For each Sunday in Cycle A, the writers and editors of "Charting the Course," an integral part of Emphasis: A Lectionary Preaching Journal from CSS Publishing Company, delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you, the pastor with in-depth lectionary-based commentary; relating several fresh, solid ideas based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. The team of Navigating the Sermon looks for overall topics for the entire Cycle A church year that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the theme and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single application for each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, "Navigating the Sermon" in most cases suggests several ideas, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
This book is like having a dedicated, thoroughly versed sermon research and sermon resource team right in your own study to help you create riveting sermons that are truly yours and that speak powerfully to your audience.

Everyone loves a good story. Storytellers who excel at their craft have the ability to draw readers or listeners into the worlds they create, using characters and situations to entertain and enlighten us. Jesus, the Master Storyteller, often spoke using parables -- short stories that conveyed a spiritual truth. By drawing his listeners into his story, he unlocked their minds and hearts to hear the truth he was trying to relate to them.
This compilation of stories for the entire church year taken from StoryShare follows in that same tradition. StoryShare, a part of SermonSuite.com, is written by various authors brought together to meditate on scriptures in the Revised Common Lectionary for Cycle A and create stories that flesh out these passages, allowing readers to see these words in a new way. These stories can be whimsical and light-hearted or poignant and reflective, even tragic. But they all strive to bring us to a deeper understanding of the scriptures and the God who inspired them. Some of the stories are even based on actual events experienced by the authors, events that influenced their perspective on Christianity.
Useful as sermon illustrations, stand alone sermons, teaching aides, personal devotions, or even just for entertaining reading, "Stories for Teaching and Preaching" will draw you into new worlds with vibrant and engaging images, deepening your relationship with God in the process.

In this special edition for the Sundays of Pentecost, Cycle C, the writers and editors of "Charting the Course," an integral part of Emphasis: A Lectionary Preaching Journal from CSS Publishing Company, delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you, the pastor with in-depth lectionary-based commentary; relating several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. The team of writers looks for overall topics for the season of Pentecost in the Cycle C church year that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the theme and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single application for each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, "Navigating the Sermon" in most cases suggests several ideas, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
This book is like having a dedicated, thoroughly versed sermon research and sermon resource team right in your own study to help you create riveting sermons that are truly yours and that speak powerfully to your audience.

In this special edition for the Sundays in Lent and Easter of Cycle C, the writers and editors of "Charting the Course," an integral part of Emphasis: A Lectionary Preaching Journal from CSS Publishing Company, delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you, the pastor with in-depth lectionary-based commentary; relating several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. The team of writers looks for overall topics for the seasons of Lent and Easter in the Cycle C church year that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the theme and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single application for each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, "Navigating the Sermon" in most cases suggests several ideas, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
This book is like having a dedicated, thoroughly versed sermon research and sermon resource team right in your own study to help you create riveting sermons that are truly yours and that speak powerfully to your audience.

Everyone loves a good story. Storytellers who excel at their craft have the ability to draw readers or listeners into the worlds they create, using characters and situations to entertain and enlighten us. Jesus, the Master Storyteller, often spoke using parables -- short stories that conveyed a spiritual truth. By drawing his listeners into his story, he unlocked their minds and hearts to hear the truth he was trying to relate to them.
This compilation of stories for the seasons of Lent and Easter taken from StoryShare follows in that same tradition. StoryShare, a part of SermonSuite.com, is written by various authors brought together to meditate on scriptures in the Revised Common Lectionary for Cycle C and create stories that flesh out these passages, allowing readers to see these words in a new way. These stories can be whimsical and light-hearted or poignant and reflective, even tragic. But they all strive to bring us to a deeper understanding of the scriptures and the God who inspired them. Some of the stories are even based on actual events experienced by the authors, events that influenced their perspective on Christianity.
Useful as sermon illustrations, stand alone sermons, teaching aides, personal devotions, or even just for entertaining reading, "Stories for Teaching and Preaching "will draw you into new worlds with vibrant and engaging images, deepening your relationship with God in the process.

Everyone loves a good story. Storytellers who excel at their craft have the ability to draw readers or listeners into the worlds they create, using characters and situations to entertain and enlighten us. Jesus, the Master Storyteller, often spoke using parables -- short stories that conveyed a spiritual truth. By drawing his listeners into his story, he unlocked their minds and hearts to hear the truth he was trying to relate to them.
This compilation of stories for the season of Pentecost taken from StoryShare follows in that same tradition. StoryShare, a part of SermonSuite.com, is written by various authors brought together to meditate on scriptures in the Revised Common Lectionary for Cycle C and create stories that flesh out these passages, allowing readers to see these words in a new way. These stories can be whimsical and light-hearted or poignant and reflective, even tragic. But they all strive to bring us to a deeper understanding of the scriptures and the God who inspired them. Some of the stories are even based on actual events experienced by the authors, events that influenced their perspective on Christianity.
Useful as sermon illustrations, stand alone sermons, teaching aides, personal devotions, or even just for entertaining reading, "Stories for Teaching and Preaching "will draw you into new worlds with vibrant and engaging images, deepening your relationship with God in the process.

The New Testament epistles offer us a unique look at some of the struggles faced by the early church, and how those first-century Christians worked through some of the theological and pastoral issues that divided them. In this anthology of insightful sermons based on the second readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers explore the epistles and show that their lessons on life and faith still offer valuable guidance for today's complex challenges. This volume includes messages for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, and is filled with compelling stories and wisdom. It's a preaching, teaching, and meditation resource that will be a welcome addition to any library. This essential resource is useful for: [ Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts [ Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters [ Understanding scripture passages [ Adult study and discussion groups [ Personal devotions and Bible study Some of the captivating sermons included in this collection are: [ Jesus - The Leader of Our Team [ Learning the Recipe for Life [ Show Me Your Credentials [ The iPod vs. the Larynx [ All in God's Time [ God's Chain Reaction [ Freedom Calling [ Killing What Is Already Dead [ Guarding the Treasure [ Living in Chains [ A New Resolve ...and many more!

If you want a new perspective on the ancient texts of the Hebrew scriptures, this comprehensive collection of inspirational messages based on the first readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary is an invaluable resource. Five distinguished preachers explore passages from the Old Testament and the book of Acts that chronicle the work of the prophets and the apostles, and show how God uses them to help us see beyond a depressing past and a disappointing present to a better future. Drawing on diverse backgrounds and perspectives, this set of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year offers rich food for the spiritual journey, and inspires readers to grasp that despite our sinful nature, God has not given up on us and is always with us. This essential resource is useful for: [ Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts [ Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters [ Understanding scripture passages [ Bible study and discussion groups [ Personal devotions and inspirational reading Some of the captivating sermons included in this collection are: [ Finding Redemption in the Midst of Judgment [ Hidden Potential [ Lessons from a Hurricane [ Anatomy of a Testimony [ The Gospel According to Pronouns [ A Tale of Two Peters [ The Naaman Syndrome [ When the Fruit Is Spoiled [ Parenting - Not for the Faint of Heart! [ In the Potter's Hands [ Not Another Rerun! [ Thanksgiving Is Nine-Tenths of Possession ...and many more!

In this complete set of insightful and inspiring sermons for every Sunday and major celebration in the church year, an experienced group of five master preachers skillfully places readers right in the middle of the gospel accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Weaving together the authors' diverse experiences and viewpoints with the powerful story of Christ's ministry, these eloquent messages provide a wealth of ideas for fellow pastors as well as an astute understanding of the gospel message for contemporary living that will revitalize the faith of all readers and draw them closer to Christ. This essential resource is useful for: [ Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts [ Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters [ Understanding scripture passages [ Adult study and discussion groups [ Personal devotions and Bible study Some of the captivating sermons included in this collection are: [ Don't Burn the Cookies! [ A Concert of Praise [ The Ashes of Our Lives [ Hit Me with Your Best Shot [ Low-Carb Christians [ The Forgiven Love a Lot! [ Checked the Ditch Lately? [ But I Really Like the Best Seat in the House! [ Where Would You Go to Meet Jesus? [ Begging and Bragging [ Knowing Who's in Charge ...and many more!

This complete set of seasonal material offers everything you need for an exciting Advent and Christmas program. With dramatic monologues, sermons, children's messages and worship liturgies, a Sunday school program, and a pair of Christmas Eve candlelight services, there's something for everyone, whatever your congregation's size or worship style. An Unlikely Cast (Alan E. Siewert) is a set of dramatic monologues that reveal the inner thoughts and feelings of five characters who were deeply involved in the unfolding divine drama of the nativity: Joseph, Mary, John the Baptist, the innkeeper, and a shepherd. The monologues can be used in midweek Advent services, special programs, or Sunday morning worship. Staging and costuming suggestions are included, to help you bring these exciting accounts to life. The Colors Of Christmas (H. Michael Nehls) is a creative series of six sermons and children's messages in which each week features a different color. The sermons use the color idea to stress such Christian themes as royalty, sacrifice, and holiness, while the children's messages utilize the inventive device of passing out ribbon swatches of the color of the day; as the youngsters receive the various ribbons, they can collect a "ribbon rainbow." Is This The Road To Bethlehem? (Judy Gattis Smith) is an Advent worship liturgy in which children are the main participants. The centerpiece is an "action/sermon" featuring six brief readings using illustrative wooden figures. All the elements of a typical worship service are present -- but in a manner that focuses on the interests and expressions of children, allowing them to experience worship rather than just listen and watch. Producing Christmas (Jennifer Hockenberry Dragseth) is a humorous children's play which casts the Christmas story as the ultimate Hollywood blockbuster. Everyone wants to be a part of the big movie -- and they all have ideas about how to make it a hit, only to finally learn why the coming of the Christ child is truly the "greatest story ever told." With participants ranging in age from junior high to preschoolers, this flexible piece is perfect for a brief Sunday school program. A Christmas Journey and Christmas Letters (Rod Tkach) are imaginative Christmas Eve services weaving together carols, prayers, scripture readings, and several brief meditations. In A Christmas Journey, the reflections guide worshipers on a journey from being home alone to the ultimate destination of the Christmas cross. Anticipation, symbolized by the lighting of the Advent candles, gives way to the joy of arrival as the service climaxes with the singing of "Silent Night" by candlelight. Christmas Letters celebrates the human connection of the holiday season, demonstrated by the diversity of letters and packages we send to one another. The heartwarming meditations build on a compelling theme: that the incarnation was God's Christmas letter to us -- and that as we live out our faith, we are God's Christmas letter to the world.

Are you looking for fresh, vibrant material for Holy Week worship? Do you want your congregation to experience the unforgettable drama of Jesus' suffering, so that they more fully appreciate the celebration and joy of Easter? If so, then you'll want this anthology that provides several innovative choices for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter sunrise worship. Copying privileges are included for all six segments. Beyond The Shadows combines communion with gradually extinguished candlelight to create a moving Maundy Thursday tenebrae experience. As each part of the Passion story unfolds, more candles are snuffed out, and the service concludes in total darkness. By reminding us that the Light of the World came to us, yet was engulfed in total darkness as his life slipped away, Beyond The Shadows focuses worshipers' attention on the coming resurrection, and how that brightness contrasts with the darkness of the crucifixion. When The Son's Light Failed is a poignant Good Friday dramatization that imagines the presence at the crucifixion of many women whose lives were profoundly affected by Jesus. The women all share their stories with each other as they witness our Lord's ultimate sacrifice. It's a moving portrayal which reminds us that Jesus' ministry touched the lives of everyone. The tenebrae service Choices At The Cross explores some of the choices faced by those involved in the events of Christ's Passion -- ones of far greater magnitude than what we often face on a daily basis. Choices At The Cross emphasizes that the most important decision we ultimately face is our response to the question posed by Pilate: "What shall I do, then, with Jesus, who is called Christ?" Based on John's account of Christ's passion, Good Friday Readings, Meditations, And Prayers is a series of seven brief contemplations and prayers that can form the basis for a remarkably effective Good Friday service or be used for personal devotional reading during Lent. Filled with vivid imagery, the meditations make the scriptures come alive while relating them to contemporary life. Good Friday: I Was There is a stark, gripping Good Friday worship experience which confronts us with the powers of darkness and destruction which were responsible for Christ's crucifixion. Brief monologues from seven shadowy personae (Doubt, Sorrow, Fear, Shame, Agony, Hate, and Death) dramatically recall how our Lord suffered as he took the sins of humanity upon himself. Designed as a companion service to Good Friday: I Was There, Easter Dawn: He Is Not Here is an Easter sunrise celebration in which each of the seven monologues (Trust, Celebration, Wonderment, Fulfillment, Joy, Love, and Life) mirrors one from the Good Friday service. As each monologue is completed, items in the sanctuary that were stripped and covered on Good Friday are uncovered and replaced, leading to a joyous affirmation of the Lord's resurrection.

This collection of best funeral meditations provides a wide range of messages that address almost every death situation from the anticipated to the tragic. These classic meditations have been gathered from the writings and contributions of pastors, church leaders, and teachers of many denominations. Among the situations addressed are: For the nominal church member For a little child For a non-Christian For the death of a child shortly after birth For a college student killed in an auto accident For a sixteen-year-old shot to death For a woman who committed suicide For a church member who served others For a 40-year-old cancer patient For a man who loved the outdoors For a Sunday morning worship service following a death and many more!

This resource book for busy pastors provides homilies for marriage services as well as two unique orders of service and a service for a fiftieth wedding anniversary.
Ministers from around the United States have contributed to this collection of classics. Each of the homilies is biblically based and can be used as is or adapted to different circumstances.
The contents include:
*A Contemporary Wedding Service
*Marriage Likened to a Wedding Cake
*Leeches or Lovers
*Marriage as a Crisis
*We Belong to Each Other
*Let God Be the Go-between
*A Motto for Marriage
*Living in Harmony
*The Greatest of These Is Love
*Love, Honor, Forgive
*Dearly Beloved
and more.

"Let your life be the two of you looking together to a future, and what will be best for each in that tomorrow. You have some significant decisions to make about that future. Your labor of love will have to include each other in the process of deciding."
-- from the sermon by W. Gregory Martin
"This New Life Together" includes over twenty "field-tested" wedding meditations. The collection comes from clergy from six denominations and fourteen states.
As an anthology, this book fits many settings facing clergy. Included is a ceremony for an older and once widowed couple, a Protestant and Catholic wedding, an evening ceremony and a simple congregational vow for inclusion in a service.
Meditations include the following scriptures:
- Genesis 2:18-24
- Song of Solomon 8:7
- 1 John 4:7-12
- John 15:9-12
- 1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13
- John 2:1-10
- Ephesians 5:21-33
- Psalm 85:10
... and others
This anthology includes meditations from men and women clergy who are United Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic.

"Alive For Evermore" is a collection of seven worship services compiled by CSS. It recognizes the need of pastors to have in one volume, orders of service for important celebrations of the church during Lent and Easter.
You will find in this compact volume complete services for:
- Ash Wednesday
- Palm Sunday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday (two services)
- Easter Sunrise
- Easter Morning
Each suggested service includes an order of worship, liturgy, scripture, and hymn possibilities. Copy privileges are available with each service. The seven services include congregation involvement in various forms. The Sunday sunrise service invites participation from a family in the congregation.

A handy collection of over 50 crossword puzzles, word scrambles, and other creative word activities based on scripture. Formatted for easy duplication, each page of Bible Puzzler contains a brief summary of a familiar passage from the Gospel of Matthew accompanied by word games that reinforce key themes and terms. It's a perfect resource for Sunday school classrooms or for restless children on a rainy day.

A handy collection of over 50 crossword puzzles, word scrambles, and other creative word activities based on scripture. Formatted for easy duplication, each page of Bible Puzzler contains a brief summary of a familiar passage from the Gospel of Mark accompanied by word games that reinforce key themes and terms. It's a perfect resource for Sunday school classrooms or for restless children on a rainy day.