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Keith Hewitt

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Keith Hewitt is the author of two volumes of NaTiVity Dramas: Nontraditional Christmas Plays for All Ages (CSS). Keith's newest book NaTiVity Dramas: The Third Season will be published September 2012. He is a local pastor, co-youth leader, former Sunday school teacher, and occasional speaker at Christian events. He lives in southeastern Wisconsin with his wife, two children, and assorted dogs and cats.
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Drama

SermonStudio

A Night For News -- Keith Hewitt -- 2008
Characters (in order of appearance) Director Offstage Voice (Bumper)
Bethlehem Blues -- Keith Hewitt -- 2008
Characters (in order of appearance) Archangel Afriel Barbiel
Two-And-A-Half Wise Men -- Keith Hewitt -- 2008
Characters (in order of appearance) Delilah Gaspar Melchior
Dirty Jobs: Bethlehem -- Keith Hewitt -- 2008
Characters Producer Micah Lydia Esther Customer 1
Ewe's Clues: A Christmas Story -- Keith Hewitt -- 2007
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator (offstage)
CSI: Bethlehem -- Keith Hewitt -- 2007
Characters (in order of appearance) Guardsman Captain Of The Guard
COPS: Bethlehem -- Keith Hewitt -- 2007
Characters (in order of appearance) Benjamin Cameraman (nonspeaking)
Trading Spaces: Bethlehem -- Keith Hewitt -- 2007
Characters (in order of appearance) Paige Simon Elizabeth Jacob

Illustration

StoryShare

A Backpack of Rocks -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“A Backpack of Rocks” by C. David McKirachan
Love Is Hard -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“Love is Hard” by C. David McKirachan
Left Behind -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Contents “Left Behind” by Keith Hewitt
Welcoming -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
Contents “Welcoming” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Invaders -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Genesis 28:10-19a -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
Contents "The Invaders" by Keith Hewitt
The Estranged -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “The Estranged” by Keith Hewitt
The River -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Keith Hewitt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
“Have you thought about what pose you’d like?”
Visiting Asaph -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Contents "Visiting Asaph" by David O. Bales
On The Mountaintop -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Contents "On The Mountaintop" by Keith Hewitt* * * * * * *
Cousins -- Mark 1:21-28, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 111 -- Larry Winebrenner, Keith Hewitt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
Contents"Cousins" by Larry Winebrenner
The Valley -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
Contents"The Valley" by Keith Hewitt
On The Lookout -- Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Contents"On the Lookout" by Keith Hewitt
The Visitor -- Mark 1:4-11, Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Craig Kelly, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
Contents "The Visitor" by Keith Hewitt
The Visitor -- Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2011
Contents "The Visitor" by Keith Hewitt
The Jigsaw Puzzle -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:47-55 -- Argile Smith, Craig Kelly, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B, The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Jigsaw Puzzle" by Argile Smith
Overture -- Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Keith Hewitt, Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Overture" by Keith Hewitt
The Days After Christmas -- Luke 2:22-40, Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Craig Kelly, Keith Hewitt, Bryan Meadows -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Free Access

A Backpack of Rocks -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“A Backpack of Rocks” by C. David McKirachan
The Estranged -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “The Estranged” by Keith Hewitt

Stories

StoryShare

A Regrettable Necessity -- John 20:19-31, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Keith Hewitt, Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2010.Contents
The Table -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Keith Hewitt, Lamar Massingill -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
What's Up This Week
Oskar -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2022
Contents"Oskar" by Keith Hewitt "With Reverence and Awe" by John Sumwalt
World's End -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
Contents "World's End" by Keith Hewitt "The Wrong Lens" by Frank Ramirez
A Chance for Grace -- Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Keith Hewitt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2019.
Prom Night -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2021
Contents “Prom Night” by Keith Hewitt
A Work of the Soul -- Isaiah 40:21-31, Mark 1:29-39 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2021
Contents“A Work of the Soul” by Keith Hewitt
It Could Have Been... -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Keith Hewitt, Lamar Massingill -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published in 2012.
A Backpack of Rocks -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“A Backpack of Rocks” by C. David McKirachan
The Serpent… -- Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-21 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents “The Serpent…” by Keith Hewitt
A New Commandment -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2021
Contents “A New Commandment” by Keith Hewitt
The Vine -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“The Vine” by Keith Hewitt
Love Is Hard -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“Love is Hard” by C. David McKirachan
Wounds -- Mark 3:20-35, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
Contents“Wounds” by Keith Hewitt
The Modest Proposal -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Psalm 89:20-37 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2021
Contents“The Modest Proposal” by Keith Hewitt
The Guest -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Keith Hewitt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
The old man closed the door, hoping to cut out — or at least cut down — the noise coming fr
Gloriously Stormy Worship -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
Contents “Gloriously Stormy Worship” by David O. Bales
A Waste of Time -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
Contents “A Waste of Time” by Keith Hewitt
Left Behind -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Contents “Left Behind” by Keith Hewitt
Welcoming -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
Contents “Welcoming” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Invaders -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Genesis 28:10-19a -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
Contents "The Invaders" by Keith Hewitt

Free Access

A Backpack of Rocks -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“A Backpack of Rocks” by C. David McKirachan
A New Commandment -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2021
Contents “A New Commandment” by Keith Hewitt
The Vine -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“The Vine” by Keith Hewitt
Wounds -- Mark 3:20-35, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
Contents“Wounds” by Keith Hewitt
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Thanksgiving
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 1
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 2
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
21 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A heavy coat for one of the children to wear. Make it as heavy as possible by adding rocks, bags of rice, or other heavy objects in the pockets. For more fun, also have a few extra heavy things you can give the child to hold or put on to wear. When you select the child to wear the jacket, select one for whom the jacket will feel pretty heavy. Select a second child to be the “friend” in the story.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!
John Jamison
Object: A colorful flower like a Bird of Paradise or something with an interesting-looking blossom. If you are not near a florist, many grocers have flowers like these available. Just change the name of the flower in the message as you talk about it.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
For December 1, 2024:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (v. 26)

Ernie Vohland was the baker in Montello, Wisconsin, when, fresh out of seminary, I was appointed to serve as pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in 1978. He was one of the first people I met on Sunday morning, and later at Leone’s Bakery when I stopped in for sweet rolls the next day, Ernie wouldn’t let the new preacher pay. 
Frank Ramirez
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (v. 25)

Did you ever think about the word “earworm?” The very idea of a literal earworm, some sort of parasite caught inside your ear is such a disturbing image I hate to even think of it. I apologize, but if you some of you need to get the wiggles out go ahead and shake your shoulders a bit.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 33:14-16
God proclaims that the promises made to Israel will be kept. It brings to mind the question, “How good am I at keeping promises?” Do I blithely make a promise and then forget about following through? Do I make a few promises and diligently keep every single one? Do I avoid making promises, so I don’t have to keep them? I’m not sure in which category I fit and maybe the category changes from day to day and circumstance to circumstance.
Mark Ellingsen
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Joel 2:21-27
Andrena Sawyer once wrote, “God’ s restoration will go beyond what was, to set a new standard for what is good.” Restoration and renewal are important concepts for us as human beings.
Frank Ramirez
Thanksgiving is one of the most blessed, most anticipated, and most dreaded holidays on our calendar. The expectations are so high, and oftentimes we’re the ones setting the bar against which we measure ourselves. In the midst of giving thanks, these three scriptures give us a different perspective.

Joel 2:21-27

SermonStudio

Mary Austin
As this Advent season begins, what have you promised yourself about the holidays this year? Are you vowing to have a simpler Christmas? Planning to make time for some activity you love, or time with beloved people?

What promises are ahead for your family? Do you know some kids who are waiting eagerly to see what Santa will bring? Adults who are waiting eagerly to collapse, and finally get some rest? People who find this time of year hard, and are just hoping to get through it?
Wayne Brouwer
"Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed husband in Shakespeare's tragedy, "and we'll not fail." But fail they do and no amount of courage in the world can save them or turn them into heroes.

Courage is a funny thing. It's a bit like happiness: the more you seek it, the more you demand it, the more you try to call it up, the less it shows its face.

Richard A. Jensen
It had been a tough week for Glenda Kruse. Glenda was a real estate agent and she had sold only one home during the entire month of November. She was getting desperate. She had to make a living after all.
James Evans
There is perhaps no greater challenge to the life of faith than suffering. There is an implicit expectation that God, who is strong and loving, will protect those who are weak. When tragedy befalls the innocent, it is hard not to wonder about God's strength or goodness, or both.

Stephen M. Crotts
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on it. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by being anxious add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing?
Mary S. Lautensleger
In the parable of The Giving Tree, a young boy would gather his favorite tree's leaves on mild autumn afternoons. He fashioned them into a crown for his head and played king of the forest. The tree was fun to climb, and he loved to eat its delicious apples. The boy enjoyed swinging from the tree's branches, and discovered a shady resting place beneath those same branches on hot summer days.
John A. Stroman
Joel informs the people of Judah that God has willed that humankind should have abundant life. This abundant life is characterized by good relationships with others, with all of God's creation, as well as the land and all its creatures. He points out that this abundant life of relationships is possible by first having a harmonious relationship with God. The prophet warns Judah if they desert God, making God unnecessary, and turn to other sources for life, then Judah is faced with hopelessness and the threat of annihilation.
Harold C. Warlick, Jr.
A minister held an administrative position in a major university in a large city. Part of his responsibility was overseeing the program for minority students in that school. The counselor for minority students and the faculty members teaching and working with minority students were under his supervision. The program had not been well run, so prior to his arrival the school had terminated the entire staff. He had to employ a new part-time director for the program.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

As we enter the dark season of Advent, representing the darkness of the world before the light of Christ came at Christmas, let us hold before God any darkness and suffering we ourselves experience, whether at school or at work or in our home lives. (Pause for a few moments silence.) Let us remember that Jesus Christ takes our darkness and suffering and transforms it for us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, darkness can be scary. When we are afraid, Lord, have mercy.

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