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Children's Activity

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The least of these -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
It's good to be a sheep -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: The beginning of a new year is always a good
Sheep and goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Our society is very much divided into
Straining the difference -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: The difference in people is in their
Time passes -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Talk about staying up late. Perhaps your
Our inheritance -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A
Teachers or Parents: New Year's Day is a strange one for

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Cherish the name -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
(Note: This commentary was originally published in 1996.)
A season not a reason -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016-17
These three scriptures together point to the reality of the world we live in.
A time to step back -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2015
New York Times columnist David Brooks has written a book titled The Road to Character
At the gate of the year -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Time is the news of the day. Yesterday was yesteryear.
God's timing -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Another year has gone by as one awakens on New Year's Day.
Time after time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Time is the news of the day. Yesterday was yesteryear.
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Every January 1 there is a sense of freshness.
What's new? -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
There is something strange about New Year's celebrations, if you think about it.
What you are not responsible for -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2007
'Tis the season to measure up, sum up, and own up. While most sanctuaries will not be
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
A new name -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2000
(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Luthe
Life beyond life -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
In Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, Alice encounters a sleeping giant.
First Lesson Focus -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSBy James A. Nestingen

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

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Fill Your Year with Jesus -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A -- 2014
The Point: The new year is ahead of you. What will you fill your days with?
Sheep or Goat? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Anna Shirey -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
First Thoughts
Crying game -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. (v. 4a)
The least of these -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these
It's good to be a sheep -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Today is the first day of a brand new year.
A brand-new year -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Well, here we are in church on a Saturday
The end of time -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning and Happy New Year! Today is the first day of a
No beginning and no end -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Happy New Year! Today is the first day of a
Straining the difference -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Today is New Year's Day but it is also a day
Time passes -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Before people had clocks to keep time, they used
The whole alphabet -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Happy New Year! When I think of a whole new year that we are
Always new -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A
Good morning! Welcome to the new year. This is now the
Our inheritance -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A
Almost every family has something that is passed on within
Beginning and end -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A
Today is the beginning of a brand-new year. We even call

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2017) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2015/2016) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2015) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
The Byrds were inspired... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
The Byrds were inspired by this text as they sang "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a seaso
Elisabeth Moss, who plays... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Elisabeth Moss, who plays hardworking advertising copywriter Peggy Olson, on the television show
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2014) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
We like the good... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the good times, but we are not so sure about the bad times.
Thomas Cook is a name... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Thomas Cook is a name that is unknown to most of us; but we each live with his innovative and entrep
Suffering is not... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Derl G. Keefer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Suffering is not something that we seek, but it does come to all people at times in life.
This text promises... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
This text promises a fresh start. That is so appropriate for the New Year celebration.
We like the glory... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the glory part. It's the judgment part that may give us a little concern.
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2012/2013) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Over the holidays Connie lost her watch -- a special gift from her father.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
What time is it? Maybe it is whatever time we make it to be!
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
There have been so many ways invented to keep track of time.
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This is not a text about making New Year's resolutions, but a description of the new reality God has
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
The word "amen" used by the church was incorporated directly from the Jewish synagogue, with no alte
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
We see so many appeals in magazines and on television for many causes both at home and in other coun
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
In her book God Never Blinks, Regina Brett recounts her upbringing in parochial school.
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
When driving through farm country, have you ever seen llamas grazing with horses?
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2012) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
I have several different authors whose works I enjoy... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Craig Kelly -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
I have several different authors whose works I enjoy.
There is a time and season for everything... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
There is a time and season for everything.

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

SermonStudio

New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Numbers 6:22-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A -- 2004
I cry at weddings.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Stories

StoryShare

A New Season -- Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Wagner -- New Year's Day - A -- 2017
Contents "A New Season" by Peter Andrew Smith
A New Season -- Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Wagner -- New Year's Day - A -- 2017
Contents "A New Season" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Right Season -- Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- John Fitzgerald -- New Year's Day - A -- 2014
Contents"The Right Season" by John Fitzgerald* * * * * * *
God's Perspective -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- New Year's Day - A -- 2013
Contents"God's Perspective" by Peter Andrew Smith
Who's That Comin' 'round That Mountain? -- Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - A -- 2013
Contents"Who's that Comin' 'Round that Mountain?" by Frank Ramirez
I'll Be The One In Black -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann, David O. Bales -- New Year's Day - A -- 2011
Contents"I'll Be the One in Black" by C. David McKirachan
A Time For Everything -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- Larry Winebrenner, C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- New Year's Day - A -- 2010
Contents"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
New Beginnings For A New Year -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- David O. Bales, Terry Cain, Wayne Brouwer, John E. Sumwalt -- New Year's Day - A -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

SermonStudio

NEW YEAR'S EVE/DAY -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- B. David Hostetter -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: A rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For March 30, 2025:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 5:9-12
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.
John N. Brittain
I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.
Charles D. Reeb
A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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