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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

Simply Sacerdotal -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews maintains that Je
Gathering The Fragments -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary gospel text brings us John’s vivid depiction of the feeding of the 5,000.
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Politics 'trumps' Ephesians -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
In the opening verses of this week’s epistle passage, the writer of Ephesians makes a heartfel
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
What Shall We Proclaim? -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 111 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
Proclamation is the overarching theme running through this week’s lectionary texts.
Highways And Byways -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
This week’s gospel text brings us a bare-bones introductory portrait of John the Baptist.
Does This Offend You? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle and gospel readings provide us with a reality check about the difficult struggle
Awaiting The Unknown -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
With a new liturgical year we enter Advent, a time defined by active waiting -- both for the nativit
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Peanuts, Paste, And Pathways To God -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2015
In this week’s gospel reading, Jesus loses his patience (yet again) with a group of scribes and Phar
Waiting For The Kingdom -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2015
Our world has been shaken once again by unspeakable violence.
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Who Speaks For Those Who Can't? -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
By providing cures for a deaf-mute and the daughter of a foreign woman, Jesus does much more in this
Authority And Power -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle pericope Paul takes on a dispute among the Corinthian church over whether
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Back To School Blues -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
This week’s Old Testament and Psalm readings proclaim the importance of discerning the voice of the
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
There's Something In The Water -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text is Mark’s bare-bones account of Jesus’ baptism...

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Politics 'trumps' Ephesians -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
In the opening verses of this week’s epistle passage, the writer of Ephesians makes a heartfel
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
What Shall We Proclaim? -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 111 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
Proclamation is the overarching theme running through this week’s lectionary texts.
Highways And Byways -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
This week’s gospel text brings us a bare-bones introductory portrait of John the Baptist.
Does This Offend You? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle and gospel readings provide us with a reality check about the difficult struggle
Awaiting The Unknown -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
With a new liturgical year we enter Advent, a time defined by active waiting -- both for the nativit
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Peanuts, Paste, And Pathways To God -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2015
In this week’s gospel reading, Jesus loses his patience (yet again) with a group of scribes and Phar
Waiting For The Kingdom -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2015
Our world has been shaken once again by unspeakable violence.
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Who Speaks For Those Who Can't? -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
By providing cures for a deaf-mute and the daughter of a foreign woman, Jesus does much more in this
Authority And Power -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle pericope Paul takes on a dispute among the Corinthian church over whether
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Back To School Blues -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
This week’s Old Testament and Psalm readings proclaim the importance of discerning the voice of the
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
There's Something In The Water -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text is Mark’s bare-bones account of Jesus’ baptism...
Urgent Message -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary passages contain a pair of warnings about the urgency of changing our beha
The Emperor's Clothes -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
Unveiled -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
Mark’s account of the transfiguration takes center stage in this week’s lectionary texts.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Gathering The Fragments -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary gospel text brings us John’s vivid depiction of the feeding of the 5,000.
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Politics 'trumps' Ephesians -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
In the opening verses of this week’s epistle passage, the writer of Ephesians makes a heartfel
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
What Shall We Proclaim? -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 111 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
Proclamation is the overarching theme running through this week’s lectionary texts.
Highways And Byways -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
This week’s gospel text brings us a bare-bones introductory portrait of John the Baptist.
Does This Offend You? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle and gospel readings provide us with a reality check about the difficult struggle
Awaiting The Unknown -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
With a new liturgical year we enter Advent, a time defined by active waiting -- both for the nativit
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Peanuts, Paste, And Pathways To God -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2015
In this week’s gospel reading, Jesus loses his patience (yet again) with a group of scribes and Phar
Waiting For The Kingdom -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2015
Our world has been shaken once again by unspeakable violence.
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Who Speaks For Those Who Can't? -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
By providing cures for a deaf-mute and the daughter of a foreign woman, Jesus does much more in this
Authority And Power -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle pericope Paul takes on a dispute among the Corinthian church over whether
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Back To School Blues -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
This week’s Old Testament and Psalm readings proclaim the importance of discerning the voice of the
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
There's Something In The Water -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text is Mark’s bare-bones account of Jesus’ baptism...
Urgent Message -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary passages contain a pair of warnings about the urgency of changing our beha

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Je Suis Une Partie Du Corps (I Am A Part Of The Body) -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139, John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2015
Paul opens this week’s epistle text with a sentence that ought to be a motto for our freedom-lovi
Promises, Promises -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary gospel text tells the lurid story of John the Baptist’s demise.
Simply Sacerdotal -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews maintains that Je
Gathering The Fragments -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary gospel text brings us John’s vivid depiction of the feeding of the 5,000.
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Politics 'trumps' Ephesians -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
In the opening verses of this week’s epistle passage, the writer of Ephesians makes a heartfel
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
What Shall We Proclaim? -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 111 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
Proclamation is the overarching theme running through this week’s lectionary texts.
Highways And Byways -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
This week’s gospel text brings us a bare-bones introductory portrait of John the Baptist.
Does This Offend You? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle and gospel readings provide us with a reality check about the difficult struggle
Awaiting The Unknown -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
With a new liturgical year we enter Advent, a time defined by active waiting -- both for the nativit
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Peanuts, Paste, And Pathways To God -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2015
In this week’s gospel reading, Jesus loses his patience (yet again) with a group of scribes and Phar
Waiting For The Kingdom -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2015
Our world has been shaken once again by unspeakable violence.
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Who Speaks For Those Who Can't? -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
By providing cures for a deaf-mute and the daughter of a foreign woman, Jesus does much more in this
Authority And Power -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle pericope Paul takes on a dispute among the Corinthian church over whether
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Back To School Blues -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
This week’s Old Testament and Psalm readings proclaim the importance of discerning the voice of the
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to

Worship

The Immediate Word

Simply Sacerdotal -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews maintains that Je
Gathering The Fragments -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary gospel text brings us John’s vivid depiction of the feeding of the 5,000.
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Politics 'trumps' Ephesians -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
In the opening verses of this week’s epistle passage, the writer of Ephesians makes a heartfel
Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
This Too Shall Pass -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
When the disciples marvel at the impressive physical structure of the Jerusalem temple (“What
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
What Shall We Proclaim? -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 111 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
Proclamation is the overarching theme running through this week’s lectionary texts.
Highways And Byways -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
This week’s gospel text brings us a bare-bones introductory portrait of John the Baptist.
Does This Offend You? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle and gospel readings provide us with a reality check about the difficult struggle
Awaiting The Unknown -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
With a new liturgical year we enter Advent, a time defined by active waiting -- both for the nativit
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Peanuts, Paste, And Pathways To God -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2015
In this week’s gospel reading, Jesus loses his patience (yet again) with a group of scribes and Phar
Waiting For The Kingdom -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2015
Our world has been shaken once again by unspeakable violence.
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Who Speaks For Those Who Can't? -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
By providing cures for a deaf-mute and the daughter of a foreign woman, Jesus does much more in this
Authority And Power -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle pericope Paul takes on a dispute among the Corinthian church over whether
Can We Be The (Peaceful) True Believers? -- Luke 2:14 (15-20), Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
As we continue to come to terms with a recent spate of mass shootings -- capped by seemingly sensele
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Back To School Blues -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
This week’s Old Testament and Psalm readings proclaim the importance of discerning the voice of the
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
There's Something In The Water -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text is Mark’s bare-bones account of Jesus’ baptism...
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33 – Sermons
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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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