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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Is Left Behind -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:
James' Trumpet -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Call to Worship: The madman cried out to Jesus, "What have you to do with me,
Thin Ice -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Call to Worship:
Feed My Sheep -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Call to Worship:
Derek And The Lamb -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "Peace be with you. You are witnesses to the living
Praxis Is Apple Green -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Call to Worship:
Zog And Ergerol -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Call to Worship: Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for
The White Rose -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
Call to Worship:
Dandy's Choice -- John 10:11-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship:
Praxis And The Mushrooms -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Katie Cuckoo Flies South -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Matthew 15:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A
Call to Worship: When a woman knelt before him and said, "Lord, help me,"
The Sad Tale Of Simon Slug -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Call to Worship:
Ant-Ipathy Leaves The Column -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let
Poor Polly Pea -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:
David's Moment Of Stupidity -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Call to Worship: Jesus saw the potential in Simon and renamed him Peter the Rock.
Mel's Trouble -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Call to Worship:
The Royal Visitor -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Call to Worship:
Bilton's Accident -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: Jesus gave up his life for us. In our worship today let us explore
Paul's Play -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:
The Delivery -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Call to Worship:
The Quiz -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Invitation to Confession:
Uncle Richard -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: As Jesus prays to the Creator God for us, let us join our hearts
Mr. Skillett's Cross -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Call to Worship:
Henry's Hurdle -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Call to Worship:
The Potato Race -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Call to Worship:

Children's sermon

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Turning Point -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
One day, James Butler missed his stop.
Poor Little Ted -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Jack had a huge plastic bag full of conkers.
Dominic’s Tree -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
Dominic Owl lived in a big, old oak tree, right in the middle of the wood.
The Christmas Cards -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Thanks, Mum, chorused Jane and Tina.
King Agadir -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
King Agadir was a good and wise King.
The Turtle And The Lamb -- John 1:29-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
Jackie thought Miss Potter looked something like a turtle.
Philip's Ears -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Philip first realised there was something odd about himself when he was quite young.
Divorce -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
The worst moment of Jake's life had happened some three years ago, when his parents had divorced
The Butterfly -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Thelma was in tears.
Justin's Dilemma -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Justin sighed. It was time for yet another rugby lesson, and he hated playing rugby.
The Trouble With Trevor Reeves -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Trevor was in trouble again.
Perry's Little Arrangements -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Perry skipped and sang as he danced his way to the Elf King's palace.
Dapple's Terror -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dapple the fawn was terrified.
The Bully-Busters -- John 17:20-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
"I think," proclaimed Peter, lying on his back and gazing up at the trees, "we should become bul
Junior Gangland -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
Frank was against the plan from start.
The Treasure Praxis Found -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Praxis the colourful pixie was wandering through the woods by himself, gazing at the ground.
Cyril's Taste Of Freedom -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
Cyril wormed his way through the soil to his brother Toby's side.
The Big Race -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
"You coming?" Andy was putting on his trainers and was nearly ready to go.
John's Prize -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
John was hanging around the gates of the big house, hoping he might catch a glimpse of Michael.
The Tortoise And The Rabbit -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
"Stop it!" cried the tortoise as he tried to withdraw his head back into his shell.
Constance Caterpillar -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Constance was really scared.
The Boy Born Blind -- John 9:1-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
This is a story about a boy who was born blind.
John's Special Summer -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
John sat on the rocks with his arms locked tightly around his knees, watching the other children in
Jo's New Teacher -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
When Jesus meets the woman by the well, he doesn't see an enemy of the state or a glorified pros
The Tale Of A Camel -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for advent

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of Love... -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love, You Offer Me Such Profound Love... -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Surprises... -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Generous God, Sometimes I Don't Even Notice Your Gifts... -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love And Understanding... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Who Is Coming Very Near... -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Compassionate, Caring And Incredible God... -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Almost Unbearable Love -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Rest And Quietness... -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Welcoming God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Radiant God... -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unpredictable God... -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Huge, Overflowing Generosity... -- John 6:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation... -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God - Sower, Reaper, Gardener, Harvester... -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Truth, Should I Really Be Truthful When That Will Lead Me Into All Sorts Of Avoidable Trouble? -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love, It's Tough Being A Christian... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Greatness And Glory... -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love And Forgiveness... -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Harvester God... -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Transforming God, This Is Scary Stuff!... -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Understanding, There Are Some Issues About Which I Feel So Strongly ... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation... -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God, Lover Of The Childlike... -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Holy Spirit Of God, I Constantly Turn Back To You... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Jane was in her sixties, looking
Better To Be Myself Than To Be Artificially Good -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
King's Lynn, that small port on The Wash in North Norfolk, boasts its very own saint, or at least,
Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
Originally published in 2002.
God's Selection Criteria -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Some while ago, Songs of Praise on the television featured a young woman with a very powerful st
The Difficulties Of Letting Go -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun wh
Weakness Or Strength? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
The latest film version of "Tom Brown's Schooldays" was shown on television recently.
Apocalypse Now! -- Daniel 12:1-3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
'War and Peace', Tolstoy's epic novel, covers Russian social history during the time of Napoleon.
Serve God And Enjoy Life? -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A
She was a good Christian woman.
How To Wake Up To A Life Of Radiance -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
Anyone who lives in the country will know that there's a particular quality to the darkness of n
The Vine, The Branches And The Grapes -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
One of the joys of moving house is making interesting discoveries in the garden.
The Power Of The Spirit -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
Back in the sixties in the UK, town planners and builders and architects thought that it was a good
Angels - Messengers Of Doom? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
I'm told that during the war the one thing everybody dreaded was the arrival of a telegram.
How Do You Know? -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
The Harry Potter books are perhaps one of the first success stories of this millennium.
Follow My Leader? -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
There are always difficulties in Christian ministry, at whichever level you're involved in it, f
Rooted, Built Up And Established -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Alison (Paul's wife), Norman (Steer) our Reader from here at Starston, and I recently attended an Al
The Transience Of Transfiguration -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
When Bishop Peter visited our parish on his pilgrimage around the diocese in the winter of 1996, h
Arise, Shine; For Your Light Has Come -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
We generally have a family outing to the cinema over the Christmas period. There
Being Good, Or Being Yourself? -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
A renegade priest was recently convicted in court of stealing thousands of pounds from the PCC of
Loving The Unlovely -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
When our eldest daughter was four, she crazed us to have a dog.
From Darkness To Light -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
The British weather is renowned for its diversity and therefore is always a good conversation starte
The Day Of The Lord -- Malachi 4:1-2 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
It's well known that delicious and delightful aromas invoke good memories for most people, so smells
We Have An Obligation -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
There's been a lot of trouble in recent years over politicians receiving gifts.
Christ The King -- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We seem to live in the Age of the Celebrity.
Rejoicing In Suffering? -- Romans 5:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Quite often I'm offered books to read, mostly religious books.
Health And Wholeness, Healing And Happiness -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
There have been some notable courtroom dramas on television over the years, Perry Mason, Rumpole

Worship

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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.

CSSPlus

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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