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Cynthia E. Cowen

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Children's program

SermonStudio

All Clear At Midnight -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2000
BulletinAll Clear At Midnight A Children's Christmas Program
Women Of The Light -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeaderWomen of the Light:
A Mother's Heart: A Celebration Of Women -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeaderFive women:
A Journey With Prayer -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsBulletin:Participants
A Lenten Holy Week Journey -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsNarratorSix Readers:
No Fooling! A Look At The Month Of April -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsOptional Opening Devotion: A Dose Of Fun!
God's Flower Garden -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipants Greta Gardener (narrator) Dandy Lion
Bloom Where You're Planted -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
God's Pentecost Pantry -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
This Year's Most Distinguished Water Person Contest -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsMaster/Mistress of Ceremony Miriam
Celebrating God's Gift Of Hope -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsNarrator
Hats Off To Jesus! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsPreparation
Dem Bones -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
I Am The Vine: A Harvest Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeader (Gardener)
God's Advent Rainbow -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipants Leader
The Gifts Of Blessing From Faith, Hope, And Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Worship ServiceLeader's HelpsParticipants
January -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
1. Women Of The Light

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

All Things Possible -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
“...for God all things are possible.” (v. 27b)
Wise People Still Look For Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: Seek Jesus with your wealth, your worship, and your life
Claimed A Child Of God -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
The Point: In our baptism God claims us as his children
Jesus Had Power -- John 2:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus came with power and authority
The Lord's Blessing -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus came to invite everyone into God’s loving family
Tell The Truth -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2016
The Point: Telling the truth doesn’t mean that it will be easy or fun
Your Greatest Treasurer -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The Point: Your greatest treasure is not laid up on earth but in heaven
Jesus First -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: There are many options in life, choose to put Jesus first
God Gathers His Children -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: God gathers us in his grace to protect us
Repent And Trust In God's Grace -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: Bad things happen in life. Look to God and trust in his grace.
God Is Our Loving Father -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus wants us to know about God our Father
Jesus, Ruler Of The Universe -- John 12:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: this miracle reveals that Jesus has authority over the material world
Who Is Greatest? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
The Point: in God’s kingdom the greatest is a servant of all
Love Each Other -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2016
The Point: if you care for the simplest needs of others, you are loving with a humb
The Truth -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Good Friday - C -- 2016
The Point: the truth is that we all need a Savior
The Empty Tomb -- John 20:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Easter Day - C -- 2016
The Point: the empty tomb was full of good news
Believing With Your Heart -- John 20:19-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: don’t just know about Jesus, believe in Jesus with your heart
Do You Love Jesus? -- John 21:1-19 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus wants us to love him not as a bother but as a Savior
True Security -- John 10:22-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: in the hands of Jesus we are secure for all eternity
A New Commandment -- John 13:31-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: love one another as Jesus has loved us
The Light Of The Holy Spirit -- John 14:23-29 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: in the light of the Holy Spirit we can grow in our understanding of the
Unity, Jesus Prayer For Us -- John 17:20-26 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus prays for unity among his followers
Dazzling White -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus makes us dazzling white
Witness To The Saving Work Of Jesus -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: as Jesus ascends to heaven we are left to be his witnesses in the world
The Promised Holy Spirit -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2016
The Point: the promised Holy Spirit has come to empower our faith and instruct our

Church Programs

SermonStudio

God's Messengers Of Faith, Hope, And Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
The Armor Of God -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Just Look At All Those Trees! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
In Pursuit Of The Right Spirit -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
The Exodus Murmurers -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Where Do I Belong? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Women Bearing Gifts -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Blessed By God In Friendship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Heart Filled With Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
From Slavery To Sainthood! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Lenten Hopes -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Women Blessing Through Marriage -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Humorous Look At Some Hopeful Women -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Sundae Treat -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
God's Picnic Basket -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Isaiah 60:1-6
Romance stories touch my heart... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Romance stories touch my heart, but give me a "mystery," one with good suspense. Great reading!
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2013) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 43:1-7
One summer Beth discovered the joy of creation... -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
One summer Beth discovered the joy of creation.
Infant baptism is often remembered through a baby book picture... -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
Infant baptism is often remembered through a baby book picture, a baptismal napkin or candle, a sign
Listen up, Jared, or you will fail your final test... -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
"Listen up, Jared, or you will fail your final test," Ms. Borns warned.
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle to put away his vestments, he could he
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
On Valentine's Day romantics old or young have the opportunity to declare their love.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
"Please give me your attention," the flight attendant announced.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2012) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Ruth 1:1-18
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Vera was a unique woman. During her marriage she birthed two natural sons.
NULL -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Wherever Anne went, she ran each morning.
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Mrs. Edwards had a passion for teaching.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 1:4-20
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
"God's not answering my prayer. Why don't my children call me or visit?
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Question: What state records the greatest number of earthquakes along with volcanic eruptions
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2012) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2012) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Evan was graduating.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 (2012) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2012) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2012) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 1:20-33
NULL -- John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Three-year-old Benjamin pranced around wearing his Burger King crown.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2012) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Women! 4 Positions OpenPalms' Inn & Supper Club

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.

SermonStudio

The Coat Off Your Back -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Thanksgiving -- cornucopias, fall harvests, turkey and pumpkin pie, corn stalks, and scarecrows -- o
Tradition Can Be Changed -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action.
Jesus Makes All The Difference -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
Our gospel reading for this Epiphany Sunday is a marvelous story about confrontation.
Only The Best -- John 2:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
In areas where wine is made, there are places many go to sample the different varieties offered by e
Love Walked Across The Field -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
The ministry of Jesus was on a roll.
Fit The Picture -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
It was the History Day Parade at James T. Jones Elementary School.
The Ashes Of Our Lives -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
When she was a teenager, Cindy worked for her father.
Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
She stood peeking out from behind the curtains.
How Firm A Foundation -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
Every night after work and on weekends, Eric worked on building his cabin.
Bridge Builders -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2009
As the three cousins ran through the woods, jumping over fallen trees, zigzagging through knee-high
A Concert Of Praise -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The Christmas concert was about to begin. The professional musicians were ready.
Don't Touch Me With That Water! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2009
"Fill the glasses with water, honey. Daddy's guests will be here soon," Mother said.
Risk Takers -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
"Louise, can you and Pastor Hal come to Thanksgiving dinner at our house this Friday?
Go, Climb A Mountain! -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2009
The plane from Amsterdam to Africa was crowded.
Christmas Grass And Easter Tinsel -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
I think there are two items that seem never to disappear.
Don't Burn The Cookies! -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Today we enter the season of Advent.
Go, Johnny, Go, Go, Go! -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Every Sunday, a church broadcasts a one-hour service over the waves of 1450 WMIQ, the local radio st
Fire! Fire! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
After this second Sunday of Christmas, the church will enter the season of Epiphany.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Draw Of The Magnet -- John 12:20-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
A young child sat at the wooden picnic table in the back yard
The Lost Notebook -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
They entered the house drained from the night.
And The Wind Came Up -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun
Here Comes The Bride -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
David adjusted his cuff links and straightened his tie. He

StoryShare

Abiding In Christ -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Frank R. Fisher, B. Kathleen Fannin, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week
First -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg, Cynthia E. Cowen, Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Passing Over To The Other Side -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- C. David Mckirachan, Cynthia E. Cowen, Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Miracle"

Worship

SermonStudio

Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
O Come, Blessed Light Of The World! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
LightsAdvent Devotions O Come, Blessed Light Of The World!
Celebrating The Advent Wreath -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
BulletinCelebrating The Advent Wreath A Special Advent Service
Christmas Symbols And Songs -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsChristmas Symbols And Songs Program Participants:
Angels Inspire Our Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsWorship Leader
Angels In The Outfield -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsAngels In The Outfield Worship Leader
A Christmas Worship Service -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
A Christmas CelebrationA Christmas Worship Service
God's Shining Lights -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Sunday Morning Holy CommunionCall To Worship:
Litany Of Freedom -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Memorial Day ObservanceIntroductory Comments:
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
Behold The Glory Of The Lord -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Nursing Home Service With Holy CommunionInvocation:
Healing Of Divisions -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Prayer ServiceHymn: ''What A Friend We Have In Jesus''Call To Prayer:
Love, Love, Love - That's What It's All About -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Youth Service For Mother's DayCall To Worship:
We Celebrate The Creator -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Opening To A Special MeetingCall To Worship
Baptism -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Introductory Comments
Lakeside Service With Communion -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Galilean Service
Showers Of Blessing -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Worship Service With A SkitLeader's Helps
Blessing Through Marriage -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Anniversary Of Marriage ServiceHymn: ''Blest Be The Tie That Binds''
The Blessing of Giving -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Post--Lenten Ingathering Service
A Feast Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Following Soup And Sandwich SupperWe Prepare Our Hearts
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
For All The Saints -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Call To Worship
Believing We Belong -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Celebration Service Of Holy CommunionWe Believe We Belong To A Merciful God
We Belong In God's Presence -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Closing Night ServiceWe Belong In God's PresenceInvocation:
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

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.

* * *

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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