Login / Signup

CSSPlus

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Protects and beautifies -- John 17:1-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Teachers or Parents: Spend time beautifying something in your
Count the cost -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
Teachers or Parents: Discipleship is as simple as a childlike
"Sheep and goats" -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Teachers or Parents: The theme for our Gospel text is
An empty tomb -- John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - A
This is a great way to share the Easter story with children.
"Angry!" -- Matthew 2:13-18
Teachers or Parents: Anger is an emotion that can and does
The Bread of Life -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Teachers or Parents: Children especially comprehend the
Names and titles -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Materials:White potatoesAcrylic paint or stamp pads
The birth of Jesus -- Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Materials White pom-poms (1-1/2-inch)
Jesus is always our protector -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
In today's lesson Jesus is told that Herod is trying to find
The true light -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A
Teachers and Parents: Jesus is the Light of the World. He is
Ready and waiting -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- First Sunday of Advent - A
When Advent begins, everybody starts talking about Christmas and getting ready.
Father, Son, Holy Spirit -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Parents and Teachers: This is Trinity Sunday, the Sunday that
Are you ready for Christmas? -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Teachers or Parents: In our society, it is very easy for us to
Seeing Jesus as he is -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Teachers or Parents: Our children need to be reminded continually
Here, there, and everywhere -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Materials A story book with a short story that can be read Instructions
Going and coming -- John 14:23-29 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Teachers or Parents: Children fear abandonment. Many children
A Voice From A Cloud -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Teachers: Three disciples heard a voice from a cloud. The
Sunrise -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C
Parents or Teachers: Today's lesson is about truth. The example used is
Too much for me! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Teachers or Parents: The lessons today are about
Scroll of the Lord -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Teachers: This week's lesson tells about Jesus launching his
Telephone book cover -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Teachers: Use this week's theme of Jesus the true vine and
"Safe in his hands" -- John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Teachers or Parents: Our children have a great need to feel
Give us ... -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Teachers or Parents: Both of today's lessons have to do
God sent a helper -- John 14:15-21
Materials:Wrapped box (for the teacher) Small boxes (one per child)
Come, drink -- John 7:37-39 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Teachers or Parents: The Holy Spirit fills our need, our

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

A True Friend -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
Hey, who wants to be my friend?  I have candy to share!  I am so happy that you are all my wonderful
A Trick Question Exposed -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2017
“...give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperors and to God the things tha
Go And Lo -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2017
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations....and lo I am with you always...” (v.
Doing The Unpleasant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
I have a surprise in my bag today but I'm not sure if any of you would like to see it. You see...
The Greatest Commandment Of All -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2017
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Lost And Found -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
“As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The Kingdom of Heaven has come near”
Truthfulness Under Pressure -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Good Friday - A -- 2017
How many of you like to have a snack before you go to bed.
Who's The Greatest? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
The greatest among you will be your servant.
No Fear -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
Do not fear... (v. 28)Good morning girls and boys,
A mystery -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2017
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother
Hard Times -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When you see a box of tissues what do you normally think of?
Always Be Prepared! -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
“Keep awake therefore...” (v. 13a)Good morning girls and boys,
Welcome! -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me... (v. 40a)
Is It True? -- John 20:19-31 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
Have you ever looked closely at a dollar bill?  Do you know whose picture is on it?
Using The Jewel(s) Inside Of You -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
“well done, good and trustworthy slave...” (v. 23b)
Instant Obedience -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2017
How many of you have a dog?  Have you ever tried to teach your dog some tricks?  Isn't it amazing ho
Backpack Unpacked -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Seeing Jesus Today -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
“...come you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you...” (v.
Amazing Books -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2017
I have just been to the library and look at all my amazing books!
When will it be time? -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but on
Sheep and goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - B -- 2017
Good morning! Can anyone tell me why we are here in church on a Saturday morning?
Someone's Coming -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
“The One who is more powerful than I is coming.” (v. 7a)
A Voice shouts "Straighten up" -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'made straight the way of the Lord.'” (
The Very Very Best Gift of all -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and laid him in a manger, because there was no roo
Growing up tall, smart and loved -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Arley K. Fadness -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
“The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and the favor of God was upon him.” (v

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
and more...
Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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

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
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.

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

Wildcard SSL