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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

Shepherds And Crooks -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
This Sunday is often colloquially referred to as "Good Shepherd Sunday" because of the lectionary te
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
O God, It Is Mother's Day... <I>Or</i> Oh Gawd, It's Mother's Day -- 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- George Reed, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Mother's Day typically offers a conundrum for us -- should we accede to the wishes of many in our co
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Together In One Place -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
A quick perusal of the daily headlines is all you need to see how bitterly divided we are as a socie
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Enduring Much Under Many Physicians -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
Healing -- especially for our bodies -- is a primary concern in our lives.
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s

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The Immediate Word

Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Together In One Place -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
A quick perusal of the daily headlines is all you need to see how bitterly divided we are as a socie
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Enduring Much Under Many Physicians -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
Healing -- especially for our bodies -- is a primary concern in our lives.
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Who Can You Really Trust? -- John 14:1-14, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The lectionary texts for the Fifth Sunday of Easter share several common threads.
The Unknown Gods Of Righteousness -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The Sixth Sunday of Easter falls this year on Memorial Day weekend in America, which provides an int
The Joy Conundrum -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
On the final Sunday preceding Pentecost, many congregations will be observing Ascension Sunday, usin
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Polls, Parables, And Complaints -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary offers a pair of texts in which we discover how God provides unimaginable b
When Good-Bye Is Not Good-Bye -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
This Sunday of the church year the lectionary focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity -- a complex th
Race To The Rear? -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
One of the most fundamental aspects of American culture is competition.

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
O God, It Is Mother's Day... <I>Or</i> Oh Gawd, It's Mother's Day -- 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- George Reed, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Mother's Day typically offers a conundrum for us -- should we accede to the wishes of many in our co
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Together In One Place -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
A quick perusal of the daily headlines is all you need to see how bitterly divided we are as a socie
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Enduring Much Under Many Physicians -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
Healing -- especially for our bodies -- is a primary concern in our lives.
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Who Can You Really Trust? -- John 14:1-14, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The lectionary texts for the Fifth Sunday of Easter share several common threads.

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Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
The Untold Christmas Story -- Matthew 2:16-18, Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The news was stunning and almost unimaginable -- a bustling elementary school in a well-to-do commun
Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased
From Ashes To Rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When God tells Noah that "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you" (Ge
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
Bring Me The Head Of John The Baptizer -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
Historically speaking, we should currently be in the summer doldrums of this year's presidential cam
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out
Joe's Halo -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
If the "printer-friendly" link doesn't work for you (which it won't if you are not a subscriber
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
Drones: Ancient And Modern -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
As the world watches the casualties mount in the conflict in Syria, we wonder -- when is it appropri
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica
Loving Wisely -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures brings us David's heart-wrenching lament over
Ticker Tape Charade -- Mark 11:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 22 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
This Sunday we face the delicate task of how much emphasis to place on the Palm Sunday texts, with t
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Do-It-Yourself Resurrection? -- Mark 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
On Easter Sunday we celebrate God's triumph over the power of death -- but while we are all mor
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Of Fear And Superstition -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the gospel text appointed by the lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke depicts a group
Shepherds And Crooks -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
This Sunday is often colloquially referred to as "Good Shepherd Sunday" because of the lectionary te
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
O God, It Is Mother's Day... <I>Or</i> Oh Gawd, It's Mother's Day -- 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- George Reed, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Mother's Day typically offers a conundrum for us -- should we accede to the wishes of many in our co
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
Together In One Place -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
A quick perusal of the daily headlines is all you need to see how bitterly divided we are as a socie
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa

Worship

The Immediate Word

Shepherds And Crooks -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
This Sunday is often colloquially referred to as "Good Shepherd Sunday" because of the lectionary te
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
O God, It Is Mother's Day... <I>Or</i> Oh Gawd, It's Mother's Day -- 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- George Reed, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Mother's Day typically offers a conundrum for us -- should we accede to the wishes of many in our co
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Together In One Place -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
A quick perusal of the daily headlines is all you need to see how bitterly divided we are as a socie
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Enduring Much Under Many Physicians -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
Healing -- especially for our bodies -- is a primary concern in our lives.
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
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John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity.

Note: You will need to select six children to play roles in this activity. If you have a smaller group, you might ask some older youth or even adults to play the parts of the two attackers and the man being attacked. I will give suggestions for how they can play their roles, but feel free to help your children make the story as fun and memorable as you can. I have used boys and girls in the various roles, but you can change those however you want to change them.

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The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For July 13, 2025:
  • Samaritans Among Us by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. Samaritans were despised and dismissed by the original audience who first heard Jesus tell this parable. Who are the Samaritans in our lives and how does this parable apply today?
  • Second Thoughts: The Helpers by Katy Stenta based on Amos 7:7-17.

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
I say, “You are gods,
    children of the Most High, all of you;
nevertheless, you shall die like mortals
    and fall like any prince….” (vv. 6-7)

There have been any number of brother-sister acts that achieved a measure of fame. Take the Carpenters, famed for their singing, musicianship, and songwriting skills. Also worthy of mention are John and Joan Cusack who have acted together in over sixteen films.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
An ancient legend tells of a remote mountain village where people used to send their senior citizens out into the woods to die. The villagers had an eye to the future; they felt that those beyond a certain age would only slow down progress or use up valuable resources to no economically profitable end. Those who reached a certain age weren’t “put out to pasture” or “put out of their misery”; they were simply put out of other people’s way.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Amos 7:7-17 and Psalm 82
The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It is more than 2,700 feet high—over half a mile tall. It has 160 floors and is twice as tall as the Empire State Building in New York City. It is home to the world’s fastest elevator which reaches speeds of forty miles an hour. The Burj Khalifa also hosts the world’s highest outdoor observation deck (on the 124th floor) and the world’s highest swimming pool (on the 76th floor).

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Mabel hummed a familiar hymn tune as she made her way to church. She always enjoyed her Sunday morning walk. It was one of the few times she felt safe to walk alone through the inner city, for she knew nobody would be up at 7.45 in the morning. Today was a particularly beautiful morning, with blue sky, warm sunshine, and the song of a few intrepid blackbirds who still inhabited the city.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Often, a distinction is made between the pastoral or priestly work of the church and the prophetic work. Pastoral care has to do with the care of souls, the offering of comfort in times of loss. The priestly character of pastoral work seeks to mediate the presence of God to those who are hurting.

Schuyler Rhodes
Trusting is never easy. Even in the best of relationships, people step into trust slowly. There is wariness -- questioning -- worry. What happens if trust is betrayed? What if this doesn't work? Sometimes it's like a dance. We step in and out of trust, moving to the rhythms of fear. For many, the routine is achingly familiar. Indeed, it's not easy to trust.
John Jamison
It was back in the days when the railroad was the most common mode of transportation. There were automobiles, and some airplanes, but the steam locomotive was the way most folks traveled and the way that most of the goods were distributed around the country. After dinner, people sat in the drawing room and listened to the radio programs, fading in and out from some faraway location, over the magical broadcasting signal.
Robert Leslie Holmes
Not many tourists to Washington, D.C., look for the Federal Bureau of Standards offices. It's the Capitol and the White House, the Supreme Court Building or the Smithsonian most of us want to see when we go there. Yet, at the Bureau of Standards offices something very important is stored, something that impacts your life and mine every single day. Have you ever bought the materials for a new project? When you did, most likely you purchased so many inches or feet or yards. Or, you stopped to buy gasoline for your car and purchased it at a certain price per gallon.
David O. Bales
I have the two best jobs in the world. I teach social studies at Leon Griffith Junior High School (a fairly small junior high) and I am Sunday School Superintendent at Calvary Presbyterian Church (an enormous church school). Each job is my vocation. I tell people that at school they'll find my room where the halls cross. At church they can look but probably won't find me. I'll be in someone's classroom. At each job I practice what I most deeply believe: it's how you see the world that determines how you respond to it. I'll give you an example, actually, two examples.
Erskine White
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed,
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
(Stuart K. Hine)

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