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A Light Bulb And God -- John 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb inside of a light globe
Coal, Frankenstein, And Merv -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: An explanation of the important gifts of the Magi.
Who Ends Up Happiest? -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: very pretty ribbon and some plain old string
Gifts For God -- Romans 11:33-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of candy, some flowers, a piece of jewelry
Using The Name Of Jesus -- Acts 19:13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Heart, Mind, Soul, And Strength -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: A working understanding of the Greatest Commandment.
A Good Custom -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: praying hands and bowed head
The Great Picnic -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a basketful of pieces of broken bread
It's Mine! -- 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: your watch, your billfold, your comb, a handkerchief with your initial on it
The Humble Teddy -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a tire jack
Try For A Good Life -- James 3:16-4:6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: bricks and raisins
Jesus Is No Joke -- John 12:20-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some grains of wheat
One Flower Or Many? -- John 11:1-53 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a flower with some seeds that will shake out when the petals are removed
Zip--lock Protection -- John 17:1-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We are protected from the corruption of the world. Key verse: 11.
An Invitation -- Matthew 22:1-10 (11-14) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an impressive invitation (try to plan at least part of your service, if not the whole
Jesus' Job Description -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and some ideas on the job description of a mother
Teaching Trust -- Acts 16:28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Tricky People -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Exegetical Aim: Beware of people who try to trick you.
It's Tempting -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a television schedule
Don't Ignore The Signs -- Galatians 6:1-10, 14-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs, such as "Stop," "Keep Off The Grass," or "Beware Of Dog"
Fizz! -- 2 Timothy 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an Alka--Seltzer tablet and a glass of water
What's In A Name? -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two brands of soda crackers like "Krispy" and "Zesta"
Faith Needs Work -- James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a calculator
Do You Know His Voice? -- John 10:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some blindfolds
The Prize -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exegetical Aim: Faithfulness to the end.

Christian

Christian Faith

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SermonStudio

Transfiguration Sunday -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
It seems clear that we have a different source beginning in verse 12 than that found in 24:1-11, bec
Betrayal -- Mark 14:17-21, 43-45 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
When you look at the last night of Jesus, consider that he experienced every negative event a human
On Saying Thanks -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A boy's imagination knows few limits.
Hit It With The Hammer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Devere Allen used to tell this story.
Ground Zero -- One Year Later -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Listening to and watching television on September 11, 2002, as that long list of over 2,800 names wa
True Brotherhood 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is interesting to know that the New Testament of the Bible has taught the equality of all humanki
A Connectional Religion -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is a well-known fact that a shoe store salesman won Dwight L. Moody to Christ.
Salt And Light -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Recognizing True Authority -- Matthew 8:5-13 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Like the account of the paralytic and his four friends, here is another miracle where the faith of a
Teamwork -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church met in Columbus, Ohio.
.A Kentucky Story (in fun, of course) -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A visitor in a sixth grade classroom listened to the children answer questions from their teacher.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
The traditions that we find in the Old Testament concerning Israel's wandering in the wilderness aft
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
Sometime between 500 and 350 B.C., post-exilic Israel experienced a devastating locust plague, follo
The Prayer In Gethsemane -- Mark 14:32-42 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The scene in Gethsemane is one of those places that I find extremely significant for my own personal
One American Dollar -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While we were on a trip to Israel with a Christian tour group, we were amused by the peddlers of var
Holy Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I asked a Roman Catholic priest in Delphos, Ohio, how they make "Holy Water."
Growth -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One little inch won't make you tall,You've got to keep on growing;
True Friendship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh
A Gift Of God's Grace -- Laughter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Humankind is never so expressive of the goodness of God as when a person is laughing.
Shepherds And Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
1. Text
Why Couldn't We Cast It Out? -- Mark 9:14-29 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, are away on a trip up the mountain.
Bad Chemistry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Here's to the memory of Willie.Willie is no more:
Not Couch Potatoes -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Recently, people who watch television most of the time have been called "Couch Potatoes." Have you h

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

What Happens When You're Not Prepared For What Happens -- Luke 8:26-39 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
How do you handle what happens when you're not prepared for what happens?
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers
Our Task: Acceptance And Challenge -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Tom M. Garrison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
What do our children need of us really, as adults, as parents, and as the community of faith called
Be Real -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- John Jamison -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
The old story is told about two painters; two artists.
More Than Meets The Eye -- Job 38-41 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a daring characterMore Than Meets The Eye
All Life Is A Gift -- Mark 10:13-16 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For hours-old twin girlsAll Life Is A Gift
The Grand Ball -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a loving, Christian husbandThe Grand Ball
A Family Member -- 2 Corinthians 4:16--5:1, Isaiah 40:28-31 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family memberA Family Member
Advent: Jesus, The Suffering Savior -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This is our final Sunday in Advent.
Sharing God's Love -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
There once was a king who ruled over a vast empire, but alas, he was rather old and thus decided tha
Preaching God's Reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John W. Clarke -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
On this Reformation Sunday, it is useful to look back in time and remember one of the most important
Reactions To Rejection -- Luke 9:51-62 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what rejection felt like.
God's Call For All -- Acts 9:35-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
A church in Pennsylvania reported the death of one of their members recently.
What Gift Do You Bring? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
I remember watching a football game between Kansas State and Ohio State.
Claiming Our New Life In Christ -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
I heard a story about a man who decided that he wanted to live a good life.
Speechless, But Not Embarrassed -- Matthew 25:31-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a resident philosopherSpeechless, But Not Embarrassed
The Sacrifice Of Love -- Psalm 23 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a grandmother in comparison to a young girl's death
The Gardener Came -- 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who lived a long, full lifeThe Gardener Came
He Celebrated Easter With His Life -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an inactive memberHe Celebrated Easter With His Life
Christmas Eve/Day In A Minor Key -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John T. Ball -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
One of the best things in the modern church is the creation of our Common Lectionary.
Repairing Our Lives -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled over a small kingdom that wasn't powerful nor was it kn
Saintly Visions! -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- John W. Clarke -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
On All Saints, we are visited through the Hebrew Scripture by Daniel.
Ministering When You're Not Welcome -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what to do all the time, and he knew how to go about it.
Jumping Through Hoops -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a place where the old ways matter.
The Baptism Of The Lord -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
This text invites us to listen as John the Baptist tells the people that there is one who is coming

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Attitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Our assurance, comfort, hope, and joy is in the complete holiness of the Father.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Teamwork
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no heartbeat like the heartbeat of a mother.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fairness
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christ's church does not move by pushing itself harder, but simply opening itself to the full potent
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
On May 7, 1914, Thomas J.
The Reason For The Season -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Aunt Carla is adamant about her celebration of Christmas. It can only be one way.
What Good Can Come Of This? -- John 14:1-14 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Their hearts were troubled. They couldn't believe it.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Beauty
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God cannot help but act in a consistent manner with His holy character.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Thought
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No language can express a mother's hope.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I do not find in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, neither in Christian biography, in chur
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all."
Will It Bear Fruit? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Melinda's heart ached. Her seventeen-year-old daughter had just gotten her nose pierced.
The Advocate -- John 14:15-21 -- Constance Berg -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
A new baby boy: Jonathan Richard.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Becoming
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not like the light bulb -- on again -- off again.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Teaching, Fellowship Is Bread, And Prayer -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Fourth Sunday Of Easter First Lesson: Acts 2:42-47
After Christmas -- Luke 2:21-38 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe've been there. We've had our Christmas. What now?
Our Place At The Table -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room for an enactment of
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
Short Attention Span -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Eyes On The Prize -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)
Blessedness/Trust -- Luke 6:17-26, Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIt is not what we have but who we are that counts.
A Passover To Remember -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room on Thursday evening
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Hymns
Love. Serve God. See God. Live. -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)
One Degree As God's Relation -- Acts 17:22-3, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Based on Acts 17:24-31)
Blindness/Seeing -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod sees all - and understands.
A Growing Darkness -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers on Friday in the late afternoon or evening, in a candle
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Hymns
The Greatest -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Theme: The GreatestCall To Worship
Waiting Together -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts: 1:7-8)
Bread -- John 6:24-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come here today to choose.
Seven Words To Die By -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Late on Good Friday worshipers gather by candlelight to remember the death of th
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
HymnsSing Praise To God (NCH6, UM126, PH483)
Taking The Plunge (What's An Ebenezer?) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Before I Was Born -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Second Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-7
Challenge -- 1 Samuel 17:32-46a, 48-50a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather in worship to still our souls.
Surprise At Sunrise -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Worshipers gather at first dawn light on Easter morning to re-live the joy.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
HymnsBreak Now The Bread Of Life (NCH321, CBH360, UM599, PH329)
Choose One -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 70)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
16 – Children's Sermons / Resources
6 – Worship Resources
6 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas 2
20 – Sermons
60+ – Illustrations / Stories
12 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
12 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany of the Lord
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – 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

When to accommodate and when not to accommodate? That's the question we face today. Most likely, the minds and hearts of our congregations will be focused on the new year. They will have just celebrated the advent not only of a new year but in this case a new millennium. With all the hype about the year 2000, our attention will doubtless be engrossed in the calendar. On the other hand, today is also an important liturgical celebration of the naming of Jesus. It provides us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of that name which has become sacred in our tradition.
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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