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Receiving the true bread of life, Jesus Christ -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Receiving the true bread of life, Jesus Christ.
Advent 1 -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
This week's Markan text comes near the end of Mark's Gospel, but it comes first in the Church Year.
The church organizes for mission -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The church organizes for mission and Christ prays that the ways of the world wil
Tying Up A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Mark's gospel account very quickly gets into the conflict that will eventually culminate in the deat
An Affirmation Of Preacher And Preaching -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Let us begin this work on preaching and preachers by examining the scripture for an affirmation of t
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
We stand here at the climactic passage in Mark's Gospel.
Jesus is the Bread from heaven that truly satisfies us -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Jesus is the Bread from heaven that truly satisfies us.
Advent 2 -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
Seven of the Lectionary B pericopes from Mark's Gospel come from the first chapter of Mark!
The Easter Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
The Development Of The Season
Seeds And The Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
At this writing the U.S.
Belle Plaine's Gusher -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
(A Local History Sample Sermon)
Transfiguration -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The Markan text appointed for these Sundays stands at the very heart of Mark's Gospel.
Being filled with the wisdom and Spirit of God -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Being filled with the wisdom and Spirit of God.
Baptism Of The Lord; Epiphany 1 -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We will focus our attention here on verses 9-11.
The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and revealed in the New -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and re
A Ten Week Strategy For Improving Your Preaching -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
The following are suggestions which can help you keep your preaching edge by using the principles th
The return of the Lord -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The return of the Lord.
The difficulty of discipleship and of keeping God's covenant -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The difficulty of discipleship and of keeping God's covenant.
Epiphany 3 -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The first two verses of this pericope have been commented on in chapter 3.
The call of God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The call of God.
Preaching For The Watch And Rewind Generation 1 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Marina Gottschalk, a writer for the Oakland Tribune, told a fascinating story under the headline "Am
Christ as our Shepherd King -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Christ as our Shepherd King.
Purity is an inside job -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Purity is an inside job.BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Epiphany 4 -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The story of the man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit fits structures in Mark which have been
The right time -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The right time.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Money Bag -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Judas -- Judas IscariotIt would have been better had I not been born.Oh, Lord.
Deborah - A Useful Leader For God -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
The great emancipator Moses and his general Joshua, who became Commander-in-Chief of Israel, both ha
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
What would you say is "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"?
Faith Hardware -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
To hang a cabinet door, you need two hinges.
Acting Like God Acts -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
My good friend, Tommy Garrison, tells the story of a minister who boarded an airplane.
Atonement: At--One--Ment -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up.
Letters In The Sand -- John 8:1-11 -- 2001
One year my wife and I had the opportunity to take a
When We Don't Know -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Just a few days before writing this message, I conducted a memorial service for a 60-year-old man wh
Anonymous -- 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... we, many though we are, are one body ...
Mary (The Mother Of Our Lord) -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Little did I know growing up in Nazareth of Galilee that I had been chosen by God to be his sacred v
Reformation To Transformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Have you ever gone in search of buried treasure?
A Christmas That Lasts -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
I would imagine that any one of us here this morning could tell an amusing story or two about unusua
Serving Faith -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Pharisees TodayThe Pharisees were real "good news/bad news" guys!
Lone Rangers And Cookie Cutters -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
To be asked to speak or pray in public sent shivers of terror down his spine.
A Fear Of Falling -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Robert J. Elder -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Three observations:
Be All That You Can Be -- Luke 7:36-50 -- 2001
We were out in the hallway waiting for the wedding to begin.
Prepare For Arrival -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Have you ever been on a plane and heard the captain tell the cabin crew to "prepare for arrival"?
Dorian Gray And Us -- Matthew 10:26-33 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed ...
The Towel -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Look at the cross before you, the wilted palm branches symbolizing the fact that early in the last w
Living The Thankful Life -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
A condition known as "amnesia" may be produced if a person bumps his/her head very hard.
The Christ Child And The Angels: A Story Sermon -- Luke 2:22-24, 39-40 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
This particular Sunday is one of those Sundays that presents a preacher with what I call "an embarra
I Thirst -- John 19:28 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
The surface of the earth is two-thirds water, but when you are really thirsty, a good drink can be h
Let It Shine -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Jesus told a story about ten bridesmaids whose job it was to bring wedding torches to shine for the
Something That Works -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Many years ago, a monk was sitting around reading his Bible. No big deal!
Dependable Faith -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Robert J. Elder -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Drop the Gordita!

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Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- James R. Wilson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
MORNING WORSHIP -- Psalm 100 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
"New every morning is the love our waking and uprising proves, through sleep and darkness safely bro
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: We are called to serve the Lord with all of our hearts!
EVENING WORSHIP -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
CALL TO WORSHIP
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-16, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-6, John 6:24-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Theme: Solomon seeks the wisdom to rule.
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us come and worship together our loving and wonderful God!
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us each come before the Lord this day with an open heart!
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would stand true for the Lord gather now for worship!
A Larger Design For Living -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation (The people quietly prayerful)
Down Time -- George A. Nye -- 1994
There's no doubt about it. I'm one of those enlisted in the
Love, Love, Love - That's What It's All About -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Youth Service For Mother's DayCall To Worship:
Common Prayers for Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Righteous God, searcher and reader of our hearts, create in us
Prayers Of Confession And Pardon For Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Righteous God, our refuge and our strength; mightily we have
Vitality For Today -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Music: "God Of Grace And God Of Glory"
Mailboxes -- George A. Nye -- 1994
There are few things in our daily lives that bring greater
God's Shining Lights -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Sunday Morning Holy CommunionCall To Worship:
Loopholes -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Loopholes are highly desirable in everything from income
Prayers Of Dedication For Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Out of the storms of life, you O God, have spoken to us and for
What Are You Doing With The Rest Of Your Life? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation: from Psalm 90:1-2, 10, 12 (NRSV)

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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