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If you're looking for imaginative reflections that take you right to the heart of the scriptures, the newest edition of CSS' popular Lectionary Stories for Preaching and Teaching series is the perfect resource for you.

The season of Lent prepares us to be disciples by leading us in a disciplined spiritual life. The season of Easter and the message of the Resurrection inform us as to the meaning of Christianity. The season of Eastertide guides us in the daily living of a Christian life. Ron Love's latest book, What, Then, Would You Be? Second Lesson Sermons for Lent and Easter, Cycle A covers the seasons of Lent, Easter, and Eastertide, actually tracing what ...

Christianity in today's society no longer looks like Jesus."This was a phrase researchers from the Barna group heard over and over again from Millennials in a 2007 study on religious engagement. In Being Sermon on the Mount Christians, Rev. Dr. James R. Berger meditates on Jesus' declaration that it is by their fruit wedistinguish good trees from bad.What is the fruit we are bearing as Christians today?In instructing us not to judge others (Ma...

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Reformation's Rib is a chancel drama detailing the life of Katherine von Bora (Martin Luther's wife). The historical script gives an insightful look into the husband and wife relationship that helped shape the writings of the founder of the Lutheran church. Originally written to celebrate the 500th anniversary of von Bora's birth, this easy-to-stage presentation calls for a cast of three: Katherine von Bora (Katie Luther), Martin Luther, and a...

This gripping tenebrae worship drama confronts your congregation with the powers of darkness and destruction that were responsible for the crucifixion of Christ. Brief monlogues by Sorrow, Fear, Death, and four other shadowy personae (presented on stage or spoken from off stage), and an eerie, dimly lit stage create the somber and mournful mood that all Christians feel on this day. This flexible worship drama requires only a few easily obtaine...

Trying to prepare a holiday children's program is often a stressful affair for both the youngsters, who worry about memorizing their lines, and for their directors, who tear their hair out trying to make sure everyone attends rehearsals, not to mention coordinating props and costumes. Mel Ann Coley has devised a way to lower the stress for everyone involved while still providing a meaningful experience. Her solution is in the form of a story t...

Unable to find a Christmas play for their congregation that would be appropriate for all age groups, three creative members of Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Slatington, Pennsylvania, collaborated to create one of their own. They wrote a play that included humor and the Christmas miracle of family love. Easy to prepare and present, this short vignette about a Christmas tree and Christ's birth can be used and enjoyed by congregations ...

On this most solemn of all Christian holy days the worship area is in semi-darkness. On the alter or table burn eight candles. As the service progresses readers share scripture from the Passion story according to Saint Mark, impart brief meditations on each scripture portion, and then extinguish still another of the eight candles. At last only a single candle burns as the congregation departs in silence. Themes in this impressive service inclu...

This colorful booklet will help fifth graders and other new communicants recognize the mystery and miracle of Holy Communion while celebrating the gift it brings. The contents make a theologically difficult topic more understandable and joyful. Many adults have also found the information in this field-tested resource helpful, because it explains practices and terms which they didn't understand and were uncomfortable asking about. Patti Thisted...

The Revised Common Lectionary is not just to provide a guide to scripture reading during the church year. It can help shape the entirety of our worship. The themes for each Sunday service, as created by the lectionary, can be further explored and appreciated through Reed's poetic prayers and responsories, as well as through musical selection suggestions. By involving all of the senses in worship, congregations can gain a deeper understanding a...

A Christmas play with a surprise ending! The church youth group and adult leaders prepare to practice for a Christmas program. They anticipate a visit by the church's new custodian, who will clean and lock up the building. A visitor arrives, who all believe to be the custodian. The visitor begins to help with the rehearsal. With his help, the real meaning of Christmas is clearly revealed to all. The stranger leaves. To the surprise of the cast...

The focal point of this service is fourteen candles with a larger Christ Candle in the middle. As the service progresses the fourteen candles are extinguished and the worship area becomes increasingly darkened, until at the end of the service only the Christ Candle illuminates the sanctuary. As many as fifteen or as few as two individuals can effectively lead this one-hour service. Recommended hymns are suggested throughout the service and cho...

For the small church that does not have a lot of time to prepare, here is an ideal Christmas program and worship service. It can be presented as part of a Sunday School program or Sunday worship service. The true message of Christmas is spoken through the words of "the friendly beasts, " which include two donkeys, three doves, four cows, and four sheep. This program enables children to become involved in a Christmas project in which they share...

Tis the night before Jesus when all through the earth, Every creature is stirring for a new baby's birth. Here is a Christmas Eve service that persons of all ages will enjoy. It may easily be presented by the younger members of your congregation. It includes a complete order of service with: • Suggested music for children's choir • Hymns for the entire congregation • Parts for a speaking choir • A brief monolgue by Mary • One page listing addi...

Here is a resource that will dramatize the lighting of the Advent candles during your worship service. The lighting of each candle is proceeded by a statement, which the author suggests may be read from offstage. The series of statements reveal the significance of the traditional Advent characters: the angel, the shepherds, the wisemen, Mary and the Christ Child. This simple but dramatic resource provides an explanation of the deeper meaning o...

A Christmas Classic Celebration is a unique candlelight service that incorporates scenes of Christmas that are all around us. Popular Christmas songs such as "Silver Bells, " "I'll Be Home For Christmas, " and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" are combined with the traditional Christmas hymns. Six brief meditations are spaced throughout the service and are given in the place of a sermon. Easy to present, this service requires no rehearsals or props, ...

This flexible worship planner can be used as a supplement to your regularly scheduled services or as an independent and complete Christmas Eve celebration. Traditional Advent wreath and candles, familiar hymns and scriptures, insightful prayers, and a colorful banner punctuate thoughtful reflections on the meaning of Advent and the birth of the Christ Child. Sharonn Davis Halderman, a native of Vienna, West Virginia, received her Master of Div...

If you're looking for a fresh new approach to telling the old, old story -- what better way to celebrate the Christmas message than to do it from the viewpoint of the angels? From the promise to Abraham to its fulfillment in Bethlehem, angels are a vital part of the story. Angels We Have Heard is a beautiful service that combines many of the traditional elements of Christmas worship with brief dialogues between angels and a number of character...

Begin your celebration of the Advent season with this meaningful program that weaves together informative readings, scripture, and familiar hymns with the lighting of the Advent wreath and the "hanging of the greens." It's a wonderfully creative way to have members of the congregation participate in decorating the sanctuary while at the same time learning about the symbols of the season. A particularly special touch is the interpretive movemen...