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Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Ready or Not! -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
Okay, perhaps Ferris Bueller is not a biblical prophet, yet the longevity of the 1986 film Ferri
Dramatic Irony -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Agatha Christie’s mystery play The Mousetrap opened in 1952, and it has been running longer
Live like you were dying -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
A well-rounded biblical moral lifestyle is established on four primary foundational principles:
Choose each day -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bass M. Mitchell -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
When my son was about four, he spotted my wedding ring on my finger and asked about it.
Choose each day -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
When my son was about 4, he spotted my wedding ring on my finger and asked about it.
Born again -- and again -- and again -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Joshua 24 is another of those pivotal chapters in the Old

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Dramatic Irony -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Agatha Christie’s mystery play The Mousetrap opened in 1952, and it has been running longer

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Door is Closed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
For November 12, 2023:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Living With Fear -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

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Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / OT 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
... Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods....

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2023) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2020) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2017) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2014) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Joshua 24:1-3a
Shechem was appropriate for... -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Shechem was appropriate for this meeting since it was the place where they had the first covenant af
Over the years many people... -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Over the years many people impacted my life for the good.
NULL -- Joshua 24:1-25, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
Joshua 24:1-25
NULL -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
In the television show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Will is a ladies man who for years had no
NULL -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
Choices. Life is about choices. No one understands this more, perhaps, than refugees.
Because our modern world has... -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Because our modern world has radio, television, and the internet, we're more aware of groups that wa
Going to college: mixing students... -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Going to college: mixing students from dozens of different schools, cities, towns, states, families.
Joshua's stirring words, As for... -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Joshua's stirring words, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," also call us to obedi
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25br... -- Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

The Immediate Word

The Door is Closed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
For November 12, 2023:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Living With Fear -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

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Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2017) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to

Preaching

The Immediate Word

The Door is Closed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
For November 12, 2023:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Living With Fear -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

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Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to

SermonStudio

Proper 27 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayThe difference relating to God makes.
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1--3a, 14--25 (C)
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 (C)
Living in readiness and anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ. -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1--3a, 14--25 (C)
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Door is Closed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
For November 12, 2023:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Living With Fear -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

Free Access

Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
Preaching To A Stone -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
I'm going to confess a trade secret.

SermonStudio

Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Do you remember the generation gap that existed between you and your parents when you were a teenage
A Question Of Loyalty -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the northwest corner of Georgia, just s
One Nation, Under God -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- 2004
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it
Preaching To A Stone -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
I'm going to confess a trade secret.
Let's Get Committed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Living in a new millennium differs little from the last.

Stories

StoryShare

Watch -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Contents "Watch" by C. David McKirachan
Keep Your Eyes Open -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Contents"Keep Your Eyes Open" by Frank Ramirez* * * * * * *
The Bubble -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Keith Hewitt, Craig Kelly -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
Contents"The Bubble" by Keith Hewitt "Tell Me a Story" by Craig Kelly
As For Me And My House -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Craig Kelly, Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "As for Me and My House" by Craig Kelly
Dying For A Cookie -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Diane Henderson, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Dying for a Cookie"

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Watch -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Contents "Watch" by C. David McKirachan

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Door is Closed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
For November 12, 2023:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Living With Fear -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

Free Access

Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to

SermonStudio

Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: If we will but listen,
Choose One -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 70)
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
HymnsHark! The Herald Angels Sing (NCH144, CBH201, UM240, PH31, 32)
Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come because God has called us.
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: We Will Serve The LordCall To Worship
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25Theme: As For Me And My Household
PROPER 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
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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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