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

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
The Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-4, 5-6, 8-10, Luke 4:14-21 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Day Of Pentecost -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Third Sunday After Pentecost -- 1 Kings 17:17-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - 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
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, John 17:20-26 -- George M. Bass -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost -- 1 Kings 19:1-8, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36-50 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-11), Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- George M. Bass -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 4 -- 1 Kings 19:9-14, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 9:18-24 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 14:8-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- 1 Kings 19:15-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 13:15-16, 26-33, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Seventh Sunday After Pentecost -- 1 Kings 21:1-3, 17-21, Galatians 6:7-18, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- George M. Bass -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
The liturgical clue comes from the secular calendar, rather than the church year - with an assist fr
Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Mark 4:26-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
The Sunday celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - with the promise of his ultim
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1990
It is essential for the parish preacher to be aware of the meaning and purpose of Sunday for the Chr
Sunday of the Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
The transfer of the Sunday of the Passion from the Fifth Sunday in Lent to the Sixth Sunday in Lent
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1990
The Epiphany - the manifestation of the person of Jesus as the One promised by God - continues on th
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Prior to the revision of the church year and lectionary, the Fourth Sunday of Advent really was "Chr
Sunday of the Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
The transfer of the Sunday of the Passion from the Fifth Sunday in Lent to the Sixth Sunday in Lent

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Do You See What I See? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
There is a gentle and quaint Christmas carol in which the shepherds of Bethlehem point out to everyo
Forsaking All Others -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Can you see the young boys running through the city of Jerusalem yelling, "Blow the trumpets!" and
Have I Got News For You! -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- William L. Self -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
My favorite Christmas story is about the young boy who was given a very important role in the church
Tilting The Balance Of Power -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Do you remember when it was that you first realized your parents were people, that they actually wer
Doing The Right Thing -- Acts 1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
A well-known businessman in this community was recently asked to do something for the United Method
Watching And Waiting For The Kingdom -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
The future is big business these days.
Foundations -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-7, 12-21, 23-27 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
It may be difficult for persons who did not live in the South in the 1960s to comprehend that ma
Baptism and Self-Esteem -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Every once in awhile I am surprised by a film which offers a message that I never expected.
Till Death Do Us -- Unite -- Isaiah 25:6-9 or Acts 10:34-43 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Pastor: Christ is risen!People: He is risen, indeed!
Praying With Bloody Knuckles -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- William L. Self -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
My wife was conducting a prayer workshop recently and a member of the group told her this true story
A Man Gives His Donkey -- Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-10 -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 1999
Come in! Come in! Do come in!
Two Kinds Of Baptism -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Wayne Brouwer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
A Sunday school teacher challenged her children to take some time on Sunday afternoon to write a let
Repentance: A New Relationship -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
There's a story about a convention of psychiatrists who had gathered in a large auditorium near Gran
How To Prepare For Christmas -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
To tell you the truth, it doesn't look much like Christmas at all.
The Celestial Stop Sign -- Luke 18:31-43 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared for a regular chapel service at Columbia Seminary.
Breaking the Taboo -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
"Taboo." It's a strange, mysterious, ancient-sounding word that we don't use much any more in our mo
Open Grave, Open Hearts -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
As the Cadillac owner walked to his car, he saw a boy about ten years old staring intently through t
When God Steps Out Of Shadows -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- William L. Self -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Our daughter-in-law designs stage sets for the German theatre.
Joseph Gives His Tomb -- John 19:38-42 -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 1999
Welcome to my store! I'm Joseph of Arimathea. You're not interested in shopping today?
Beautiful Music On The Human Stereo -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
I had lunch with a pastor of another congregation who wanted to welcome me to the community.
Death Shall Be No More -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Someone I love very much goes each year to a cemetery near her home, carrying a small teddy bear.
A God Who Comes To Us -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
It all happened in the Gulf of Mexico.
A Gift For One Who Has Everything -- Mark 10:17-27 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared for a seminary congregation at a regular chapel service at Columbia Sem
Judgment Day -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
Introductory DramaCharacters: Man Woman
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
We are living in the days of the apostles again.

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
12. God of power, in the presence of this bread we feel powerless.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
13.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
80. A man dumped his ashtray on the bank parking lot. It was not full of trash.
Proper 11 -- Psalm 139:13-18 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1991
For it was you who formed my inward parts;you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Epiphany 4 -- Psalm 71:1-6 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1991
In you, O Lord, I take my refuge;let me never be put to shame.
Litanies -- John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
In one form or another, we have used the litanies in place of the call to worship, as a lead into th
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
51. Father, enter our worship this day by touch, by sound, and by word.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
12.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
81.
Proper 19 -- Psalm 77:11-20 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1991
I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;I will remember your wonders of old.
Epiphany 5 -- Psalm 138 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1991
I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;before the gods I sing your praise;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
70. The body of Christ is called to be in the world in his name and spirit.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
41.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
120. Lent is a season of response to Easter.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
83. We continue our thanks for this cup of blessing Father.
Proper 7 -- Psalm 42 and 43 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1991
Vindicate me, O God, and defend my causeagainst an ungodly people;
Epiphany 6 -- Psalm 1 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1991
Happy are thosewho do not follow the advice of the wicked,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
70. Our old farm house stood about four feet off the ground. We stored food underneath the house.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
23. We tend to believe that God ought to give us 10 so that we can give him one.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
41.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
70. The body of Christ is called to be in the world in his name and spirit.
Proper 10 -- Psalm 139:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1991
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
Epiphany 8 -- Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1991
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
72. Lord, you offer us this cup as a symbol of truth.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
12.

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