to these verses in Chapter 11 and in Chapter 24.

Sacrament

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Our Solution ... God's Solution -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
A familiar Yiddish folk tale goes something like this: a man goes to his wise and revered rabbi for
Placard Faith, Complex World -- John 3:14-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
As you have sat in your easy chair munching on snack food during any NFL game, you have seen this si
Hanging The Law On Love -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Compared to some of the pericopes from Mark's Gospel, this one seems a piece of cake.
The Holiness Of The Sacred -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
In the April 7, 1999, issue of The Upper Room, Merial Scott of South Dakota wrote the following:
What It Takes To Do The Job -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
What is Job #1 in your life? We know what it is for Ford, right?
Thanks -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
A minister held an administrative position in a major university in a large city.
Humble Beginnings -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
Small town folk will often ask a person on first meeting, "Who was your mother?" What they mean is:
Holy Vexation -- John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We have all probably had the experience of being in the presence of someone who is normally composed
In The Hot Seat -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Everybody who thinks you could have done better than James or John, raise your hands.
Growing Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
It's an old joke, but an insightful one: A man slipped off the edge of a cliff, and just before he f
Height Advantage -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
One of the key inventions of the modern world is the geostationary or geosynchronous satellite, many
Sweet Surrender -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
John Bradshaw tells a parable about a prisoner in a dark cave.1 The man was sentenced to die.
Blessing Revealed -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
"Trouble comes in threes," so many people say.
Life -- From The Inside Out -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Eleven people, so goes the story, were dangling from a rope beneath a helicopter in a rescue scenari
The Impossible Option -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Before there was Harry Potter, there was Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit. In J. R. R.
Too Good To Miss -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Paul E. Robinson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
C. S.
Promised Land -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
This day called All Saints' developed in a manner that every university fund-raiser can appreciate.
Grace In The Midst Of Unanswered Prayer -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
No one ever really prepares you for your first theological bull session.
The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.
Up And Running -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Robert A. Noblett -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We all have a stake in making sure that our young people get up and running.
Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
An early movie version of Victor Herbert's romantic operetta
Grace In The Midst Of Limited Resources -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Year after year Stumpy and Martha attended the fair in their home state, and every summer it was the
The Destination Of All Journeys -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Today we encounter one of the most sacred moments for every single one of us.
Cross Connections -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Good Friday is not an easy day on which to preach, nor is what happened on Good Friday easy to expla
The Roads Less Traveled -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
A lecturer was talking about what he called "the most dangerous road in the world." Most people in t

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The Savior is coming -- Micah 5:2-5a -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come now and know the presence of the Lord God of Hosts!
The agony of sin -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
God's kingdom shall endure forever -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- James R. Wilson -- All Saints Day - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let the saints of the church gather this day for worship!
Faithfully witness wherever we are -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us proclaim the glory of the Lord in our praise and worship!
Promise of the New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us gather for worship and praise before Almighty God!
The Ascension -- Acts 1:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who believe in the risen and ascended Christ give praise!
Prophecy, dreams, and visions -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1997
Sunday between October 23 and October 29 inclusive First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32
Repent and turn to the Lord -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Sin, judgment, and faith -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let the people of God give praise and worship the Lord!
The Lord is our salvation -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- James R. Wilson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people gather this day for worship!
God's promised blessing -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Give praise to the Lord, for God's kingdom is at hand!
Resurrection of the Lord -- Acts 10:34-43 -- James R. Wilson -- Easter Day - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Christ, our Lord, is risen from the dead. Praise be to the Lord!
God's new earth -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who seek the Kingdom of the Lord gather now for worship!
We are witnesses sent by God -- Acts 5:27-32 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us gather this day and raise our voices in praise before God!
God's righteous branch -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- James R. Wilson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Repentance in Christ -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Give praise to God, for Christ is risen and lives in our hearts!
God knows no equal! -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Power over death -- Acts 9:36-43 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The wisdom of the Lord belongs to those who will seek God's will!
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Proverbs 31:10-31
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- James R. Wilson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, all who would bear witness to the risen Christ!
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would proclaim God's word gather now for worship!
Epiphany -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would praise the Lord gather now for worship!
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Praise be to the Lord who calls us to serve the living Christ!

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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

CSSPlus

What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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