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George Reed

George Reed, OSL has served as a minister in the United Methodist church for over thirty years. He holds degrees from Wright State University and United Theological Seminary, both located in Dayton, Ohio. He has also taken graduate studies at the Institute of Formative Spirituality at Duquesne University. After serving various UMC churches in Ohio, Reed is now serving as the Intentional Interim Senior Pastor at Ada Congregational Church/United Church of Christ in Ada, Michigan. He is a contributor to the Sermons on the Gospel Readings series and is the author of three-volume (Cycles A, B, and C) series Lectionary Worship Aids, Series IX. Reed and his wife have three grown children.
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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Finding Words In Speechless Grief -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary Old Testament and Gospel texts both contain accounts of the death of a widow'
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Tony Soprano's Kingdom Dilemma -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
The entertainment headlines this week have been dominated by the shocking news of actor James Gandol
Prior To Destruction -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
The passage from Second Kings appointed by the lectionary for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Pr
Use It Or Lose It -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The lectionary’s appointed passage from Amos for this week uses the seasonal imagery of a basket
When Scorpions Sting And Prayers Go Unanswered -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus not only shares with us the Lord’s Prayer, he also offers an e
The Bottom Of The Mountain -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text tells of the Transfiguration -- a spectacular experience for thre
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus picks up right where he left off last week by conti
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Is It Real Or Is It Photoshop? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
On the Second Sunday of Easter, the lectionary showcases the familiar story of the disciple Thomas a
Troublesome Marching Orders And Unlikely Superheroes -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2013
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
At The Head Of The Table -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about a banquet host who eschews th
Oh, How I Love Your Law! -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Judges and the law are a prominent theme in this week’s lectionary texts, with Jesus telling a p
Playing Poker In Damascus -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2013
The images were horrific -- even by the standards of the civil war in Syria that has raged on fo
No Rejoicing Yet -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus illustrates the concern God has for every one of us,

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Tony Soprano's Kingdom Dilemma -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
The entertainment headlines this week have been dominated by the shocking news of actor James Gandol
Prior To Destruction -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
The passage from Second Kings appointed by the lectionary for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Pr
Use It Or Lose It -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The lectionary’s appointed passage from Amos for this week uses the seasonal imagery of a basket
When Scorpions Sting And Prayers Go Unanswered -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus not only shares with us the Lord’s Prayer, he also offers an e
The Bottom Of The Mountain -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text tells of the Transfiguration -- a spectacular experience for thre
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus picks up right where he left off last week by conti
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Is It Real Or Is It Photoshop? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
On the Second Sunday of Easter, the lectionary showcases the familiar story of the disciple Thomas a
Troublesome Marching Orders And Unlikely Superheroes -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2013
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
At The Head Of The Table -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about a banquet host who eschews th
Oh, How I Love Your Law! -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Judges and the law are a prominent theme in this week’s lectionary texts, with Jesus telling a p
Playing Poker In Damascus -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2013
The images were horrific -- even by the standards of the civil war in Syria that has raged on fo
No Rejoicing Yet -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus illustrates the concern God has for every one of us,
Candle Trimmed And Burning -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
On this first Sunday of 2013, we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord -- and the lectionary readings t
Sleepless In Syria -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Every day brings new twists and turns in the diplomatic negotiations over Syria.
Wade In The Water... Jesus??? -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
This Sunday the lectionary calendar spotlights the Baptism of Jesus -- a seminal event that marks hi
A Vessel Of Hope -- Luke 16:19-31, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Psalm 91 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
Each newscast last week brought more horrific scenes -- from Monday’s murderous rampage at the N
Not Keeping Silent -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2013
This Sunday is January 20th -- the traditional date for presidential inaugurations in the United Sta
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Why Now? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is proclamation,
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
A Consistent Ethic Of Love -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2013
There is probably no other topic in American life that inflames passions as deeply as that of aborti

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Finding Words In Speechless Grief -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary Old Testament and Gospel texts both contain accounts of the death of a widow'
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Tony Soprano's Kingdom Dilemma -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
The entertainment headlines this week have been dominated by the shocking news of actor James Gandol
Prior To Destruction -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
The passage from Second Kings appointed by the lectionary for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Pr
Use It Or Lose It -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The lectionary’s appointed passage from Amos for this week uses the seasonal imagery of a basket
When Scorpions Sting And Prayers Go Unanswered -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus not only shares with us the Lord’s Prayer, he also offers an e
The Bottom Of The Mountain -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text tells of the Transfiguration -- a spectacular experience for thre
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus picks up right where he left off last week by conti
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Is It Real Or Is It Photoshop? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
On the Second Sunday of Easter, the lectionary showcases the familiar story of the disciple Thomas a
Troublesome Marching Orders And Unlikely Superheroes -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2013
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
At The Head Of The Table -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about a banquet host who eschews th
Oh, How I Love Your Law! -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Judges and the law are a prominent theme in this week’s lectionary texts, with Jesus telling a p
Playing Poker In Damascus -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2013
The images were horrific -- even by the standards of the civil war in Syria that has raged on fo
No Rejoicing Yet -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus illustrates the concern God has for every one of us,
Candle Trimmed And Burning -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
On this first Sunday of 2013, we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord -- and the lectionary readings t

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Why Now? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is proclamation,
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
A Consistent Ethic Of Love -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2013
There is probably no other topic in American life that inflames passions as deeply as that of aborti
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Joy In Darkness -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Romans 10:8b-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As we enter the Lenten season and its emphasis on introspection and spiritual cleansing, it's a usef
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Citizens Of Heaven -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A clear theme emerges from the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent -- how we deal with ou
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
Longing For Peace -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2013
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Longing For Peace -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
Because of the close proximity this year of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve/Day --
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar

Worship

The Immediate Word

Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Finding Words In Speechless Grief -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary Old Testament and Gospel texts both contain accounts of the death of a widow'
Power Without Honor -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures brings us a fascinating story about the ab
Tony Soprano's Kingdom Dilemma -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
The entertainment headlines this week have been dominated by the shocking news of actor James Gandol
Prior To Destruction -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
The passage from Second Kings appointed by the lectionary for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Pr
Use It Or Lose It -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The lectionary’s appointed passage from Amos for this week uses the seasonal imagery of a basket
When Scorpions Sting And Prayers Go Unanswered -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus not only shares with us the Lord’s Prayer, he also offers an e
The Bottom Of The Mountain -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text tells of the Transfiguration -- a spectacular experience for thre
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus picks up right where he left off last week by conti
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Is It Real Or Is It Photoshop? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
On the Second Sunday of Easter, the lectionary showcases the familiar story of the disciple Thomas a
Troublesome Marching Orders And Unlikely Superheroes -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2013
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
At The Head Of The Table -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about a banquet host who eschews th
Oh, How I Love Your Law! -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Judges and the law are a prominent theme in this week’s lectionary texts, with Jesus telling a p
Playing Poker In Damascus -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2013
The images were horrific -- even by the standards of the civil war in Syria that has raged on fo
No Rejoicing Yet -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus illustrates the concern God has for every one of us,
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For December 7, 2025:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
There was an incident some years ago, when an elderly lady in some village parish in England was so fed up with the sound of the church bells ringing, that she took an axe and hacked her way through the oak door of the church. Once inside, she sliced through the bell ropes, rendering the bells permanently silent. The media loved it. There were articles in all the papers and the culprit appeared on television. The Church was less enthusiastic - and took her to court.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
(See The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle A, and The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

This psalm is a prayer for the king, and it asks God to extend divine rule over earth through the anointed one who sits on the throne. Although the inscription says the psalm is about Solomon, that is a scribal addition. More likely, this was a general prayer used for more than one of the Davidic kings, and it shows the common belief that the monarch would be the instrument through which God acted.

Mark Wm. Radecke
In her Pulitzer Prize winning book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, author Annie Dillard recalls this chilling remembrance:
Paul E. Robinson
There is so much uncertainty in life that most of us look hard and long for as many "sure things" as we can find. A fisherman goes back again and again to that hole that always produces fish and leaves on his line that special lure that always does the trick. The fishing hole and the lure are sure things.
John N. Brittain
If you don't know that Christmas is a couple of weeks away, you must be living underground. And you must have no contact with any children. And you cannot have been to a mall, Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, or any other chain store since three weeks before Halloween. Christmas, probably more than any other day in the contemporary American calendar, is one of those days where impact really stretches the envelope of time not just -- like some great tragedy -- after the fact, but also in anticipation.
Tony S. Everett
One hot summer day, a young pastor decided to change the oil in his automobile for the very first time in his life. He had purchased five quarts of oil, a filter wrench, and a bucket in which to drain the used oil. He carefully and gently drove the car onto the shiny, yellow ramps and eased his way underneath his vehicle.

Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
We've gathered here today on the second Sunday of Advent to continue to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. This task of preparing for the arrival of the Lord is not as easy as we might think it is. As in other areas of life, we find ourselves having to unlearn some things in order to see what the scriptures teach us about God's act in Jesus. We've let the culture around us snatch away much of the meaning of the birth of the Savior. We have to reclaim that meaning if we really want to be ready for what God is still doing in the miracle of Christmas.
Timothy J. Smith
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks. Our "to do" list grows each day. At times we are often out of breath and wondering if we will complete everything on our list before Christmas Day. We gather on this Second Sunday in Advent to spiritually prepare for what God has done and continues to do in our lives and in our world. We have been too busy with all our activities and tasks so that we are in danger of missing out on the miracle of Christmas.
Frank Luchsinger
For his sixth grade year his family moved to the new community. They made careful preparations for the husky, freckle-faced redhead to fit in smoothly. They had meetings with teachers and principal, and practiced the route to the very school doors he would enter on the first day. "Right here will be lists of the classes with the teachers' names and students. Come to these doors and find your name on a list and go to that class."
R. Glen Miles
The text we have heard today is pleasant, maybe even reassuring. I wonder, though, how many of us will give it any significance once we leave the sanctuary? Do the words of Isaiah have any real meaning for us, or are they just far away thoughts from a time that no longer has any relevance for us today?
Susan R. Andrews
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche. All the actors in this stable drama are soft and squishy and durable - perfect to touch and rearrange - or toss across the living room in a fit of toddler frenzy. The Joseph character has always been my favorite because he looks a little wild - red yarn spiking out from his head, giving him an odd look of energy. In fact, I have renamed this character John the Baptist and in my mind substituted one of the innocuous shepherds for the more staid and solid Joseph. Why this invention?
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Wild animals flourish around us,
C: and prowl within us.
P: Injustice and inequity surround us,
C: and hide within us.
P: Vanity and pride divide us,
C: and fester within us.

A time for silent reflection

P: O God, may your love free us,
C: and may your Spirit live in us. Amen.

Prayer Of The Day

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The world and the church approach the "Mass of Christ" with a different pace, and "atmospheres" that are worlds apart. Out in the "highways and byways" tinsel and "sparkly" are everywhere, in the churches the color of the paraments and stoles is a somber violet, or in some places, blue. Through the stores and on the airwaves carols and pop tunes are up-beat, aimed at getting the spirits festive, and the pocketbooks and wallets are open.
David Kalas
In the United States just now, we're in the period between the election and the inauguration of the president. In our system, by the time they are inaugurated, our leaders are fairly familiar faces. Months of primaries and campaigning, debates and speeches, and conventions and commercials, all contribute to a fairly high degree of familiarity. We may wonder what kind of president someone will be, but we have certainly heard many promises, and we have had plenty of opportunities to get to know the candidate.
(A)
During my growing up years we had no family automobile. My father walked to work and home again. During World War II his routine at the local milk plant was somewhat irregular. As children we tried to guess when he would come. If we were wrong, we didn't worry. He always came.
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
What difference does my life make for others around me? That question is addressed in three related ways in our texts for today. Isaiah raised the emblem of the Servant of Yahweh as representative for what life is supposed to be, even in the middle of a chaotic and cruel world. Paul mirrors that reflection as he announces the fulfillment of Isaiah's vision in the coming of Jesus and the expansion of its redemptive effects beyond the Jewish community to the Gentile world as well.

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