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Don R. Yocom

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Humor

SermonStudio

But If Not! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
One of the striking stories in the Book of Daniel (Chapter 3:18) tells of three Hebrew men being cas
The Backhoe Operator -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
You may have seen a backhoe in operation.
Where Do You Think You Are? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A well-known gangster burglar died and in the next world found things to be very pleasant.
Crackers And Cheese -- Psalm 103:2-5 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
An old story often told but without much application was the one about a poor immigrant coming to Am
The Rocks Cry Out -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
When early archeological explorations began a century ago in the Holy Land, there was some apprehens
It Takes Courage To Excel -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
On the wall of a gymnasium at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio, you may see this unusual sentenc
Dustpan -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In Africa, in a missionary's house, a native boy was helping clean the floors of dust and dirt.
Who Was Mad Rhoda? -- Acts 12:13 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The Bible story begins with Simon Peter in prison for his preaching Christ, and some Christians gath
The Charred Cross Of Coventry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
One of the most bombed cities of England during World War II was Coventry.
So Help Me God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
George Washington, America's first president, has been called by various descriptions, like "The Fat
The Cross In A Man's Pocket -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
When Don Rummel opened his welding and repair shop in Wapakoneta, Ohio, in the 1960s, God led him to
The Towel Company -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In Neil B.
Take Me To The Cross, And I Can Find My Way Home -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A little boy stood crying at a busy street intersection.
Children Playing "Automobile" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Before television, when children had to be creative in their play, some children decided to play "au
Can The Master Use Your Instrument? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The young organist in a European city church became aware that there was a visitor in the church san
Did Hell Freeze Over? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A popular announcer told the story on a radio broadcast about a little girl who told her parents she
Give Me This Mountain -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Only two men, over twenty years of age, outlived the long forty years of the Israelites wandering in
He Got His Hat Back -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A pastor decided to go on a vacation on short notice.
I'd Rather Have Jesus Than Silver Or Gold -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In the years of the Great Depression in America, the 1930s, a popular network radio program was "Hym
Throw An Old Ram Over The Fence! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Years ago a kindly old Scottish Presbyterian minister, who was remembered only as "Dr.
I've Got A Glory -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Archbald MacLeish, a noted traveler and author in years past, liked to tell this story:
That Sinking Feeling -- 1 Corinthians 10:12 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
At dusk, a delivery truck driver was on a lonely road in Eastern Indiana when it appeared to him tha
Small Things Are Important -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
On a wintry day we stopped at Ash Cave State Park in Hocking County, Ohio, to see an annual ice form
Ode To Joy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the truly great musicians of all time.
Take My Silver And My Gold -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
She really meant it!

Illustration

Preaching

SermonStudio

In The Presence Of God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that the great concert pianist Paderewski never went before an audience until he had
The Holy Bible And Pitcairn Island -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember the movie Mutiny on the Bounty?
Church Attendance 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
We disagree with the news media on where most people attend events on Sunday.
Like Swell-heads -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two purebred dogs were walking daintily down the street. They met a big alley dog.
An Act Of Kindness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When Bob Howard was the Sheriff of Darke County, Ohio, he and his wife had an interesting custom.
Say, "Who Do You Love?" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Youth Fellowship of the Epworth United Methodist Church of Lima, Ohio, used to have an interesti
Where Is Your Goal? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Arabian Nights collection of stories, there is this one:
The Doctor's Fee -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man carried his dog into the vet's office, and after an examination the doctor told him the dog wa
Into Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While touring Europe, you may visit the Cathedral in Milan, Italy.
Christmas For A College Girl -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Colleen, the college girl, had come home for the Christmas holiday.
The Inspired Holy Bible -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.It is not the concepts of just one man or group.
Colorful Pottery And Adversity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
God permits adversity, just like an earthly father may permit his child to fall and get hurt, in beg
Most Madly In Love? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that a famous football star, class of 2002, had fallen in love with a beautiful girl
An Ecumenical Leg -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There's a wonderful story about a doctor who had among his patients an elderly Roman Catholic lady w
Second Springs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the 1930s, I lived in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County, Ohio.
Do You Need It? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sign in a Vermont country store:"If we haven't got it, you don't need it!"
The Hereafter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
An elderly lady confided in her pastor that lately she was bothered by the "hereafter."
Is The Bible A Bank? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Is the Bible a bank at your house?
The Meaning Of Amen -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
During a children's sermon, Rev.
Is This True Americanism? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Among the various things that have happened in the elapsed time since September 11, 2001, there has
The International Garden Of Peace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In almost the exact center of North America, on the border of Canada and the United States, at the j
Conscience -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the hallway of Eastern College, St.
Mother's Driving -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A school teacher was discussing highway safety and advised the children that once they started cross
An Endless Line Of Splendor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Vachel Lindsay wrote:An endless line of splendor
Seed Investments -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
27 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A crèche, or manger scene. Any size and style is fine as long as it includes shepherds. Have the creche set up before you begin.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” (vv. 13-14)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 62:6-12
Isaiah proclaims, “Look, your savior comes.” We celebrate on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day the coming of our savior into the world – not as one full of power, but as a babe, vulnerable and human, as one born among us. Yes, God has great things in store for this babe, great lessons to teach us and for us to absorb as we watch this babe become a child and then a man. But in this quiet moment, this moment in a stable, born of indigent, immigrant parents, we see our own vulnerability portrayed in the Christ child.
Wayne Brouwer
There is a powerful scene in Herman Melville’s great epic, Moby Dick, where Captain Ahab stands peg-legged on the deck of the Pequod during a violent storm (chapter 119). His obsession with the White Whale has carried the craft and crew to exotic and frightening locales, and now it seems as if divine providence might be unleashing furious anger against this ill-fated quest.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer
I read an old legend about a Christmas party that Satan and his pack of demons were having in hell. As the demonic guests were departing, one laughed and grinned and sarcastically said to Satan, “Merry Christmas your majesty!” At that, Satan replied with a growl, “Yes, keep it merry. If they ever get serious about it, we’ll all be in trouble.”

Today the focus is all about the Messiah and we need to be serious about it. It is the birth of the baby Jesus, the Messiah. It is the coming of God…the doctrine of incarnation. It is the intervention of God’s presence among humanity.
Stephen P. McCutchan
... He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
-- Psalm 96:13

Gregory L. Tolle
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
James Evans
This psalm gives us the proper theme for a Christmas Day celebration: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises" (v. 4).

Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The lectionary includes two sets of readings for Christmas Day: those appointed for dawn services, and those appointed for services that take place later in the day. Psalm 97 is designated as one of these early-morning readings.

William Powell Tuck
Christmas is usually associated in our memory as a time of great joy. But for many it is also a time for cynicism. There are some people for whom Christmas is difficult. It is a time of struggle, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. There are more suicides during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. A comment by a woman in a nursing home indicates the feeling of some: "No one really cares. No one cares about me now.
Mark Wm. Radecke
Because Jesus was Mary's firstborn, there were four words that she and Joseph did not have to hear as they made the arduous trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Four words that make long journeys longer. Four words that strike terror in the hearts of parents of every time and every place. Four words from which even the youngest child seems to be able to craft a sentence: Are we there yet?

I am struck this year by the number of journeys the narratives of Jesus' birth and infancy entail:

* Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem;
Julia Ross Strope
Gathering music
Christmas medley

(Light the Christ candle.)

(Invite adults, children, and youth ahead of time to bring a favorite gift for a one-sentence show and tell.)

Greeting
Leader: Merry Christmas!

People: Merry Christmas!

Leader: Settle your Christmas gifts on the pew beside you and find the space within your minds and hearts to sing, pray, listen, and talk.
James R. Wilson


Call To Worship
Leader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our savior has been born!
People: Is our Messiah, the promised one, among us this day?
Leader: Surely I say unto you, Christ the Lord is with us even as we speak.
People: Are even sinners such as we welcome in Christ's kingdom?
Leader: Praise to the Lord God Almighty, for in Christ we are all welcome!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
After baby Jesus grew up to be a man, he got into terrible trouble, and wicked people killed him. But a good man called Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus's body gently in his own grave, which he'd made ready for when he should die. After that the wicked people searched for Joseph of Arimathea, and so he ran away from Jerusalem carrying with him a special cup like this one, which contained some of Jesus's holy blood.

Special Occasion

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