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Bethany Peerbolte

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.
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Children's sermon

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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:
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:

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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.
Trailer To A Gospel -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
John’s opening is daunting.
Sad is Okay -- John 11:1-45 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
The story of Lazarus was always my favorite.
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.
Unfollow -- Matthew 27:11-54 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
In this age of social media, the biggest thrill is getting a follower.
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
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.

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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:
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:
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

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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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:
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:
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:

Preaching

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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:
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:
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

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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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:
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:
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

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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:
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:
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

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 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:
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:
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:
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:

Worship

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:
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:
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

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 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:
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:
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:
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:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

Special Occasion

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