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Janice B. Scott

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

A Very Special Person -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Call to Worship: Let us join together today in worship of the three-in-one God; God
Mr Skillett Is Very Worried -- Luke 8:21-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C
Call to worship:
Henry's Hurdle -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Call to Worship:
The Potato Race -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Call to Worship:
The Poisonous Plants -- John 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
Call to Worship:
Clarice Faces The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Call to Worship: Even storms calm down when we ask Jesus to help. In our worship
Molly's Silver Bracelet -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
Call to Worship:
Rory's Bark -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Call to Worship:
The Odd Bunch In The Street -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Call to Worship:
Hurricane Hare Makes A Promise -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today we look at promises and at a man who made a
Molly's Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Call to Worship:
Pippa Wants A Phone -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Call to Worship:
The New Girl -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Call to Worship:
A Terrifying Walk -- John 6:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus was able to produce enough food to feed all the people, and
Maximus Hart -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
Call to Worship:
Puzzle Corner -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Call to Worship:
The Maze -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:
Tim Wants More -- John 6:24-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus offers us the Bread of Heaven and the Water of Life. Let us
Maths! -- John 21:1-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Call to worship:
Trevor's Pets -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Call to Worship:
The Little Tree -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - C
The liturgy can start with a procession in which a child carries the Easter candle from the West
What Does "Eternal" Mean? -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today, let us come to Jesus to drink at his
Magda's Trouble -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
Call to Worship:
The Neighbours From Hell -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
Call to Worship: Jesus said that the greatest commandment of all was to love God
Pusska -- Who Wasn't Ready -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake." Let us

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Big City -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
When Tracy was going on fifteen, her family decided to move to the city from the sleepy mark
Jo's New Teacher -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
When Jesus meets the woman by the well, he doesn't see an enemy of the state or a glorified pros
The Tale Of A Camel -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for advent
Cat And Mouse Games -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Fluffy Cat was very miserable.
The Annual Nativity Play -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
Roddy was plunged into gloom.
Jenny And The Missing Calculator -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jenny was having fun. Her friend Martha had brought a graphical calculator into school.
The Straight Furrow -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Sam was the envy of all his friends. His dad was a farmer, so he drove a tractor.
Carnival Day At The Street -- James 2:1-10, 14-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Mr Skillett, who was as thin as two pieces of paper stuck together and as tall as a bus, always
That's Not What You Told Me! -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Nutman the squirrel was sitting quietly at the feet of Wise Owl.
Jenni's Patrol -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
Jenni was very excited. It was Guides tonight, and she was Patrol Leader.
The Spider's Web -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
When wise men from the East travelled many miles to see the new baby Jesus, they first visited K
The Spider's Web -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
When wise men from the East travelled many miles to see the new baby Jesus, they first visited K
Buzter’s Busy, Buzzy Day -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Buzter hummed to himself. He was happy in his work, and he always hummed when he was happy.
Team Spirit -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
The football team were furious.
Jem's Baptism -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Jem was exceedingly nervous.
The Smallest Duckling -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Timothy Duckling was big and strong.
Bushman's Pride -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A
Bushman was busy grooming his bushy, luxuriant tail.
Terry's Dream -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Terry had a dream.
Jason's Stand -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
It wasn't until the early summer of his first year that Jason Court felt really fed up with his
The Special Christmas Gift -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Matty was very excited.
Ben's Dilemma -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
"Are you coming?" shouted Tim breathlessly.
Stepping Out Into Space -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last!
Jamie's Uncle Jim -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
When Jesus walked seven miles to Emmaus with two of his friends, they failed to recognise him.
The Skateboarding Park -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
"It's not fair," announced Kendra angrily.
Beatrice The Bee -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
Beatrice knew she was a princess, for her mother was Queen Bee.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Accepting And Welcoming God... -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Holy Spirit Of God, I Constantly Turn Back To You... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Women And Men And Children... -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God who blesses the poor... -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Vulnerable And Self-Effacing God... -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Seeing God... -- John 1:43-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Mystery, Long Ago The Church Said That You Are Three Persons... -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Caring God, why are you asleep when the Church is tossed about by storms?... -- Luke 8:22-25 -- Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Vulnerable And Self-Effacing God... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Forever... -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Calming And Reliable God... -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Seeing God -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unconventional And Surprising God... -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Impossible... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Redeemer God, Sometimes I Long For Mountaintop Experiences... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Faithful God, you never give up on human beings... -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
A Prayer For The Golden Jubilee... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Prince Of Peace... -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unexpected God... -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Giver Of Gifts, You Founded Your Church As The Body Of Christ... -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Three-In-One God... -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Dear God -- John 1:6-8; 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Loving God, I'm A Mere Speck Compared With You... -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Courage And Integrity... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Heart As Well As The Mind... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Hope For The Future -- Isaiah 65:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
When the Seniors at the local golf club arranged their summer barbeque for a Sunday afternoon, a chu
Identifying God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
I used to be quite good
Heavenly Peace -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
In the film, "Big Fish", the hero Edward Bloom stumbles into a dark and terrifying swamp-like wood,
The Cost Of Caring -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
There have been a number of terrible tragedies at US Schools over recent years, which have left th
Eternal Life -- For The Childish, Or The Childlike? -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Here in England we're now well into the wedding season, in which many young couples will follow
Water Into Wine -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
The novelist Catherine Cookson was born in East Jarrow, Tyne and Wear (England) in 1906.
A New Year's Resolution? -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
So it's all over bar the shouting and we've survived!
The Spread Of The Kingdom Can't Be Stopped -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
I remember watching a television documentary on BBC 2, on St Paul's Cathedral.
Little Girl, Get Up! -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
When I was growing up, there was considerable stereotyping of boys and girls.
The Nature Of Temptation -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
I've never been very clear about the difference between temptation and sin.
Freedom! -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
I recently read a harrowing trilogy of books by Dave Pelzer.
Where Is God? -- Genesis 28:10-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
When the first astronauts went into space, they were awestruck by the strange beauty of all they saw
Be Sincere In Love... -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Many years ago at the age of eighteen, when I started training as a physiotherapist, we had to s
Pilgrimage -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
Our churches have been on a number of pilgrimages.
Has God Been Tamed? -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Years ago in the physiotherapy department of most hospitals, artificial sunlight was used in the tre
Retail Therapy -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
I went to the Royal Norfolk Show this year, with my daughter.
The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Back in the heady days when women had just been ordained and I was a new curate, I was in the vestry
Jesus The Christ -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
NOTE: This sermon is also used for Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 of Cycle B.
The Role Of The Messenger -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
In Greek mythology, Hermes ("pile of marker stones") was the god of boundaries and of the travellers
Indiscriminate Generosity - It's Hard To Take -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Recently I noticed in the media that the government are planning to give each teenager in Englan
If Jesus Conquered Death, Why Do We Die? -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
You may have seen on television a while ago, those heart-rending adverts for Cancer Relief .
The Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - C
Today, as well as being Advent Sunday is also the first day of year 3 of the Revised Common Lectio
Every Member Ministry -- And Judgment? -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Here in England, despite being constantly told of the drop in church attendance, the Church cont
Visions -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
In "Valley of Bones", a thriller by Michael Gruber, one of the main characters is an intriguing mix
The Distress Of Death -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Surprisingly, most
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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

CSSPlus

What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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