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Children's Activity

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Mustard seed faith -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Teachers or Parents: The question of faith is a difficult one
"Going fishing" and "A treasure hunt" -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Parents and Teachers: Here are two games geared to different age groups.
Growing weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Materials: Paper Markers, pens, pencils Scissors
The lamb of God -- John 1:29-42 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
Teachers or Parents: The atonement of Christ -- the Agnus Dei
Swimming with your clothes on -- John 21:1-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Teachers or Parents: The theme of this week's Gospel as well
Defining greatness -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Materials White craft foam or felt Markers Instructions
Jesus was sad -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus understands our emotions. Jesus
Jesus the fisherman -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Teachers: Jesus tells Peter to cast his nets again, even
Make me clean! -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Teachers or Parents: Like the unclean leper that Jesus cured, all
Pretty packages -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Materials Small jewelry boxes (cardboard), one for each child
God's business card -- John 17:1-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Teachers or Parents: To know Jesus is to know God. He is God
If the Shoe Fits -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Parents or Teachers: The lesson today was about rules and finding
Tested and approved -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: Most products are tested before they
Living water -- John 4:5-26 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Teachers or Parents: Read the story of the Woman of Samaria
Stained-Glass Windows -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Teachers: The dove is a familiar Christian symbol. One of its
Scars tell a story -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Materials:Oven or toaster oven Rolls of sugar cookie dough
Giving Jesus your best -- John 12:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Mary loved Jesus so much that she honored him by giving him
Follow God's directions -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Teachers or Parents: We would all like our children to
"Follow his directions" -- John 21:1-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Teachers or Parents: The Gospel message is clear: if we
Holy Spirit cards -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Teachers: Jesus appeared to the disciples and gave them the
Parable in drama -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Teachers: The parable of the three servants can be retold with
Finding life -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Materials Small, smooth rocks, 1 for each child Craft paint
Correcting our vision -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Teachers: The children's message was about Jesus coming to correct our vision.
Who is the Spirit? -- John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Teachers or Parents: The "Trinity" will always be a mystery,
Listen, think, and learn -- John 10:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Many times Jesus told stories to illustrate a point.

Children's sermon

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A Surprising First Sign! -- John 2:1-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
“Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory...”
Toys And More Toys -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
“Take care!
Purpose -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (v. 21b)
Things I Love the Most -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”(v. 34)
Coloring a Story -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
“all spoke well of him....they were filled with rage.” (vs. 22, 28)
Fire! -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
“Jesus said, ‘I came to bring fire to the earth,’...” (v. 49a)
Time Out! -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
“And ought not this woman….be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?”
No Fish? Go Fish... -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
“...from now on you will be catching people.” (v. 10b)
The True Place Of Honor (Chanticleer Be Gone!) -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.”
Who Is Truly Blessed? -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
“...for power came out of him and healed all of them.” (v. 19b)
Making Plans -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
“Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (v
Love Your Enemies -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you....” (v. 27)
Dancing Angels -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2019
“Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner
Ah Ha, I Get It! -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Arley K. Fadness -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
“This is my Son, my chosen: listen to him!” (V. 35b)
One Master Only -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
“No slave can serve two masters...you cannot serve God and money.” (v.
The Right Treasure Chest -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Hello kids,Thank you for joining me for this message I have just for you.
Start Seeing Lazarus -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2019
“Child, remember… Lazarus...” (v. 25a)
Jesus Won! -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Arley K. Fadness -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
“Jesus answered him, It is said, 'do not put the Lord our God to the test.'”
Do It, Jesus! -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
“The Apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ ”  (v. 5)
Like A Mother Hen -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
“How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood un
Gratitude Day -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
“He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. (v. 16a)
Second Chances -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
 “Sir, let it alone for one more year...”
Never Quit Praying -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2019
“Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray and not lose heart.” (
A Lost Boy Found! -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
“he was lost and has been found.”
What Fun To Be Free! -- John 8:31-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2019
“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (v. 36)

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
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

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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