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Stan Purdum

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Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 128 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2006
This Psalm is difficult to preach in our modern culture, because of the central section (vv.
Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2006
Some psalms display a clear context, a human situation that has led to the writing of the hymn.
Lent 5 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(See Ash Wednesday, Cycle A, and Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18, Cycle B, for alternativ
Easter 2 -- Psalm 150 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Psalm 150 offers eloquent testimony to the power of repetition.
Lent 1 -- Psalm 32 -- Stan Purdum -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2006
This psalm belongs in the category of "personal lament," which means it probably was not used for co
Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Ordinary Time 14 -- Psalm 45:10-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22, Cycle B, for an alternative approach, emphasizing v
Easter 6 -- Psalm 98 -- Stan Purdum -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
(See Christmas Day, Cycles A and B, for alternative approaches.)
Lent 4 -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Stan Purdum -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(For an alternative approach to vv.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 93 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycles A and B for
Lent 3 -- Psalm 95 -- Stan Purdum -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
This psalm has two distinct parts.
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Psalm 124 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Ordinary Time 14 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2006
Today the lectionary identifies a second, alternative psalm selection besides the Psalm 45:10-17 roy
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- Stan Purdum -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)
Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Maundy Thursday, Cycle A and Maundy Thursday,
Easter 3 -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Stan Purdum -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2006
(See Maundy Thursday, Cycle A, and Maundy Thursday, Cycle B, for alternative approaches to vv.
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas 1, Cycle A; Christmas 1, Cycle C; an
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 93 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Easter 5 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The superscription to this psalm identifies its origins with David's prayer after the prophet Nathan
Easter 5 -- Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2006
(See Liturgy Of The Passion, Cycle A, Cycle B, and Cycle C, for alternative approaches to vv.
Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33 -- Psalm 123 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2006
This short psalm is a communal lament, pleading as a nation for God's mercy, though in what particul
Easter 7 -- Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2006
At first reading, this psalm presents a scattering of themes.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stan Purdum -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2006
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns cel
Lent 1 -- Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
(See Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv.

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The Undoing Of Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Several years ago, my wife and I took a vacation where we drove to Mexico City in an old Volkswagen

The Village Shepherd

Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher

SermonStudio

The Spiritual Gateway -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Picture this: You are on your way to the airport to catch a flight to a wedding where you are in the
Mrs. Proverbs -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
It's a question you've probably not thought much about, but were any parts of the Bible written by w
When Nothing Is Sacred -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
The television season of 1997-1998 included a series on ABC called Nothing Sacred.
Showing Up -- John 11:32-44 -- Stan Purdum -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
No less a commentator on the human condition than Woody Allen has said, "Eighty percent of success i
Belonging To The Truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Stan Purdum -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
(Note: Although the lectionary reading stops at verse 37, I recommend reading through verse 38a, whi
Living With Money -- And Still Being Christian -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
News from the financial section of the paper is seldom as interesting as whatever's on the front pag
The Strange Economy In The Kingdom Of God -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
I saw one of those Far Side-type cartoons a while back that showed Adam and Eve being expelle
Far From The Obscuring Crowd -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
More than forty years ago, an accidental chemical spill robbed Antonio Sanchez-Migallon of his sight
The Kin Of Qoheleth -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Today's Gospel Reading is from Mark, but I want to begin in the Old Testament.
Giving Of Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Have you ever wondered if growing up poor could somehow imbue you with deeper character?
Signs -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In 2002, there was a popular Mel Gibson movie called Signs.
Why God Has No Grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences.
Lilies Of The Field -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In 1635, the Puritan clergyman, Roger Williams, was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for promo
What's So Amazing About Grace? -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
What's So Amazing About Grace?
Experiencing God -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Experiencing God
Being What We Are -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Being What We Are
Mourning Our Fallen Tormentors -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Mourning Our Fallen Tormentors
The View From Michal's Window -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 or Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
The View From Michal's Window
The Maybe Moment -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
The Maybe Moment
Leaping From Recognition Point -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Leaping From Recognition Point
Eating In The Echoing Hall -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
Eating In The Echoing Hall
A Hearing Heart -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
A Hearing Heart
Stewards Of Power -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Stewards Of Power

Stories

StoryShare

Hearing Things -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Henry Scholberg, Rolf Morck -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Dancing Before The Lord -- Frank R. Fisher, Stan Purdum, John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Glory -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
What's Up This Week
A Steady God In An Unsteady World -- John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan -- All Saints Day - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Larry's Lesson -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, James T. Garrett, David Michael Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week Stories: "Larry's Lesson" by Stan Purdum
Here Am I; Send Me! -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Stan Purdum, Rick McCracken-Bennett -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Here Am I; Send Me!" by Stan Purdum
Larry's Lesson -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Titus 3:4-7, Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, James T. Garrett, David Michael Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week Stories: "Larry's Lesson" by Stan Purdum
Are You Sure? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- C. David Mckirachan, Stan Purdum, Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - C
What's Up This Week
Susanna's Last Words -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- David O. Bales, Stan Purdum, Timothy F. Merrill -- Easter Day - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Susanna's Last Words" by David O. Bales
Dumb Woolies -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- C. David Mckirachan, Stan Purdum, Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Dumb Woolies" by C. David McKirachan
Stan Purdum -- Stan Purdum
Stan Purdum is the pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Waynesburg, Ohio.
Are You Sure? -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26, Psalm 97 -- C. David Mckirachan, Stan Purdum, Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
What's Up This Week
The Mighty Metaphor Machine -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week

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UPCOMING WEEKS
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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
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10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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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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