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

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

Epiphany 4 -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The text assigned for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany overlaps the text appointed for the Third
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
Persistent Praying -- Luke 11:1-13 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1997
1He was praying in a certain place, and after he had
Proper 26 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"This story is a Lukan masterpiece, a wonder story of the first order.
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The first four chapters of Luke prepare the way for all that is to come.
A Prayer For Maturing Faith -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I make no secret of the fact that I am not fond of bumper stickers or bumper sticker religion.
The Unwise Farmer -- Luke 12:13-21 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my
Proper 27 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Today's text comes to us rather radically ripped from its Lukan context.
Epiphany 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
A considerable portion of Luke's narrative is omitted as we move from the Fifth Sunday after the Epi
The Joy Is The Journey -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
Sometimes, not every time, but sometimes the very worst thing that can happen to us is that we get t
Prepared Servants -- Luke 12:32-40 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1997
Watching. Waiting. Preparedness. Servanthood. These are
Proper 28 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
With this week's text we come to material that is focused on the future.
Epiphany 7 -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text is a continuation of the Sermon on the Plain.
Recipe For Peace -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
"There is no God!" blatantly he shouted.
Weather Signs -- Luke 12:49-56 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1997
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were
Proper 29 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's appointed text from Luke is a fitting text for what is often called "Christ the King" Su
Epiphany 8 -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
We note first of all that this week's text is doubly appointed for the Lukan year.
Somebody Up There Likes You -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
We are talking about encouragement.
To An Audience Of One -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I sometimes sit in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, recalling its distingui
Honor Or Humility -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1997
Emily Post was a well-known expert on etiquette. She would
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Luke 24:1-12 is the text assigned for both the Vigil of Easter and Easter Day.
Lent 1 -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
In the early years of the Christian Church a dominant theme of the Lenten season was the conflict be
Arriving Home First -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
His name is Ralph Archbold.
The Price Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1997
25Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned
Transfiguration -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The assigned Gospel text for this week is one of only two texts (see Proper 8; Luke 9:51-62)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The God Who Never Lets Go Of Us -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
The prophets of antiquity faced problems no different from the soothsayers of today: what language c
A Landmark Event! -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
During World War II allied armies marched into Germany on their way to Berlin.
Spelling Doesn't Count -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
How many of you know what BASE jumping is?
The Healing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Recently, when I renewed my driver's license, I was presented with the opportunity to renew the acco
Sweet-Smelling Fragrance -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Realtors tell us that an empty house is difficult to sell.
Turn On The Lights -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Many people don't realize the extent of the preparations involved when the President of the United S
Going, Going, Gone -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Curtis Lewis -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Recently, a friend of mine went to Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch an afternoon baseball game.
The Dark Didn't Catch Me! -- John 6:24-35 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Remember how it was in grade school when your class went out on the playground during recess?
What Goes On When He Comes In? -- 2 Timothy 1:6, 7, Acts 19:1-7 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
As we grapple with the meaning of our first text for today, Acts chapter 19, how appropriate is the
When The Boat Begins To Sink -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the Gardener Museum in Boston hangs Rembrandt's painting of The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.
The Highest Bidder -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
An auction is a fun event, especially when you are the highest bidder for an item you really want to
Promises, Promises, Promises -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
This morning's Gospel from Luke recounts God's announcement to Mary that she was to become the Mothe
Covenant Of The Heart; Sacred Signature -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Marriage is a covenant.
Making Compassion A Verb -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
The Superintendent of Schools was having a bad year.
The World's Still Point -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Just this past week I received an e-mail from a gentleman I do not know.
It's Happening! -- Mark 4:26-34 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
In an effort to stimulate their thoughts about the nature of God, I invited a group of teenagers to
Grace In The Midst Of Dividing Walls -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
According to those whose job it is to know such things, it only takes three weeks to become blind to
Reverse Direction -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
It's human nature to be excited about meeting a celebrity in person.
By What Power Did You Do This? -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
When I was growing up, my family belonged to St.
The Hillside And The Basket -- John 6:1-21 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
There is a certain rock known as a geode. From the outside it is but a dull-looking stone.
Easy To Say; Hard To Do -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and ag
Is Anything Unforgivable? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
One morning I was roused from sleep around 3 a.m. by the ringing of the telephone.
Grace In The Midst Of Guilt And Shame -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
At the begining of his ministry Jesus had a chance to impress the people he grew up with.
Preparing For Something Big -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Paul E. Flesner -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
How are you getting ready for Christmas? Have you gotten out your Christmas tapes or CDs yet?
The Light Shines In The Darkness, And The Darkness Cannot Overcome It -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Lament. What a powerful biblical word. Lament.

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Word of the Lord restores us -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Christ died for our sins -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- James R. Wilson -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us give praise for God's wonderful redeeming love!
The joy of the Lord is our strength -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Give praise and thanksgiving for God's blessings -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
The wisdom of the Lord -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
The Lord is our strength -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would serve the Lord enter God's house for worship!
Litany For Forgiveness -- Kathryn W. Orso -- 1997
Pastor: We have sinned in many ways.People: Forgive us, Lord.
God's presence among us -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Receiving the Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Send me, Lord! -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Justified By Greed -- Lynda PujadÓ -- 1997
A Biography of a Pharisee
The Passover Haggadah -- Rabbi Sol Ester, Robert L. Linder -- 1997
The Passover
We are one in Christ -- Acts 10:23b-48 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To Worship
Held to the plumb; true and straight -- Amos 7:7-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the people of God gather now for praise and worship!
Well-placed faith -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the children of God join in this day in praise and song!
A Good Friday Vigil -- Alexander H. Wales -- 1997
The following service is useful in a small room setting, establishing a "come and go" time frame for
Dedication to the Lord -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Proper 11 | OT 16 -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Amos 8:1-12 Theme: God's judgment comes
God's promise fulfilled -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is faithful and God's Word will never return empty!
Shadows Around The Cross -- Ralph E. Dessem -- 1997
IntroductionThe Tenebrae Tradition
In all seasons have faith -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
"Not My People" (RSV) -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is our salvation, and we will worship no other gods!
The Word of the Lord shall bear witness -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us praise God and share the Gospel of Christ in every land!
The Lord has come! -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- James R. Wilson -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our Savior has been born!
Justice tempered with compassion -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Hosea 11:1-11 Theme: Justice tempered with compassion

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

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!

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL