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Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Friends I Love -- Mark 3:13-17 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Everyone needs friends to love.
The Deaf Shall Hear -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Deafness is a problem that hearing children can faintly grasp.
God In A Box? -- Psalm 139:9-10 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
God is always near no matter where we go.
The Days Are Numbered -- Proverbs 9:11 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
New Year's Day gives us the opportunity to look forward to all the God-given days that are coming in
The Light Bulb -- Genesis 1:3 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
We can thank God that we have lights in our houses on dark winter nights.Object:
"A Scout Is ... kind" -- Ephesians 4:32 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Being kind is considered important in both the Scout Handbook and the Bible.
Herod -- Matthew 2:3-8, 16-20 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Herodus Magnus! By that name, I am known.
O Christmas Tree, Part 6 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Objects: Christmas tree balls
O Christmas Tree, Part 4 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: A Star Ornament
O Christmas Tree, Part 5 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: an angel ornament
O Christmas Tree, Part 3 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Objects: Candy Canes
O Christmas Tree, Part 2 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: Tree Lights
A Joyful Noise -- Psalm 100:1-2 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Christians are called to worship the Lord joyfully.Object:a triangle.
O Christmas Tree, Part 1 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: A small pine tree
A Storybook -- Mark 10:13-16 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Children may be motivated to read the Bible if they are told it contains stories.
Talking to God -- Psalm 116:1-2 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
God listens when we pray.Object:a telephone.
Talk To A Tree -- Genesis 2:8-9 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Trees are beautiful and helpful gifts from Gods.Object:
Friends At Church -- Mark 10:14 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Sunday church school is a place to make friends and to bring friends.
LET JESUS FORGIVE YOU! -- Romans 3:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a magnifying glass, a piece of wood, and some wood filler.
MUSTARD ON MASHED POTATOES? -- Galatians 5:16-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:salt, vinegar, and mustard.
God's Thermometer -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Good morning, boys and girls.
DO THE TOUGH THINGS FIRST -- Romans 8:18-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
(For use on the Sunday nearest July 4)Object:a shovel and a bucket.
1,943 CANDLES ON THE BIRTHDAY CAKE! -- Acts 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object: candles for each child and anything else that will help to make this a birthday party.
PATTERNED AFTER JESUS -- 1 Peter 2:21b-25 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object: an office punch (hole punch) and different shapes and colors of paper.
A TERRIFIC SINGER -- 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a tape recorder.

Christian

Christian Faith

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Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

In The Name Of God! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians have done (and still do) some terrible things and claimed they were
Blemishes And Biblical Authentication -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: "Defects" or "flaws" in the Bible do not necessarily diminish its value or tru
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
The Doorkeeper -- Mark 13:32-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
1. Text
Should The Universe Make Sense -- And Why? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Are we meant to know some of the answers to the more significant questions con
Exiles -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Our story takes place on a small green-blue planet, partly covered with clouds, which circles near t
When Kids Go Bad -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What is the cause of so many of the problems our youth have today and what can
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33 or Isaiah 50:5-9a, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 1:20-33 or Isaiah 50:5-9a James 3:1-12
An Unidentified Naked Male Running From The Scene -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Our regular examination of our relationship with Jesus and the church is proba
A Dangerous Way To Read Your Bible -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Unavoidably and necessarily we must "pick and choose" which passages in our Bi
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2005
1. Text
Neither Peacock Nor Worm -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: On finding the delicate balance between pride and humility.
Hope In Heaven -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Eighty years out from earth, the ship crept between the stars.
Methinks Thou Dost Not Protest Too Much -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: This sermon presents the case for Christians becoming social activists.
Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20 James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Can You Be Trusted With Crayons And Scissors? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How great is the responsibility of being a Christian and are we ready for it?
Skeletons In The Church Closet -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: The Church is not now, and has not in the past, been perfect.
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
1. Text
Will Reverend Tortoise Ever Catch Doctor Hare? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is there a gap between science and ethics and what are we going to do about it
"I'll Be Back!" -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Nightfall at Lod airport, 25 miles northeast of Jerusalem.
Noah And The Ark And Other True Stories -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we interpret the improbable sounding stories in our Old Testament?
Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 or Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Is It Time To Modernize The Gospel? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Are the teachings of Jesus relevant to every age or do they need updating for

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Aprons Or Bibs -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Potluck dinners are wonderful!
Always With Us -- John 14:15-21 -- Lee Griess -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
On a hot southern night, some 150 years ago, a weary slave sat before a tar-paper shack and lifted h
A Match Made In Heaven -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
One of the great privileges of being a parish pastor is the opportunity to officiate at weddings.
Christmas And The Beast -- Isaiah 40:9-11 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The passage in Matthew 2:13-20 about the slaughter of children by King Herod is usually bypassed by
Dare To Be Different -- Romans 13:11-14 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
A true story tells how the two sons of a ninety-year-old Fort Worth, Texas, woman were worried about
To An Unknown God -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan?
The Hungry Monkey -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
During a meeting of the parish stewardship committee, members viewed a thirty-second video clip take
Connected To God -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Lee Griess -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
It's one of those stories that circulates around the internet.
A Blessing In Disguise -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.
Can There Be Peace On Earth? -- Luke 2:8-14, John 14:27 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Two thousand years ago an angelic chorus heralded the birth of Jesus with the words, "Peace on earth
Headed In The Right Direction -- Romans 15:4-13 -- John N. Brittain -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
If you don't know that Christmas is a couple of weeks away, you must be living underground.
Receiving The Power Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
I love this story.
Losers, Weepers -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
All of us have experienced the pain of loss in many different forms.
One In Faith And One In Service -- John 17:1-11 -- Lee Griess -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
A few choice words -- that's what Jesus gives us this morning -- a few choice words about our lives
Do You See What I See? -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
In 1956, director/producer Cecil B.
Christmas Gifts -- Matthew 2:1-11 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The words have been asked, will be asked, and you will respond in one way or another.
Are We There Yet? -- James 5:7-10 -- John N. Brittain -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
"Are we there yet?
Are We There Yet? -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
On long family car trips, one of the favorite questions asked by children from the backseat is, "Are
Pentecost ... Again! -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
They had been waiting so long for this.
I Don’t Do Windows -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 -- Tony S. Everett -- 2007
For months, members of the parish property team had been having difficulty finding volunteers to cle
Life And Forgiveness Come Easy When You're Filled With The Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Sp
Sentimental Slaves -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Let me ask you to do a little remembering today.
Gifts For A King -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Several years ago, some small children were helping set up a nativity scene.
Set Apart At Christmas -- Romans 1:1-7 -- John N. Brittain -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
I am so old that I can actually remember when there was a difference between the number of "shopping
Showing Up -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Satan
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life." (Sophocles)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit speaks of a deeper life found to be richer, fuller, and spiritually satisfying to th
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Discipleship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prejudice is the mother of ignorance and the sister of hate.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Holiness is not a series of do's and don'ts, but a conformity to God's character in the very depths
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Church
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A good mother is sunshine in a house.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a bargain at any cost.
Sorry! -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
What if Judas hadn't betrayed Jesus? What if Judas wasn't sorry?
A Steward Of Her Garden -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Grace loves to garden and she tends her garden carefully.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving "Those who give most are least concerned about returns." (The Lunn Log)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Self-control
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." (William Wallace)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is like Tide¨ soap, the deeper the stain, the deeper the cleansing.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Discipleship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Most moms are aware that happiness is a spot between too little and too much that their kids often v
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A "yes" to God is a "no" to things that hurt His Holiness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Church Growth
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Bulletin Insert for Christmas Eve for Year B -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
NULL -- Proverbs 11:25 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: A generous man will prosper;
The Suffering Servant -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Lights And Scriptures For Maundy Thursday
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11, Psalm 29 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipThis one is based on Genesis 1. Leader:
Theme: Murder Will Out Or The Butler Did Not Do It -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
The Nativity of our Lord -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4, John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on John 1:1-5) Leader: In the beginning was the Word
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year B -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 5:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it.
A Time For All Things -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For New Year's Day
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 145.
Theme: Why Couldn't It Have Been Me? -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- 2005
Christmas EveProper I Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Psalm 96
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year B -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 11:1 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Give generously,
A Parade Of Passion -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA continuing celebration of resurrection. Leader:
Theme: The One Wish -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Proverbs 9:9-10)
The Ministry Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful?
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- Isaiah 66:1a, 2a -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool.
The Birth Of The Church -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Word For Pentecost Sunday
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipTaken from 1 John 3:1-3 (The Message)Leader:
Theme: What I Want -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 34:18-19)
A Basic Service Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
(Share a time of visitation and prayer as previously outlined.
First Sunday in Advent -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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