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Children's Activity

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Parable of wheat and weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30 36-42 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Parents and Teachers: Help your students understand the
"He has risen!" -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Easter Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Amid all the secular symbols of Easter
John the Baptist -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
Teachers or Parents: This week's Gospel tells us about John
Mark 10:17-31 -- Rich in so many ways -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Materials Different size cardboard boxes Ribbon Tape Wrapping paper
The good soil -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A
Materials:
The one who heals -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Teachers or Parents: There are so many wonderful new
Peace! Be Still -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus calms a storm in today's lesson.
Palm prints -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Teachers or Parents: Use the text today to teach the children
"Preparing the way" -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Teachers or Parents: Today's theme is preparation for
A guide to the truth -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Teachers or Parents: Our Gospel reading focuses on the work
Taking the hard way -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Materials A pattern Knitting needles Yarn Knitted sweater
Share the news! -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
In today's Gospel Lesson we hear a story about a man possessed by demons.
Mustard seed faith -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Teachers or Parents: The question of faith is a difficult one
Jesus the fisherman -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Teachers: Jesus tells Peter to cast his nets again, even
The lamb of God -- John 1:29-42 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
Teachers or Parents: The atonement of Christ -- the Agnus Dei
God's blueprints -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Passion Sunday - A
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
The greatest commandments -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
Materials 12-inch red pipe cleaners, one for each child
How much? -- John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Teachers or Parents: Have the children memorize John 3:16. This
Jesus was sad -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus understands our emotions. Jesus
A letter to God -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
Teachers: Jesus tells a lawyer that the greatest commandment
A wedding party -- John 2:1-11 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
Teachers: This lesson is the story of Jesus' first miracle. It happened during a wedding.
Lost and Found -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
Parents or Teachers: Today's lesson is about the lost sheep and the lost
Lip service is not enough -- John 14:15-21 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
Teachers or Parents: Most of us understand the value of
Slow to believe -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
After the resurrection of Jesus -- but before it was known -- two of his followers were walking alon
The new that stays new -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Teachers or Parents: Make the days of Lent different

Children's sermon

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Even When You Can’t See Them -- John 14:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Jesus reminds the disciples that they can continue to show their love for him even when he is gone.
Sheep and Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- John Jamison -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as
A different kind of hero -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
Good morning, boys and girls. Do any of you have heroes? (Let
Living Water Seeks Out Empty Places -- John 7:37-39 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
These verses follow the metaphor of living water flowing from our hearts into the world.
Thank You -- Luke 17:11-19 -- John Jamison -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2020
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himsel
Making disciples -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
Fighting Racism Is A Big Job, But So Was The Great Commission -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
Children are acutely tuned to pick up on disturbances.
Are We There Yet? -- Mark 13:24-37 -- John Jamison -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Objects: You will need three objects:
You Are Loved More -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
Jesus’ audience believed that someone had to be extra special for God to care for them.
Are We There Yet? Part 2 -- Mark 1:1-8 -- John Jamison -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Note: This sermon is the second in a series you can continue through Advent.
The Roots of Faith! -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John Jamison -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
Hi everyone! (Let them respond) I want to tell you a story that Jesus told people one day.
Are We There Yet? Part 3 -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Note: This sermon is the third in a series you can continue through Advent.
Mixed-up Seeds! -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- John Jamison -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
“Let both grow together until the harvest.
Are We There Yet? Part 4 -- Luke 1:26-38 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
IMPORTANT: This sermon is the fourth in a series to go through Advent.
Are We There Yet? Part 5 -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John Jamison -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2020
Important Note: Set the alarm!!!
The Wait is Over -- Luke 2:22-40 -- John Jamison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2020
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher.
Trailer To A Gospel -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
John’s opening is daunting.
We're GREAT! -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
John the Baptist is humbled by Jesus’ request to baptize him.
There Is Enough Friendship To Share -- John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
John the Baptist gives us a great example of how to be a friend.
Wanted: Best Friend -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
As Jesus calls his disciples it seems like he has a criterion for the people with which he wants to
Different Parts, Yet One -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Good morning! This morning I want to see if we can think of
Lost and found -- Matthew 10:34-42 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know what this is? (Show
Pick the Last First -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
Jesus turns the theology of the day on it’s head by saying the people who you thought were left out
All that food! -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
(Note: If your church or community sponsors a specific "food
"Talk to Me" —God -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
“Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” (v. 1b)

Sermon

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
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Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
27 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: A crèche, or manger scene. Any size and style is fine as long as it includes shepherds. Have the creche set up before you begin.

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StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” (vv. 13-14)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 62:6-12
Isaiah proclaims, “Look, your savior comes.” We celebrate on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day the coming of our savior into the world – not as one full of power, but as a babe, vulnerable and human, as one born among us. Yes, God has great things in store for this babe, great lessons to teach us and for us to absorb as we watch this babe become a child and then a man. But in this quiet moment, this moment in a stable, born of indigent, immigrant parents, we see our own vulnerability portrayed in the Christ child.
Wayne Brouwer
There is a powerful scene in Herman Melville’s great epic, Moby Dick, where Captain Ahab stands peg-legged on the deck of the Pequod during a violent storm (chapter 119). His obsession with the White Whale has carried the craft and crew to exotic and frightening locales, and now it seems as if divine providence might be unleashing furious anger against this ill-fated quest.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer
I read an old legend about a Christmas party that Satan and his pack of demons were having in hell. As the demonic guests were departing, one laughed and grinned and sarcastically said to Satan, “Merry Christmas your majesty!” At that, Satan replied with a growl, “Yes, keep it merry. If they ever get serious about it, we’ll all be in trouble.”

Today the focus is all about the Messiah and we need to be serious about it. It is the birth of the baby Jesus, the Messiah. It is the coming of God…the doctrine of incarnation. It is the intervention of God’s presence among humanity.
Stephen P. McCutchan
... He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
-- Psalm 96:13

Gregory L. Tolle
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
James Evans
This psalm gives us the proper theme for a Christmas Day celebration: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises" (v. 4).

Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The lectionary includes two sets of readings for Christmas Day: those appointed for dawn services, and those appointed for services that take place later in the day. Psalm 97 is designated as one of these early-morning readings.

William Powell Tuck
Christmas is usually associated in our memory as a time of great joy. But for many it is also a time for cynicism. There are some people for whom Christmas is difficult. It is a time of struggle, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. There are more suicides during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. A comment by a woman in a nursing home indicates the feeling of some: "No one really cares. No one cares about me now.
Mark Wm. Radecke
Because Jesus was Mary's firstborn, there were four words that she and Joseph did not have to hear as they made the arduous trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Four words that make long journeys longer. Four words that strike terror in the hearts of parents of every time and every place. Four words from which even the youngest child seems to be able to craft a sentence: Are we there yet?

I am struck this year by the number of journeys the narratives of Jesus' birth and infancy entail:

* Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem;
Julia Ross Strope
Gathering music
Christmas medley

(Light the Christ candle.)

(Invite adults, children, and youth ahead of time to bring a favorite gift for a one-sentence show and tell.)

Greeting
Leader: Merry Christmas!

People: Merry Christmas!

Leader: Settle your Christmas gifts on the pew beside you and find the space within your minds and hearts to sing, pray, listen, and talk.
James R. Wilson


Call To Worship
Leader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our savior has been born!
People: Is our Messiah, the promised one, among us this day?
Leader: Surely I say unto you, Christ the Lord is with us even as we speak.
People: Are even sinners such as we welcome in Christ's kingdom?
Leader: Praise to the Lord God Almighty, for in Christ we are all welcome!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
After baby Jesus grew up to be a man, he got into terrible trouble, and wicked people killed him. But a good man called Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus's body gently in his own grave, which he'd made ready for when he should die. After that the wicked people searched for Joseph of Arimathea, and so he ran away from Jerusalem carrying with him a special cup like this one, which contained some of Jesus's holy blood.

Special Occasion

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