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February 2025
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The Weight of Sin

The woman who washed Jesus’ feet was carrying a heavy weight of sin. She knew she had sinned a lot; she knew what other people thought about her. But she also knew that Jesus loved her and forgave her and took that weight of sin away. And the woman wanted to show Jesus how happy she was. The important man didn’t think he had many sins. He thought he was much better than the woman. But he was wrong. All of us have sinned, and none of us is better than anybody else. Jesus forgives us all. And we should all be as thankful as that woman who washed Jesus’ feet.

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Proving It to the World

5th Sunday of Easter From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: John 13:31-35 Preparation: Bring along an example of a talent you possess or a special piece of art you’ve made or an unusual object that you own. For example, you could bring balls to juggle or a painting, a sculpture, or a piece of stitchery you’ve made.

Have any of you ever heard the expression, “The proof is in the pudding” or “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”? Let’s say that

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Scolding the Snakes

Third Sunday of Advent From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference:Â Luke 3:7-18

Photo by Kamalnv/Creative Commons via Wikimedia

Preparation: If possible, bring a rubber snake or a picture of a snake to illustrate the sermon.Â

Can you count the lighted candles on the Advent wreath? (That’s right: three. This is the third week of Advent.) You remember that we said Advent is a time of getting ready. Who remembers what we are getting ready for? (Let children answer.) We want to be

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Dirt and Dross

Second Sunday of Advent From “Scolding the Snakes” Artwork by Elsa Ingulsrud Scripture Reference:Â Mal. 3:2-3 and Phil. 1:6-11

Preparation: Cover a piece of smooth jewelry (a gold or silver heart would be perfect) with mud or clay so that it is hidden inside the lump. Also bring a towel and bowl of water for cleaning the jewelry.

How many candles are lit on the Advent wreath now? (Let kids count.) Two candles! It’s the second Sunday in Advent. This is a time of getting

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Washing the Heart

Pentecost Proper 17 From “Sitting on the Rainbow” Artwork by Elsa Ingulsrud Scripture Reference: Mark 7:1-8Â

Preparation: Bring a bowl of water, some soap, and a towel.

Do any of you like to play in the dirt or make mud pies? (Let children respond.) Dirt can be lots of fun. And if there is water nearby, you can make mud pies and build towers and channels for the water.

But if you’ve been playing outside in the dirt and you’re called in for supper,

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Burnt Anger

Pentecost Proper 14 From “Sitting on the Rainbow” Artwork by Elsa Ingulsrud Scripture Reference:Â Eph. 4:25-27

Preparation: Bring a clean cooking pot and a large spoon for pretending to stir. Also, if possible, bring along a pot that has a burned crust in the bottom.

I’ve brought something with me this morning. (Show the pot.) Can anyone tell me what this is used for? Do you have any of these in your kitchen? (Let children tell what pots are used for.) We cook food in

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The Blame Game

Pentecost Proper 5 From “Sitting on the Rainbow” Artwork by Elsa Ingulsrud Scripture Reference:Â Gen. 3:8-15

Preparation: Bring a jar with enough cookies to distribute to the children at the end of your talk. (Optional) You might bring a giant foam hand with one pointing finger.

Would you like to play a game this morning? It’s a kind of game that all of us have played before. It’s called the “Blame Game.” Let’s pretend someone has stolen a cookie from my cookie jar. I will

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Coming Clean

For the Fifth Sunday in Lent From “Sitting on the Rainbow” Scripture Reference:Â Psalm 51

Preparation: Bring a small bottle of vegetable or olive oil, a damp cloth, and soap.

Have you ever gotten oil on your hands and then tried to wash it off with water? Does the oil rinse off? (Let children respond.) No, it doesn’t come off with just water, does it? What else do you need to get oil off your hands? (Someone may offer the correct answer.) Right: you need

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