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Sunday Of The Passion Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 26 -- Haggai 2:1-9, Luke 19:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Water Miracle -- Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:4-11, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1991
As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether p
Proper 20 -- Hosea 11:1-11, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Mark 14:12-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 25 -- Zephaniah 3:1-9, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Wine Miracle -- John 2:1-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1991
On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 Jesus
Proper 21 -- Joel 2:23-30, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Good Friday -- Luke 23:1-49 -- George M. Bass -- Good Friday - C -- 1991
1.
Proper 24 -- Habakkuk 1:1-3; 2:1-4, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8a -- George M. Bass -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fish Miracle -- Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 4:18-22 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1991
While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret
Proper 22 -- Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday in Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 23 -- Micah 1:2; 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Experience Miracle -- Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1991
Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on t
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- George M. Bass -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- George M. Bass -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Faith Miracle -- Luke 7:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
Proper 23 -- Micah 1:2; 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-20, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 22 -- Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
All Saints' Day -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue

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Jesus' Travel Instructions -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1999
It sounds simple enough, this Gospel text for today -- the sending forth of the seventy in pairs to
The Cross Of Barabbas -- Luke 23:13-25 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This is an imaginary story with imaginary characters.
Jesus And The Competition -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Perhaps no artist in history has expressed the tenderness and beauty, as well as the majesty and glo
Rules For A Happy Life -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
America's premier Protestant preacher of the early part of this century, Dr.
The Challenge Of No-Fault Religion -- 2 Corinthians 5:17, 19 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1999
And for anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation: the old creation has gone, and now the
Turning The Tables -- John 2:13-22 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
A man feared his wife was going deaf. He tried an experiment.
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
God answers Job out of the whirlwind.
Making Love Visible -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- John A. Stroman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
How do you like being addressed as "little children"?
What It Takes To Be A Winner -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
This text for the fifth Sunday of Epiphany is probably the most sublime passage of Scripture in the
On A Need-To-Know Basis -- John 16:12-15 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1999
Probably most of us are familiar with the phrase that serves as the title for my sermon this day --
A Lamb For A Household -- Exodus 12:1-8, 13-14, 25-27 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
What piqued my imagination in these instructions for the keeping of the Passover was the admonit
The Hidden Power Of Small Beginnings -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Maurice A. Fetty -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Jesus was born during the golden age of the Roman Empire, under the reign of Caesar Augustus.
Persevering In The Faith -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Many years ago, a friend of mine remarked that several years earlier he and his wife had quit attend
The Challenge Of The Napoleon Complex -- Luke 19:9-10 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1999
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham
Paying Attention To The Modern Light -- John 3:14-21 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
We were all asked to bring our church's Bibles to the annual meeting of the Association as part of t
Confession -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
Job got what he wanted. He got a chance to present his case before God and to hear God's response.
Heaven And Hope -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- John A. Stroman -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
The theme of 1 John all along has been the love of God.
Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Christians -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Naaman was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
A Sermon In Clay -- Genesis 2:4-7, Galatians 3:23-29 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared to be the last in a series of three sermons for the Columbia Forum duri
The Child That Changed The World -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Eight days after his birth Jesus was circumcised according to Jewish law and custom.
Written On The Heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
A place to start with this passage is the use of the word "husband" by Jeremiah to describe the mess
Take Up Your Ministry -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Several years ago at my previous congregation I remember a discussion I had with the church council.
The Challenge Of Death And Dying -- Philippians 2:8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1999
And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a
The Troubled Heart Of Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Jesus is beginning in this text, at this point of his ministry, to tell us he is not kidding about t
The Tale Of Three Women -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Ruth, what a remarkable book.

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The Frustration Of Being Human -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.He makes me lie down in green pastures;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
11. God of Christ open our hearts to the majesty and wonder of your love.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
48. We express our thanks for this cup Father.
Proper 8 -- Psalm 44:1-8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1991
We have heard with our ears O God,our ancestors have told us,
Easter 5 -- Psalm 145:13b-21 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Lord is faithful in all his words,and gracious in all his deeds.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
31. We gather to be in the presence and sing the praise of God.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
130. We gather here every week. Not because of habit, but because of need.
Proper 9 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1991
Give ear to my words, O Lord;give heed to my sighing.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
100. If we receive all gifts in measure of our deserving, they would be few and small.
Lent 5 -- Psalm 126 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
Easter 6 -- Psalm 67 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
May God be gracious to us and bless usand make his face to shine upon us,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
21. This is a time to think about life and why you are here.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
50. Birds were born to sing.
Thanksgiving -- Psalm 100 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1991
Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth.Worship the Lord with gladness;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
10.
Lent 6 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1991
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;my eye wastes away from grief,
Easter 7 -- Psalm 97 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Lord is King! Let the earth rejoice;let the many coastlands be glad!
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
23. Father, we are aware that our lives are blessed beyond our ability to repay.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
51. We live in an age that doubts love, and is afraid of the commitment it requires.
Trinity Sunday -- Psalm 8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1991
O Lord, our Sovereign,how majestic is your name in all the earth!
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. Lord of life, as we break this bread, remind us of the commitment which follows the breaking.
Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116:12-19 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 1991
What shall I return to the Lordfor all his bounty to me?
Easter Evening -- Psalm 150 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Easter Evening - C -- 1991
Praise the Lord!Praise God in his sanctuary;praise him in his mighty firmament!
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
24. Gracious God, we come to your table as a people in need of direction.

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!

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