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New Year's Day - C

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Children's Activity

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The least of these -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
It's good to be a sheep -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: The beginning of a new year is always a good
Sheep and goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Our society is very much divided into
Straining the difference -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: The difference in people is in their
Time passes -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Teachers or Parents: Talk about staying up late. Perhaps your

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

History Has Its Eyes On You! -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
In the musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, a paternal George Washington reminds the imp
Life Goes On -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
A man in his early sixties sits in front of his television set on New Year’s Eve, while drinking his
Cherish the name -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
(Note: This commentary was originally published in 1996.)
A season not a reason -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016-17
These three scriptures together point to the reality of the world we live in.
A time to step back -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2015
New York Times columnist David Brooks has written a book titled The Road to Character
At the gate of the year -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Time is the news of the day. Yesterday was yesteryear.
God's timing -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Another year has gone by as one awakens on New Year's Day.
Time after time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Time is the news of the day. Yesterday was yesteryear.
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Every January 1 there is a sense of freshness.
What's new? -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
There is something strange about New Year's celebrations, if you think about it.
What you are not responsible for -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2007
'Tis the season to measure up, sum up, and own up. While most sanctuaries will not be
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
A new name -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2000
(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Luthe
Life beyond life -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
In Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, Alice encounters a sleeping giant.
First Lesson Focus -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSBy James A. Nestingen

Children's sermon

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The Big Test! -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- John Jamison -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take you
'I'm Hungry' -- Jesus -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Arley K. Fadness -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
“...Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of
Sheep or Goat? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Anna Shirey -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
First Thoughts
Crying game -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. (v. 4a)
The least of these -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Leah Thompson -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2010
And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these
It's good to be a sheep -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Today is the first day of a brand new year.
A brand-new year -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Well, here we are in church on a Saturday
The end of time -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning and Happy New Year! Today is the first day of a
No beginning and no end -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Happy New Year! Today is the first day of a
Straining the difference -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Today is New Year's Day but it is also a day
Time passes -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Before people had clocks to keep time, they used
The whole alphabet -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Happy New Year! When I think of a whole new year that we are

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2022) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2019) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2017) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2015/2016) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2015) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
The Byrds were inspired... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
The Byrds were inspired by this text as they sang "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a seaso
Elisabeth Moss, who plays... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Elisabeth Moss, who plays hardworking advertising copywriter Peggy Olson, on the television show
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2014) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
We like the good... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the good times, but we are not so sure about the bad times.
Thomas Cook is a name... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Thomas Cook is a name that is unknown to most of us; but we each live with his innovative and entrep
Suffering is not... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Derl G. Keefer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Suffering is not something that we seek, but it does come to all people at times in life.
This text promises... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
This text promises a fresh start. That is so appropriate for the New Year celebration.
We like the glory... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the glory part. It's the judgment part that may give us a little concern.
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2012/2013) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Over the holidays Connie lost her watch -- a special gift from her father.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
What time is it? Maybe it is whatever time we make it to be!
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
There have been so many ways invented to keep track of time.
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This is not a text about making New Year's resolutions, but a description of the new reality God has
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
The word "amen" used by the church was incorporated directly from the Jewish synagogue, with no alte
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
We see so many appeals in magazines and on television for many causes both at home and in other coun
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
In her book God Never Blinks, Regina Brett recounts her upbringing in parochial school.
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
When driving through farm country, have you ever seen llamas grazing with horses?
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2012) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

SermonStudio

New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Stories

StoryShare

Angel's Feet -- Psalm 148, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- David O. Bales -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
Contents “Angel’s Feet” by David O. Bales

SermonStudio

He Will Wipe Away Every Tear -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- New Year's Day - C -- 2003
In 1987, I came to Stowe, Vermont, for a visit with my mother, Maria Von Trapp.
Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

SermonStudio

NEW YEAR'S EVE/DAY -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- B. David Hostetter -- New Year's Day - C -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPWorship God, our Sovereign, with reverence for the majesty of
NEW YEAR'S EVE/DAY -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- B. David Hostetter -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 4 (OT 4)
28 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 5 (OT 5)
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 6 (OT 6)
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – 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

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For February 16, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Valentine’s Day isn’t likely a prominent part of our liturgical calendar, and it doesn’t factor into our lectionary assignments. Yet it is part of our culture and therefore on our people’s radar. There’s a better chance that they personally observe Valentine’s Day, after all, than Transfiguration Sunday or Christ the King Sunday.  
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Jeremiah 17:5-10
John Wesley nicely describes our sinful condition implied in this text. He writes:

There is nothing so false and deceitful as the heart of man. It is deceitful in the apprehension of things, in the hopes and promises which it nourishes, in the assurances that it gives us. It is unsearchable by others, deceitful with reference to ourselves, and abominably wicked so that neither can a man know his own heart nor can any other know that of his neighbor's. (Commentary On the Bible, p.344)

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (vv. 17-20)

Gertie Frye was my Sunday School teacher in the Beginners Class at the Loyd Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1954. Gertie was a small, humble, sweet, quiet woman who exuded a joy and warmth that drew children to her.

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John Jamison
Object: A mirror. Ideally, find a large mirror like you would put on the back of a door to use when dressing. Any mirror will do, but a large one that everyone can see easily will be more fun.

* * *

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.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (vv. 17-19)

In the 1994 movie, The Shawshank Redemption, Tim Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, a young, hotshot banker in the 1940s. His life changes drastically when he is convicted for the murder of his wife and her secret lover and is sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank Prison.

James Evans
(See Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25, Cycle B for an alternative approach.)

The writer of Psalm 1 has created a timeless image of human existence as a tree. The image of a tree allows the poet to proclaim in graphic terms the effects of having, and not having, a viable relationship with God. The tree, as a durable life form, symbolizes well the significance and importance of seeking and living a faithful life.

Gary L. Carver
One of my all-time favorite television programs was M*A*S*H. In the early episodes, Frank Burns and Hot Lips Houlihan were an item. Often they were pitted against Trapper John and Hawkeye. In one such episode, Frank and Hot Lips had been trying to "do-in" Hawkeye but had failed. Hawkeye now had the upper hand, and Radar said, "Why don't you do to them what they were trying to do to you?" Hawkeye said, "Look at them! They're each just one-half of a person and when they come together, they barely make a whole person. They have enough troubles of their own."

Steven E. Albertin
It was the dirty secret. We were never supposed to talk about it openly. When it was discussed, it was in hushed whispers behind the closed doors of private homes. No, it had nothing to do with sex. It had to do with why my best friends would never eat meat on Fridays. It had to do with that strange ritual called the Rosary. It had to do with those strange women dressed in black and white who looked like penguins. I grew up in a small southeastern Wisconsin town in the 1950s where the majority of the population was either Lutheran or Roman Catholic.

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