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Christopher Keating

Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. Chris is a regular contributor to the Belief St. Louis blog for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and his articles have also appeared in the Church of the Brethren's monthly magazine, Messenger.
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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Saints On A Train -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2017
While the world copes with another apparent terrorist attack in London, a recent incident on a
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
Saints On A Train -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2017
While the world copes with another apparent terrorist attack in London, a recent incident on a
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt
Paved With Good Intentions -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about workers anxious to rid a field of
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
The Double-Dog Dare Days Of August -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
The world was put on edge last week, as
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Saints On A Train -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2017
While the world copes with another apparent terrorist attack in London, a recent incident on a
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Looking Into The Tomb -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When the grief-stricken women discover the empty tomb on Easter morning, it is so unexpected and bey
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Saints On A Train -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2017
While the world copes with another apparent terrorist attack in London, a recent incident on a
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt

Worship

The Immediate Word

Looking Into The Tomb -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When the grief-stricken women discover the empty tomb on Easter morning, it is so unexpected and bey
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Saints On A Train -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2017
While the world copes with another apparent terrorist attack in London, a recent incident on a
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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