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Dean Feldmeyer

Dean Feldmeyer is the pastor of Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, where he also teaches public speaking classes on the adjunct faculty of Wilmington College. He is an award-winning author of four novels, three nonfiction books, three plays, and numerous articles, essays, and short stories. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf and bluegrass music, but not at the same time.
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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Back In for More -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Restored to More -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Good Shepherds? -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Gotta Serve Somebody... -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Delighting in the law -- Psalm 1, John 17:6-19, 1 John 5:9-13, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Alphas and Omegas -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2018
The Holy Spirit is No Cob Job -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2018
Signs -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Religious but not Spiritual -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Everyone Gets Coal -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
The Scandal of Grace is That It’s for You -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2018
Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Tenants On the Earth -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24, Amos 7:7-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
Is There an App for That? -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Everyone Gets Coal -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
The Scandal of Grace is That It’s for You -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2018
Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Tenants On the Earth -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24, Amos 7:7-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
Is There an App for That? -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Full of It -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Tom Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
Into the Wilderness -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2018
As this week’s lectionary gospel text begins, we are told that John the Baptist “appeared in the wil
Call to Repentance through Storytelling -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
Paying Attention -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139, John 1:43-51 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2018
This week the lectionary brings us the story of young Samuel hearing God’s voice and being identifie
Holding our breath -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
Messengers -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
In the stories of Jonah proclaiming God’s judgment to the Ninevites and Jesus calling fishermen to b
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
That’s the Way It Is -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
A big theme running through all of this week’s lectionary texts is that of “authority” -- God tells
In the Most Holy Place -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2018
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
The Rule of Law, or Ruled by Law? -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2018
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
Better Than Silver or Gold -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2018

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Restored to More -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Gotta Serve Somebody... -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Delighting in the law -- Psalm 1, John 17:6-19, 1 John 5:9-13, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Alphas and Omegas -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2018
The Holy Spirit is No Cob Job -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2018
Signs -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Religious but not Spiritual -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Everyone Gets Coal -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
The Scandal of Grace is That It’s for You -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2018
Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Tenants On the Earth -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24, Amos 7:7-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
Is There an App for That? -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Full of It -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Tom Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
Into the Wilderness -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2018
As this week’s lectionary gospel text begins, we are told that John the Baptist “appeared in the wil

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Vulnerable Leadership -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited and appended, but for purposes of immediacy we are
Good Shepherds? -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Restored to More -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Gotta Serve Somebody... -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Delighting in the law -- Psalm 1, John 17:6-19, 1 John 5:9-13, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
The Holy Spirit is No Cob Job -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2018
Alphas and Omegas -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2018
Religious but not Spiritual -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
Signs -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Everyone Gets Coal -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
The Scandal of Grace is That It’s for You -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2018
Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Tenants On the Earth -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24, Amos 7:7-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
Is There an App for That? -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018

Worship

The Immediate Word

Vulnerable Leadership -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited and appended, but for purposes of immediacy we are
Good Shepherds? -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Restored to More -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Gotta Serve Somebody... -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Delighting in the law -- Psalm 1, John 17:6-19, 1 John 5:9-13, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Alphas and Omegas -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2018
The Holy Spirit is No Cob Job -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2018
Signs -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Religious but not Spiritual -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Everyone Gets Coal -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
All I Want for Christmas is You -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 23, 2018:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
The Scandal of Grace is That It’s for You -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2018
Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Tenants On the Earth -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24, Amos 7:7-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
Is There an App for That? -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
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

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