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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

Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Tidings Of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
It’s been more than a week since the announcement that Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “
How Far Would You Go? -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
A big theme in the lectionary passages for Proper 8 is the question of how far we are willing to
Lightening The Load -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus addresses our penchant for criticizing others with two vivid il
Powers Plenipotentiary -- 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, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In the opening verses of this week’s Isaiah text, the prophet announces his calling -- saying tha
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
From Cheers To Jeers -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
Taken together, the texts for Palm/Passion Sunday provide something of a contradictory message.

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The Immediate Word

Tidings Of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
It’s been more than a week since the announcement that Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “
How Far Would You Go? -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
A big theme in the lectionary passages for Proper 8 is the question of how far we are willing to
Lightening The Load -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus addresses our penchant for criticizing others with two vivid il
Powers Plenipotentiary -- 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, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In the opening verses of this week’s Isaiah text, the prophet announces his calling -- saying tha
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
From Cheers To Jeers -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
Taken together, the texts for Palm/Passion Sunday provide something of a contradictory message.
Stepping Forward In Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary passages -- specifically the Genesis and Matthew texts -- illustrate the p
Let Us Commence -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The past few weeks we’ve been in the heart of graduation season -- and as one of the chief rites
Strangers In A Strange Land -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the curious story of a Syrophoenician woman who plead
Out Of The Depths Of Grief -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts all revolve around death -- and the rebirth and regeneration that ca

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Preaching

The Immediate Word

The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Tidings Of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
It’s been more than a week since the announcement that Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “
How Far Would You Go? -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
A big theme in the lectionary passages for Proper 8 is the question of how far we are willing to
Lightening The Load -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus addresses our penchant for criticizing others with two vivid il
Powers Plenipotentiary -- 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, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In the opening verses of this week’s Isaiah text, the prophet announces his calling -- saying tha
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
From Cheers To Jeers -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
Taken together, the texts for Palm/Passion Sunday provide something of a contradictory message.
Stepping Forward In Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary passages -- specifically the Genesis and Matthew texts -- illustrate the p

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Breath Of Life -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
This Sunday’s Deuteronomy text presents us with a stark and very clear choice: “I have set before
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Tidings Of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
It’s been more than a week since the announcement that Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “
How Far Would You Go? -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
A big theme in the lectionary passages for Proper 8 is the question of how far we are willing to
Lightening The Load -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus addresses our penchant for criticizing others with two vivid il
Powers Plenipotentiary -- 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, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In the opening verses of this week’s Isaiah text, the prophet announces his calling -- saying tha
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie

Worship

The Immediate Word

Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
A Feast Fit For A King? -- Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Thanksgiving Day comes on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, and so some congregations will inc
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Tidings Of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
It’s been more than a week since the announcement that Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “
How Far Would You Go? -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
A big theme in the lectionary passages for Proper 8 is the question of how far we are willing to
Lightening The Load -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus addresses our penchant for criticizing others with two vivid il
Powers Plenipotentiary -- 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, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In the opening verses of this week’s Isaiah text, the prophet announces his calling -- saying tha
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
More Than A To-Do List -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a rather stern parable about having enough
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
From Cheers To Jeers -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
Taken together, the texts for Palm/Passion Sunday provide something of a contradictory message.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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John Jamison
Object: A pig stuffed animal.

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For June 22, 2025:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian,  for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.  As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (vv. 25-28)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a
Life can be frightening sometimes. Thus it is both comforting but disconcerting to find a giant of faith like Elijah to fear the future. On that matter Martin Luther once claimed:
David Kalas
We’re not far from the 4th of July. And while for so many Americans, it seems that the holiday has become more about long weekends, cookouts, and fireworks shows, the theme of freedom is still there at least in the background. We might take advantage of that, therefore, and give some thought to the theme of freedom as it is revealed in our assigned texts for this week.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

The madman cried out to Jesus, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" In our worship today let us explore what Jesus has to do with us and invite him to heal our brokenness.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we often find ourselves thinking, saying and doing things that we quickly regret.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
When Jill was five, she began to have headaches. The headaches were so severe she would throw up. Sometimes she would pass out. They usually came once a month. Jill could be playing, resting, or watching television when the headaches would come. Her only warning was a sudden pain in her head, then a blinding light would appear, and she would be rocked with pain. In her teenage years, they became debilitating, causing Jill to be in bed for three days at a time.
Stan Purdum
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire when you ran out of firewood to a term describing the experience of long-term exhaustion and diminished interest, usually coming immediately after an extended period of overwork, but the expression seems to fit that later situation, doesn't it? Exhaustion, deep weariness, all used up, nothing more to give, wiped out, burned out -- call it what we will, its symptoms are all too familiar to many of us.
April Yamasaki
In the classic movie, Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews plays a no-nonsense, yet delightful, nanny to two young children. As a nanny to a wealthy family, she is part teacher, part parent, and part disciplinarian. She gets the children up in the morning, puts them to bed at night, supervises their many adventures, and guides them in many ways. While they are in her care, she is responsible for their overall safety and well-being.

Julia Ross Strope
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces.
Religion faces the same problem.
Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.
-- Yann Martel, Life of Pi

Call To Worship
Leader: I'm so glad you're here! There are seats for everyone; there's slight air movement; the windows engender tranquility and imagination and words will stimulate fresh thoughts.

People: It's good to be here, in sanctuary. We're glad for opportunities to gather and to express our gratitude to God and our appreciation for one another.

Special Occasion

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