Bethany Peerbolte

SUBSCRIBE YOUR WAY
YEARLY, QUARTERLY, MONTHLY
Renew / Signup Here!

Reverend Bethany Peerbolte recognizes her calling is to make scripture relevant to young Christians, and Christians young at heart. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Mission at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan. Her blog, Millennial Epistle, seeks to connect scripture to trending topics and contemporary issues. Bethany’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has led her to work with Detroit Pride, The Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice, and the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. Bethany holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminary.

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's sermon

Free Access

Message or Miracle? -- 2 Samuel 11-26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2021

For August 1, 2021:

And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021

For January 24, 2021:

Searching for a Sign -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021

For February 21, 2021:

CSSPlus

Even When You Can’t See Them -- John 14:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020

Jesus reminds the disciples that they can continue to show their love for him even when he is gone.

Pick the Last First -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020

Jesus turns the theology of the day on it’s head by saying the people who you thought were left out

Living Water Seeks Out Empty Places -- John 7:37-39 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020

These verses follow the metaphor of living water flowing from our hearts into the world.

Take the Light with You -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020

Light was an important commodity in Jesus’ world.

Clean the Mess At the Source -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020

As Jesus raises the bar on what is considered sinful the foundation of his message is to go to the s

Fighting Racism Is A Big Job, But So Was The Great Commission -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020

Children are acutely tuned to pick up on disturbances.

Incredible Secrets -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020

The disciples see Jesus transfigured with Moses and Elijah, and then Jesus tells them to tell no one

Obvious Secret -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020

Lent can be an odd time for church kids.

You Are Loved More -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020

Jesus’ audience believed that someone had to be extra special for God to care for them.

Temptation Challenge -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020

Jesus sets the bar high by resisting temptation even from the imagination of the devil.

Before and After -- John 3:1-17 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020

In this exchange with Nicodemus, Jesus is trying to explain what it is to be born again.

Listen Up! -- John 4:5-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020

The woman from the well had some great news for people after meeting Jesus.

Jesus Knows Our Worth -- John 9:1-41 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020

There are many wonderful moments in this scripture selection.

Sad is Okay -- John 11:1-45 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020

The story of Lazarus was always my favorite.

Trailer To A Gospel -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020

John’s opening is daunting.

Unfollow -- Matthew 27:11-54 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020

In this age of social media, the biggest thrill is getting a follower.

We're GREAT! -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020

John the Baptist is humbled by Jesus’ request to baptize him.

There Is Enough Friendship To Share -- John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020

John the Baptist gives us a great example of how to be a friend.

The Connection -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020

There are many things in faith that only make sense if we understand the connection.

It’s Already Finished -- John 20:1-18 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - A -- 2020

Always finish what you start.

It Is A Puzzle -- John 14:1-14 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020

These verses from John’s Gospel can feel more like a minefield than a hopeful message to teach to ch

Wanted: Best Friend -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020

As Jesus calls his disciples it seems like he has a criterion for the people with which he wants to

Illustration

Free Access

For August 1, 2021:

For February 21, 2021:

Living Beyond Lyrics and Speeches -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18, Psalm 23 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021

For April 25, 2021:

The Immediate Word

He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020

For May 3, 2020:

Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020

For May 17, 2020:

Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020

For May 24, 2020:

We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020

For May 31, 2020:

Trinity of Love, Grace, and Fellowship -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020

For June 7, 2020:

Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020

For June 14, 2020:

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020

For June 21, 2020:

An Awful Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020

For July 5, 2020:

Say You Love Me (But Stay Six Feet Away) -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Zechariah 9:9-12, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020

For July 5, 2020:

What Does Your Statue Look Like? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020

For July 12, 2020:

Our Implicit Biases -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020

For July 19, 2020:

Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020

For August 2, 2020:

Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020

For January 12, 2020:

Bending Toward Justice -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020

For August 9, 2020:

Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020

For January 19, 2020:

An Outsider’s Determined Push -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020

For August 16, 2020:

The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020

For January 26, 2020:

The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020

For August 23, 2020:

When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020

For August 30, 2020:

What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020

For February 2, 2020:

What Should a Follower of Jesus Do? -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020

For September 6, 2020:

Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020

For February 9, 2020:

Preaching

Free Access

For February 21, 2021:

For August 1, 2021:

For April 25, 2021:

The Immediate Word

For May 3, 2020:

For May 17, 2020:

For May 24, 2020:

For May 31, 2020:

For June 7, 2020:

For June 14, 2020:

For June 21, 2020:

For July 5, 2020:

For July 12, 2020:

For July 19, 2020:

For August 2, 2020:

For August 9, 2020:

For January 12, 2020:

For January 19, 2020:

For August 16, 2020:

For August 23, 2020:

For January 26, 2020:

For August 30, 2020:

For September 6, 2020:

For February 2, 2020:

Vote and ... Forgive? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020

For September 13, 2020:

Sermon

Free Access

For February 21, 2021:

For August 1, 2021:

For April 25, 2021:

The Immediate Word

For May 3, 2020:

For May 17, 2020:

For May 24, 2020:

For May 31, 2020:

For June 7, 2020:

For June 14, 2020:

For June 21, 2020:

For July 5, 2020:

For July 12, 2020:

For July 19, 2020:

For August 2, 2020:

For August 9, 2020:

For January 12, 2020:

For January 19, 2020:

For August 16, 2020:

For August 23, 2020:

For January 26, 2020:

For August 30, 2020:

For September 6, 2020:

For February 2, 2020:

For September 13, 2020:

Worship

Free Access

For February 21, 2021:

For August 1, 2021:

For April 25, 2021:

The Immediate Word

For May 3, 2020:

For May 17, 2020:

For May 24, 2020:

For May 31, 2020:

For June 7, 2020:

For June 14, 2020:

For June 21, 2020:

For July 5, 2020:

For July 12, 2020:

For July 19, 2020:

For August 2, 2020:

For August 9, 2020:

For January 12, 2020:

For January 19, 2020:

For August 16, 2020:

For August 23, 2020:

For January 26, 2020:

For August 30, 2020:

For September 6, 2020:

For February 2, 2020:

For September 13, 2020:

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18

30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...

Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19

29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...

Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20

34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...

Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Reductio Ad Absurdum

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem

For November 9, 2025:

Reductio Ad Absurdum by Dean Feldmeyer. The best way to not lose an argument is to not argue at all.
Second Thoughts: Stirred, But Not Shaken by Chris Keating. In the face of lawlessness, chaos, and rumors about Jesus’ return, Paul urges the Thessalonians to hold fast. It is a reminder of the powerful witness we find in these often misinterpreted apocalyptic texts.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Glimpses of the End

Mark Ellingsen

Haggai 1:15b--2:9
The First Lesson is found in a book which is set early in the reign of the Persian emperor Darius I (around 520 BC), nearly 20 years after the Babylonian exiles had returned home. Work had ceased on the planned rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The book recounts the prophet Haggai’s efforts to exhort the region’s Persian governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua to resume the construction project. This text is an ode to the new temple to be built.

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2025)

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez

Haggai 2:1-15b--2:9 and Psalm 145:2-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98

CSSPlus

Two Rules

John Jamison

Object: A couple of board games or card games.

* * *

StoryShare

Understanding Faith

Peter Andrew Smith

“Hey Pastor Tom!” Mary waved from in front of the university library. “Are you heading to the flag raising?”

“I am,” Pastor Tom said. “Are you attending?”

“Not me — I’m afraid.” She gestured at the Physical Sciences building. “I have a class in a couple of minutes. See you on Sunday!”

“See you then. Have a good class!”

The Village Shepherd

Will My Hamster Go To Heaven?

Janice B. Scott

Call to Worship:
Jesus responded to a trick question by telling people the good news that after death we live on forever in a new kind of life. In our worship today, let us explore the theme of life after death.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I find it hard to believe in life after death. Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I'm afraid of Judgement Day. Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Proper 27 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 32

Carlos Wilton

Psalm 145 is known not so much in its entirety, but piecemeal, by those who are familiar with Christian worship texts. Words like "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" (v. 3); "The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season" (v. 15) and "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" have often called us to worship. The words, "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" (v. 8) have often called us to confession, or assured us of God's pardon.

What To Do With Bad Guys

Robert R. Kopp

When I asked Dad to go to Israel with Mom and me about fifteen years ago, he said, "Son, I've been in two wars. That's enough dodging bullets for one lifetime."

But after almost two decades of trips to Israel, I've discovered Jerusalem is a lot safer than walking around Yankee Stadium or Central Park. Indeed, I'd be willing to wager a round at Pebble Beach that there are more crimes committed in America every day than in Israel every year.

God, The Ultimate Professional

John E. Berger

Here is a true story about a strange funeral service.

The deceased man had no church home, but that is not the unusual part of the story. The man's widow asked for a certain clergyman to be the funeral preacher. The desired clergyman had performed a family wedding a few years earlier. That is not unusual either. It is what is called "an extended church family relationship." In other words, the man had been neither a church member nor a church goer, but there had been a connecting experience -- in this case a family wedding.

God Restores Us To Life

Richard E. Gribble, CSC

I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him down the labyrinthine ways
Of my mind; and in the midst of tears
I hid from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated
Adown Titantic glooms of chasmed fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase
And unperturbed pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy;
They beat -- and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feet --

Refresh your browser to stay on this page

To narrow your results select one or more categories in the below list.

Children's sermon

Free Access

CSSPlus

Illustration

Free Access

The Immediate Word

Preaching

Free Access

The Immediate Word

Sermon

Free Access

The Immediate Word

Worship

Free Access

The Immediate Word

New & Featured This Week

Dean FeldmeyerChristopher KeatingThomas WilladsenKaty StentaMary AustinNazish Naseem

Mark Ellingsen

Mark EllingsenBill ThomasFrank Ramirez

John Jamison

Peter Andrew Smith

Janice B. Scott

Carlos Wilton

Robert R. Kopp

John E. Berger

Richard E. Gribble, CSC

Special Occasion

Site Links

Home

My account

Contact us

Advanced search

Components

The Immediate Word

SermonStudio

Emphasis Preaching Journal

StoryShare

The Village Shepherd

CSSPlus

Gospel Grams 1

Gospel Grams 2

Upcoming Lectionary

Proper 23 | OT 28

Proper 24 | OT 29

Proper 25 | OT 30

All Saints Day - C

Proper 26 | OT 31

Proper 27 | OT 32

Proper 28 | OT 33

Christ the King (Proper 29)

Thanksgiving (US)

This Week’s Scriptures

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez