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Children's sermon

SermonStudio

God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
New Life -- Mark 4:31-32 -- 2006
It is like a mustard seed, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
The Light Of Our World -- Matthew 8:12 -- 2006
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world.
Inside The Gate -- John 10:9 -- 2006
I am the gate.
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Are You A Carrot, An Egg, Or Coffee Grounds? -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 -- 2006
Listen, I will tell you a mystery!
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Don't Let The Clock Run Your Life -- Luke 12:25 -- 2006
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

Preaching

SermonStudio

A Place Has Been Prepared -- 2006
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
For Those Of Uncertain Faith/Expansive Promise Of God -- Isaiah 43:6-13 -- 2006
I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back." Bring my sons
The Resurrection! -- John 20:1-18 -- 2006
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and
For One Who Longed To Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- 2006
"The time is coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israe
Pronounced Innocent And Made Whole -- Romans 5:6-11 -- 2006
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
God's Faithfulness/Doing Battle With Grief -- Lamentations 3:1-24 -- 2006
I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.
Even Suffering Leads To Good -- Romans 8:15-28 -- 2006
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spiri
For Children/Joy -- Zechariah 8:3-5 -- 2006
This is what the Lord says, "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.
Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love -- Romans 8:31-39 -- 2006
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
True Prosperity/Abundant Life -- Psalm 1 -- 2006
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners
Foolishness Of The Resurrection/Limits Of Rationality -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- 2006
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being s
Eternal Pleasure/Heaven -- Psalm 16:5-11 -- 2006
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
Salvation Message -- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 -- 2006
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Warrior God/Battle Against Evil -- Psalm 21 -- 2006
O Lord, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!
In The Fullness Of Time -- Ephesians 1:5-10 -- 2006
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure
Messianic Psalm/From Pain To Victory -- Psalm 22:1-11, 14-24, 26-31 -- 2006
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Christlike Humility/Obedient Unto Death -- Philippians 2:5-8 -- 2006
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not
Good Shepherd/Death Disarmed/Heavenly Festival -- Psalm 23 -- 2006
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
The Reconciliation That Leads To Peace -- Colossians 1:15-20 -- 2006
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Simple Faith -- Psalm 27 -- 2006
The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?
Rescued From The Wrath To Come -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- 2006
Paul, Silas and Timothy,
Need For God/Remembering God's Work -- Psalm 42 -- 2006
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
Fighting The Good Fight -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 -- 2006
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.
The Power Of Remembrance -- Psalm 77 -- 2006
I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.
New Birth -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- 2006
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Sermon

SermonStudio

Flock With A Future -- Psalm 23 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing the Lord as our shepherdFlock With A Future
The Good Fight -- 2 Timothy 4:6b-8 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful middle-aged manThe Good Fight
A Farmer's Dependence On God -- Matthew 6:19-34 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man whose wife died before him
God Can Change The Past -- Luke 24:1-9, Isaiah 42:1-4, Revelation 7:13-17, Psalm 22:1-8, 14-31 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing that God can turn the past around
Questions -- Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman following a brief illnessQuestions
Death, Our Teacher -- Psalm 90 -- Allen Puffenberger, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a beloved parishionerDeath, Our Teacher
Can We Give Thanks? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 -- Carl B. Rife, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a six-year-old boy who was ill from birth
The Backside Of The Mountain -- Matthew 13:24-30, John 14:1-7 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who died following a prolonged battle with cancer
True Wisdom -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Proverbs 2:1-8, Psalm 111 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing true wisdomTrue Wisdom
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver
As A Child -- Isaiah 40 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a great church memberAs A Child
It Is Well -- Matthew 11:28 -- R. Blaine Detrick, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eleven-year-old boy who drownedIt Is Well
The Room Named Heaven -- John 14:2-3 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an adult with Down's syndromeThe Room Named Heaven
What Was Broken Is Healed -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman killed by a drunk driver
All Things Are Possible -- Mark 10:23-27 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a rich manAll Things Are Possible
Swallowed Up In Victory -- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 -- Charles L. Koester, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a seventeen-year-old boy killed by a drunk driver
God Suffers With Us -- Romans 14:8b -- Michael L. Sherer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For the untimely death of someone youngGod Suffers With Us
Rest For A Weary Soul -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one who suffered a difficult lifeRest For A Weary Soul
Going Home -- John 14:1-14 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful manGoing Home
A Lifetime Of One Day -- Romans 8:38-39 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a day-old, premature infant girlA Lifetime Of One Day
When The Boat Keeps Rocking -- Psalm 46 -- Robert A. Noblett, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a congregation experiencing several deaths in a brief period
Hidden Treasure -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who lived in fearHidden Treasure
The Dancing Farmer -- 2 Samuel 6:14 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a ninety-year-old who had led a full life
Come To Me -- Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9 -- Dr. Frank Efird, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a fourteen-year-old cancer victim, shortly before her confirmation
Death Saddens Us -- John 3:16, Psalm 90 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly shut-inDeath Saddens Us

Worship

SermonStudio

Responsive Reading -- Psalm 102:11-13, 18-20 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Reader: My days are like an evening shadow; Response: I wither away like grass.
Responsive Reading -- Psalm 90:1-9, 12-14 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: Grass turns brown and withers from heat and lack of water, but it springs forth again when n
Responsive Reading -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Reader: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God,
Responsive Reading -- Matthew 18:3-5, 10 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: Jesus loved the little children. Jesus loves us. He willingly gave his life for us.
Remembering The Deceased -- 2006
There are many ways for us to remember the deceased at the funeral home, the church, and during the
The Graveside Committal -- 2006
Graveside committal services are kept very short in my tradition.
Music For The Service -- 2006
Music has tremendous power to touch human hearts and minds, and therefore, it is a very useful tool
Hymns -- 2006
Singing is healing.
Other Music For Congregational Singing -- 2006
There are also many contemporary pieces of music that are appropriate for congregational singing at
Choral Music -- 2006
If you are lucky enough to be able to arrange for a choir to sing here are some suggestions for anth
Soloist Music -- 2006
This music can be found at religious supply stores and online.
Call To Worship -- Matthew 11:28-30 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: And Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I wi
Helpful Websites -- 2006
Here are a few websites I found that have helpful resources for funerals.
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:1-8 -- 2006
At a time when Israel, God's people, had been through trauma and horror, God sent Isaiah the prophet
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:12-15 -- 2006
(The next few verses of that same chapter are also an excellent way to begin a service.
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:28-31 -- 2006
(Continuing in that same chapter, verses 28 through 31 are also excellent as a call to worship.)
Call To Worship -- Psalm 23 -- 2006
(I don't know that you can find better words to open a funeral service than those of the Psalm 23.
Call To Worship -- Romans 8:35-39 -- 2006
What can separate us from the love of Christ?
Call To Worship -- Luke 23:43 -- 2006
Leader: We come here today with breaking hearts;
Call To Worship -- Lamentations 3:23 -- 2006
Leader: We loved him,People: And now he is gone.
Call To Worship -- John 11 -- 2006
"I am the resurrection and the life," said Jesus to his friend, Martha, whose brother had died.
Call To Worship -- Matthew 11 -- 2006
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Come to me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you res
Call To Worship -- Philippians 1:18b-23 -- 2006
In his letter to the Philippian church, the Apostle Paul writes about his experience of being in pri
Call To Worship -- Romans 8 -- 2006
Leader: We know that in everything God works for good of those who love him,
Call To Worship -- 2006
A story to open a worship service
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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