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SermonStudio

Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Eat to live or live to eat? We can eat to our salvation or damnation.
Christ The King -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God! We come to thank and enjoy You.
There Are Demons In The Sea -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
"The Stilling Of The Storm"
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Independence Day: We pray for our country's leaders. -- 1 Timothy 2:1-4 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2002
Visual Aids: A U.S. flagHandouts: Activity sheets
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Life Before And After Death -- Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
The Raising Of Jairus' Daughter
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Baby Talk -- Hebrews 1:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Luther said it: When God speaks to humanity, God always speaks in baby talk.
Model For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Who is your model for ministry? Your mentor? Your inspiration? Try Jesus.
An Exile Of Silence Set Free -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Deaf Mute
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Where Is Your Heart? -- Mark 3:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
We live in a very crazy world. Did you know
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Come, blessed Jesus.
The Man Who Shouted So Loudly The Kingdom Came To Him -- Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Bartimaeus, Blind Beggar Of Jericho
Restoring Pastoral Energies -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
That pastoral energies ebb low is not debatable.
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Object: A blindfold and a member of the choir with a loud speaking voice.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--first Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Evangelism In The Local Church -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The church battles constantly to keep the main thing, the main thing.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--second Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Battle Of Discouragement -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Everyone, at one time or another, faces discouragement. It can be devastating to one's ministry.
Soul Health -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson, in their book, The Unnecessary Pastor, wrote: "The constant d
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Hebrews 4:12--16)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Gifted -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
If you ask me, a sermon should say only one thing.
Can You Hear Me Now? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A cell phone commercial asks, "Can you hear me now?" The assumption is that one can hear any place,
Don't Forget The Child! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- 2004
Most of us are familiar with the blockbuster movies, Home Alone and Lost in New York: Home
How To Motivate People -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
A few years ago a fellow took me on a tour of his sock manufacturing plant.
When Personal Concerns Are Swallowed Up In Wonder -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- John T. Ball -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
We are a culture awash in personal problems.
The Letter To Philadelphia -- Revelation 3:7-13 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? Everyone knows this. At the bottom!
Lite -- Or Light? -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
There is, in this congregation, a running conversation as to what to call this structural wonder tha
Living Water -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
No Shame -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- William G. Carter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
I am very taken by what Paul says.
Weep For The Children -- Matthew 2:13-18 -- 2004
Our scripture lesson tells a horror story, innocent children being massacred because of the paranoia
No Longer Damned -- Romans 8:1-11 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
The text for today is Romans, chapter 8, verse 1: "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who
Bloody Lintels -- Broken Bread -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Two Russian surgeons and an anesthetist took turns lying on an operating table beside a critically-i
Expectancy -- Romans 13:11-14 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Christmas decorations are beginning to appear everywhere and the children are getting excited.
Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
"Heal the sick," Jesus commanded (Matthew 10:8).
Healing The Pain From The Past -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
A pastor friend and his wife once adopted a young cat that bounced up to his parsonage looking hungr
The Letter To Laodicea -- Revelation 3:14-22 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
I was reading a murder mystery the other day, a really complex novel, layered with meaning.
The Embassy At 66011 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
The year was 1967. Vietnam was exploding. The Nuclear Arms Race was escalating.
"Who Stands With This Child?" -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:Come, let us stand and worship our God.
Uncle Abraham -- Romans 4:13-25 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
I have good news for you this morning. None of you are good enough to be here.
What Will You Do With Your Freedom? -- 1 Corinthians 8 -- 2004
Once upon a time, there was a happy, moderate church with a friendly, moderate pastor that lived a h
Speaking Of The Spirit -- Romans 8:12-25 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
There's something you might not know about the Apostle Paul.
Saved (Again)! -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
Lawrence Henry was 88 years of age when he shared with his family the only sermon he ever preached.
A Hope For Peace -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We will soon be singing Christmas songs full of joy and goodwill and love and peace.
God, The Enemy -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Do you remember when Timothy McVeigh, the man responsible for the bombing of the federal building in
Those Parentheses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Bill Mosley -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Your name is very important.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.
Belonging To The Truth -- John 18:33-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
I had a lot of time to think on the long plane ride to Miami.
Praise The Lord! -- Psalm 148 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
The Board of Bethlehem Community Church gathered for its monthly meeting with solemn resolve.
You Shall Not Murder -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a man who was an active proponent of capital punishment.
Witnesses -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1996
There was a young couple in a small country church who had a very beautiful little daughter who was
Flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Uncle Patrick came to live with us after Gram died, in the fall of my senior year.
Dog Days Of The Soul -- John 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Introduction
Old Granddad -- Psalm 51:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Charlie Johnson was up at 5:30, had all of his gear in the trunk of the car, and was drinking coffee
Waiting For Christmas -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
There was once a little girl named Lucinda who couldn't wait for Christmas to come.
The Conversion -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
She hadn't intended to speak.
The Trial Of Gilbert Gunderson -- John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
Gilbert Gunderson has been the editor of the Willow Bluff weekly newspaper for as long as I, and eve
The Anointing -- John 12:12-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Marilyn came slowly down the long stairs of her sister Margaret's big brick house in the suburbs of
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
The first time I saw Maggie she was selling herself on the street like hundreds of other runaway tee
Prejudice, Once Removed: The Larry Wasson Story -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
The gray-haired man cleared his throat and stood before the circle of his peers, gathered to share t
Friends -- Psalm 133, John 20:19-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Marty pulled into the crowded hospital parking lot and began her daily ritual search for a parking s
Heads Will Roll -- Mark 6:14-29, Amos 7:7-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Both management and union leaders were angry with Amos Dresser.
The Pine Lake Creaker -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
I am going to tell you one of the little-known stories in the history of Pine Lake Camp.
No Longer Strangers -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
Milenko and Eldina Sunjic came to the United States as refugees from Bosnia in July of 1994.
Surely Goodness And Mercy -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
As a child psychologist, I have the privilege of meeting and speaking with a great many people.
The Feeding Of The Fifty -- John 6:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Nancy Baker's cooking had become something of a legend at Our Savior's Church.
Summer Fruit -- John 15:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
There was once a pastor who served a very active congregation; that is to say, they were active most
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
When the INNS shelter program for the homeless started in Kenosha, I signed up for the training to b
Dorothy's Story -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
One evening, when I was 26 years old, beleagered by guilt for acknowledged sins, I was deep into an
The Unknown Camper -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
One summer at Lake Lucerne, in the Hillcrest area, there appeared in every week-long elementary camp
A Mother's Prayer -- John 17:6-19 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
It was the same every night when Ruth Kristmon got into her bed.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: How Awesome!Call To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cost Of BlessingsCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- John 1:29-42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lamb Of GodCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Chosen PeopleCall To Worship
The Mother: "Where's Mom? -- Luke 15:22-23 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: woman dressed in Middle Eastern attire, perhaps in black, suggesting mourning.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 1:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Called To Belong To Jesus Christ -- Son Of GodCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Romans 8:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Spirit Is LifeCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Psalm 149 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: TrustCall To Worship
Free In Pharaoh's Jail -- Genesis 37, 39-40 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Joseph's Integrity Is Tested
Proper 11 -- Romans 8:12-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of GodCall To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Psalm 34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The WayCall To Worship
The Servant: "Can I Get A Witness?" -- Luke 15:22ff -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: person dressed in Middle Eastern attire, perhaps with a notepad, reporting, like a news re
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Birth Of JesusCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- John 11:1-45 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The Resurrection And The LifeCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Romans 14:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: Judge NotCall To Worship
The Secret Of His Power -- Exodus 33 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Joshua Remembers Moses
Proper 11 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: Parable Of The Weeds And The WheatCall To Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: ThanksgivingCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Light Has ComeCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 31:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Good Friday Tenebrae -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Order Of WorshipGood Friday Tenebrae
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

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

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