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Leah Thompson

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Children's Activity

Children's sermon

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Before a fall -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Leah Thompson -- All Saints Day - C -- 2010
"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophet
Going away -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
"Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him bac
Growing -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (v. 6)
Hear it now -- John 16:12-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now." (v. 12)
It's a sensation! -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
"Not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though
Seeking answers -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
"Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters
'Yes, yes' and 'No, no' -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
Let your word be "Yes, yes" or "No, no"; anything more than this comes from the evil one. (v.
Point of view -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Ch
Great expectations -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
"Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being chil
Ignerint -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
"But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overf
Building -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and
Lost and found -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
"Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
Little red hen -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
"And we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night
Rejoice -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
"Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over nine
Sun and rain -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
… so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and
Testing, testing -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
"God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he
Chance -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
"Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them -- do you think that the
Stones -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon anothe
The mediator -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
"For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himsel
Judgment -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
It is the Lord who judges me. (v. 4b)
Peter and the wall -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
"And they glorified God because of me." (v. 24)
Centered -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
"He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (v. 17)
Monopoly -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
"If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true r
Big shadows -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
Friends forever -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
"The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother." (v. 15)

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
Ginger is one of those students who hates group projects.
NULL -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
Have you ever seen the wrath of a mother descend upon a careless babysitter?
NULL -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
One simple comma is the difference between heaven and purgatory, and it makes that decision in today
Cedar Point is famous for its roller coasters... -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Cedar Point is famous for its roller coasters. The great machines
College students get a little anxious... -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
College students get a little anxious before their parents come to
NULL -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a classic children's book about the children of a congregation an
NULL -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It's the Wild West. Tumbleweeds chase each other across the dusty street.
In Persian folklore... -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
In Persian folklore, a king has a request for his viziers.
In the classic book and film The Swiss Family Robinson... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
In the classic book and film The Swiss Family Robinson, the
2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | OT 22 (2009) -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2009
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2009) -- John 6:51-58, Ephesians 5:15-20, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | OT 21 (2009) -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2009) -- John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2009) -- John 6:24-35, Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Mary S. Lautensleger, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Timothy Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
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 -

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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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