Author: John Stevens

Because Grace: A Lenten Devotional

/ John Stevens / 2 Comments

Greetings Saints,

I wanted to let you know about a new book that I have out.  It is called, “Because Grace,” and I am very proud of this book.

From the introduction:51+YD34PRdL

“The format of this book is simple, following the practice of the 40 days of Lent. Each day has a scripture reference, from the Revised Common Lectionary, a short devotional, a discussion or journal prompt and a haiku prayer to round it all out.

That is all there is to it. Use this book. Journal using the prompts as a springboard. May it be as meaningful to you as it was for me writing it.

Blessings on your Lenten journey.

This book would be also be great as a group devotional as well.”

You can order the book from Amazon, in paperback or kindle format, via this link:
Because Grace

You can also purchase a copy directly from me, to be shipped late January.

Thank you!

John

January 16th, 2022 – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

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Sunday: Second Sunday after Epiphany

Revised Common Lectionary – Year C

Text: John 2:1-11

Dollar Store Item: Party Hats, Funny Glasses

Take Away: We see Jesus in new ways, doing new things.

Video:

Narrative Lectionary

Text: John 2:13-25

Dollar Store Item: Cleaning Supplies

Take Away: Jesus cleanses the temple, and Jesus cleanses our hearts.

Video:

January 9th, 2022 – Baptism of the Lord Sunday

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Sunday: Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Revised Common Lectionary – Year C

Text: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22; Acts 8:14-17; Isaiah 43:1-7

Dollar Store Item: Container for water, two play figurings (Lego, Playmobile).

Take Away: Wonder with the kids about the voice, about not being afraid, about John baptizing Jesus, about our Baptism.

Video:

Narrative Lectionary

Text: John 2:1-11

Dollar Store Item: Party Hats, Fun Glasses

Take Away: We see (come and see, from last week) Jesus in new ways.

Video:

January 2nd, 2022 – 2nd Sunday of Christmas /Epiphany Sunday

/ John Stevens / 2 Comments

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Sunday: 2nd Sunday of Christmas or Epiphany Sunday

Revised Common Lectionary – Year C

Text: John 1:1-18

Dollar Store Item: Play Tea Set, Fake Food, Blanket or Starbursts, star on a stick.

Take Away: In Jesus Christ, God tents among us, and moves into the neighborhood. The Magi followed the star to find Jesus, and we find Jesus in a number of places, especially in the midst of the congreagtion.

Video:

End of the Year Supprt:
https://dskidsermons.com/2021/12/11/end-of-year-support/

Narrative Lectionary

Text: John 1:35-51

Dollar Store Item: Star on a stick.

Take Away: We follow the call of Jesus as the Magi followed the star. “Come and see!” is the call. “Come and see where you can find Jesus!”

Video:

December 26th, 2021 – First Sunday of Christmas

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Sunday: 1st Sunday of Christmas

Revised Common Lectionary – Year C

Text: Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52

Dollar Store Item: Strange Christmas Item, Ugly Christmas Sweater, Story of you talking back to parents.

Take Away: Jesus was human and God. We are called to wear things that might seem difficult but are comfortable once tried on!!

Video:

Narrative Lectionary

Text: John 1:19-34

Dollar Store Item: A blessing bag.

Take Away: John is the voice preparing the way. We are called to prepare the way of Jesus, in our lives and in the world.

Video:

December 19th, 2021 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

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Sunday: 4th Sunday of Advent

Revised Common Lectionary – Year B

Text: Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

Dollar Store Item: To Do List. Christmas List. Gratitude List.

Take Away: This is a list of what is promised that the Messiah will do!

Video:

Narrative Lectionary

Text: John 1:1-18

Dollar Store Item: Flashlight or Mirror / Blanket or Sheet / Tea Party Set

Take Away: We are called to reflect the glory of Jesus, and spotlight/highlight Jesus in the world. God moves into neighborhood, and tents among us.

Video:

December 12th, 2021 – Third Sunday of Advent

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Sunday: 3rd Sunday of Advent

Revised Common Lectionary – Year B

Text: Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7

Dollar Store Item: A list of sayings, or idioms. The Golden Rule. Stitch in time saves nine. Don’t make me come over there! Don’t make me repeat myself!

Take Away: Paul is so excited about God’s gift of Grace and forgiveness, he repeats himself. John gives us “good stuff” to do as a way of living this life.

Video:

Narrative Lectionary

Text: Isaiah 55:1-13

Dollar Store Item: A well known happy story. And the Bible text.

Take Away: Knowing the good things of God help us hear the good things of God!!

Video:

December 5th, 2021 – Second Sunday of Advent

/ John Stevens / 1 Comment

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Sunday: 2nd Sunday of Advent

Revised Common Lectionary – Year B

Text: Luke 3:1-6

Dollar Store Item: Wrapping Paper, water bottle, jogging gear

Take Away: We prepare in many ways, and we are prepared by God.

Video:

Narrative Lectionary – Dry Bones

Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Dollar Store Item: Bag of Rocks

Take Away: God breathes life into everything.

Video:

November 28th, 2021 – First Sunday of Advent

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Sunday: 1st Sunday of Advent

Revised Common Lectionary – Year B

Text: Theme of the Day

Dollar Store Item: Playing Eye Spy, Detective Novel, or Minute Timer.

Take Away We have moved into a new season, where we are called to wait and prepare.

Video:

Narrative Lectionary

Text: Theme of the Day

Dollar Store Item: Playing Eye Spy, Detective Novel, or Minute Timer.

Take Away We have moved into a new season, where we are called to wait and prepare.

Video:

November 21st, 2021 – Christ the King Sunday

/ John Stevens / 6 Comments

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Sunday: Christ the King Sunday

Revised Common Lectionary – Year B

Text: John 18:33-37

Dollar Store Item: Character whose voice you or the kids know.

Take Away We imagine what Jesus voice might sound like when we are called.

Video:

Narrative Lectionary

Text: Isaiah 9:1-7

Dollar Store Item: Something that reminds you of a nickname, and/or your baptism

The Take Away: We hear nicknames for Jesus. We are given nicknames by God, “Beloved,” or “Child of God.”

Video: