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Epiphany 6 -- Jeremiah 17:5-8, Luke 6:17-26 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1985
The LessonsJeremiah 17:5-10 (C)Jeremiah 17:5-8 (L, RC)
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1985
The LessonsExodus 34:29-35 (C)
Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 9:28-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1985
The LessonsGenesis 15:1-12, 17-18 (C, RC)
Lent 5 -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:8-14, John 8:1-11, John 12:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1985
The LessonsIsaiah 43:16-21
A Knotty Marriage -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Objects needed: A six-inch piece of thread and two twenty-four inch pieces of rope with slip-loops o
Making a House Into a Home -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Objects needed: A toy house, some furnishings, and the items mentioned below.
A House Or A Home? -- Joshua 24:14-15 -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
A family moved to a new city where the father's company had transferred him.
When a Member of the Family Dies -- John 11:17-36 -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been buried four days before.
Divorce-Proofing Your Marriage -- Genesis 2:18-24 -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to live alone.
One Plus One Equals One -- Matthew 19:1-9 -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
When Jesus finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the territory of Judea on the o
Discipline Hurts But Helps -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Object needed: A Doctor's Syringe
The Household Leader -- Leviticus 6:1-9 -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Perhaps you have heard this old story, but I feel it bears repeating on this Father's Day.
Gifts Bring Responsibilities -- Psalm 127:3-5 -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.
The Advent Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1985
The Meaning of Advent
All Are Needed -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Objects needed: Dinner plate, fork, knife, spoon
The Easter Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1985
The Name of Easter
What Children Owe Their Parents -- Matthew 15:1-9 -- R. E. Lybran -- 1985
Then some Pharisees and teachers of the Law came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked him, "Why is it t
Easter 3 -- Acts 9:1-20, Acts 5:27-32, 40-41, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
The LessonsActs 9:1-20 (C, L)
Reading the Story -- George M. Bass -- 1984
Every church building is a repository of stories which are lived out by people, told and retold agai
Preaching Within the Liturgy -- George M. Bass -- 1984
During the past two decades, some homileticians were asking a question about the role of preaching i
The Evolution of Sermon Shape -- George M. Bass -- 1984
"The Church of the Cryptic Cross" is one name that I have given to a contemporary building in anothe
The Importance of "A Story Told" -- George M. Bass -- 1984
Churches tell stories of God and his people.
Sermon Illustration in the Story Sermon -- George M. Bass -- 1984
A few years ago I used to drive past an unusual church building at least a couple times a week.
Telling the Sermon -- George M. Bass -- 1984
The Cathedral of St.
Solving the Story Problems -- George M. Bass -- 1984
It has been many years since I first read Thomas Chalmers' famous sermon, "The Expulsive Power of a

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Welcoming Christ -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
For his sixth grade year his family moved to the new community.
What Jesus Prayed For -- John 17:1-11 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
What do you pray for? Maybe the question should be: "Do you pray?!"
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner -- Mark 14:17-25 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
One of the greatest contributions of Jesus, and one of the chief evidences of his uniqueness, was th
And Then Came The Angel -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives in
Letter From God -- John 8:1-11 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone...
What do these things mean? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Suppose you are witness to the most remarkable event ever to transpire in the whole history of the w
The Unexpected Universe -- Matthew 11:4-6 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1998
It has already caused a stir in the minds of many. Long-held doubts have surfaced.
A Baby Isn't Quite What We Expected -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- R. Glen Miles -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
I hope you noticed the sermon title. It seems to be a little out of place, doesn't it? A baby?
Be Patient -- James 5:7-10 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
Not long ago I encountered the father of five boys.
Where, In This Hell, Is The Holy? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
I am convinced that few of us are really convinced that this Good Friday really leads to the first d
How To Become Joyful -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
Reading the Bible is easy. What's tough is understanding it.
Going Ahead Anyway -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays?
One Day At A Time -- Mark 13:24-32 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... but about that day or hour no one knows...
A Gulf Too Wide For Crossing -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
It is not uncommon to see conflict in our world, persons or factions or nations in struggle against
The Star Thrower -- Matthew 2: 9-10 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1998
O Star (the fairest one in sight),We grant your loftiness the right
The Future Of God -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- R. Glen Miles -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The text we have heard today is pleasant, maybe even reassuring.
Designated Son Of God -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
"Descended from David ...
Lint -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The topic this morning was not a misprint in the newspaper nor in your bulletin.
The Story Of Life -- Romans 7:18-8:2 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
The apostle Paul never wrote anything for which I am more grateful than the words he penned in the s
Baptism In Three Movements -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
There are two very different ways to think about baptism.
Calling A Spade A Spade -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... Unless I see... I will not believe...
Don't Bypass Your Bethels -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Jacob was looking for a wife, and father Isaac had suggested he go to Pandanaram, locate his mother'
The Inner Galaxy -- Luke 2:6-7 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1998
Christmas Eve is the night for midnight blue skies, cloudless and serene; a night for stars dazzling
What Do You Want For Christmas? -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- R. Glen Miles -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
(Originally published in 1998)
Moving At The Speed Of Light: At The Jordan -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Luchsinger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
Peter had long practiced a religion which required the separation of Jews and Gentiles, and followin

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Faithful obedience to God's call -- Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33, Romans 3:21-28 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: What is most striking about this account of God's call and Abraham's response is th
Labor Day Weekend -- Roger Prescott, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
Rally Day -- James Weekley, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
Cheerful Giving -- Anthology, B. David Hostetter -- 1988
Order of Service"Cheerful Giving"CALL TO WORSHIP
The Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. -- John H. Krahn, Anthology, Michael L. Sherer -- 1988
Comments on the Service, the Order of Worship, and the Children's Message were prepared by Michael L
Week of Prayer For Christian Unity -- Leonard H. Budd, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
James Weekley, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
Mother's Day -- B. David Hostetter, Anthology -- 1988
Order of WorshipPRELUDE Songs My Mother Taught Me - Dvorak
The Celebration of Confirmation -- Heth H. Corl, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
Memorial Day Weekend -- Roger Prescott, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
Fourth of July Weekend -- Charles Michael Mills, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
Flower Sharing Sunda -- Leonard H. Budd, Anthology -- 1988
Comments on the Service
New Year's Eve or Day -- Roger Prescott -- 1988
Comments on the Service
God's mercy for the disobedient -- Romans 11:13-16, 29-32, Matthew 15:21-28 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
An Order for Communion, using a Litany on the Ten Commandments. -- William Luoma -- 1986
Notes for Maundy Thursday Communion
Faith and commitment -- Genesis 22:1-18 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:Life is a test of faith day after day.People:
LENT 3 -- Psalm 95, Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Since the texts selected for the next two Sundays (Lent 3 and Lent 4 of Series A) have Common and Ro
LENT 4 -- Psalm 23, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Norman A. Beck -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Since here, as in the texts selected for Lent 3 in Series A, the Common and the Roman Catholic texts
Partners serving God -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:17-26 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:Christian service requires many different kinds of servants.
What about Good Friday? -- William Luoma -- 1986
What do you remember that is meaningful to you about Good Friday?
LENT 5 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Probably the most important common factor in these five texts is the concept of restoration to life
Anxiety eased by Christ's presence -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 11:33-36 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
The suffering Savior -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Sixth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:Lift up your hearts in praise to Jesus, King of our lives!
Easter Sunrise -- William Luoma -- 1986
There is one morning in the year when churches can get away with scheduling worship at a very early
Accepting our relationship to God -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 5:6-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:God has made it clear who we are, and whose we are.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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.

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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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