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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

Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Surprise! Surprise! -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
In this week's Old Testament passage the Lord sends Samuel out on a secret mission to anoint a new k
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Resurrection Or Reanimation? -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary texts provide a pair of stories that foreshadow the central message of Easter
Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
The Final Four -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
The Final Four -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in
The Final Four -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
Breaking News -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
"Do not be afraid. These words that the angel speaks to the two Marys at the empty tomb (and then r
The Reluctant Witness -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The common thread that runs through the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Easter is the t
Where Is Emmaus? -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Our lectionary gospel text this week brings us the familiar story from Luke of two disciples encount
Shepherds And Seals -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
With the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday of Easter featuring the 23rd Psalm and the passage f
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

The Final Four -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
The Final Four -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
Breaking News -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
"Do not be afraid. These words that the angel speaks to the two Marys at the empty tomb (and then r
The Reluctant Witness -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The common thread that runs through the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Easter is the t
Where Is Emmaus? -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Our lectionary gospel text this week brings us the familiar story from Luke of two disciples encount
Shepherds And Seals -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
With the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday of Easter featuring the 23rd Psalm and the passage f
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Surprise! Surprise! -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
In this week's Old Testament passage the Lord sends Samuel out on a secret mission to anoint a new k
Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
Resurrection Or Reanimation? -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary texts provide a pair of stories that foreshadow the central message of Easter
Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
The Final Four -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in
The Final Four -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
The Final Four -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
Breaking News -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
"Do not be afraid. These words that the angel speaks to the two Marys at the empty tomb (and then r
The Reluctant Witness -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The common thread that runs through the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Easter is the t
Where Is Emmaus? -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Our lectionary gospel text this week brings us the familiar story from Luke of two disciples encount
Shepherds And Seals -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
With the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday of Easter featuring the 23rd Psalm and the passage f
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Gods Of Gold -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2011
The lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures assigned for this week -- Aaron's creation of the gol
Gleaning Some Wisdom -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
In this week's gospel passage, Jesus counsels his disciples to avoid retaliation -- telling them to
The Green Room -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Exodus 33:12-23, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul commends the Thessalonian Christians for their faith
The Main Thing -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Roger Lovette, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary gospel text, Jesus warns about the dangers of an excessive devotion to mat
Occupy Your Faith -- Matthew 22:34-40, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2011
When Paul characterizes the nature of his ministry in this week's lectionary epistle passage, he not
Power With A Capital 'p' -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2011
The common theme shared by this week's lectionary texts is the firsthand encounter with holiness --
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Power In The Wilderness -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
As we enter into Lent, the focus for many of our people will turn inward as they engage in small act
Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Surprise! Surprise! -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
In this week's Old Testament passage the Lord sends Samuel out on a secret mission to anoint a new k
Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
Resurrection Or Reanimation? -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary texts provide a pair of stories that foreshadow the central message of Easter
And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Going Home -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
In the Old Testament text appointed by the lectionary for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Isaiah addresses
Transitions -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2010
As we journey through life, it seems we find ourselves in a series of transitions.
Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Who's Number One? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Psalm 30 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
American culture seems to thrive on an individualistic, can-do spirit -- exemplified by our deeply h
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
God's Plumb Line -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament passage offers us the striking imagery of one of the oldest and most vener

Worship

The Immediate Word

Power And Principalities -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, also referred to in so
Surprise! Surprise! -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
In this week's Old Testament passage the Lord sends Samuel out on a secret mission to anoint a new k
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Resurrection Or Reanimation? -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary texts provide a pair of stories that foreshadow the central message of Easter
Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
The Final Four -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
The Final Four -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in
The Final Four -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- 2011
Holy Week offers such a wide range of texts and approaches that for this installment of The Immed
Breaking News -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
"Do not be afraid. These words that the angel speaks to the two Marys at the empty tomb (and then r
The Reluctant Witness -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The common thread that runs through the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Easter is the t
Where Is Emmaus? -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Our lectionary gospel text this week brings us the familiar story from Luke of two disciples encount
Shepherds And Seals -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
With the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday of Easter featuring the 23rd Psalm and the passage f
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For October 19, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 31:27-34
John Calvin makes very clear why a new covenant is needed according to this text. He observes:

… the fault was not to be sought in the law that there was need of a new covenant, for the law was abundantly sufficient, but that fault was in the levity and the unfaithfulness of the people. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.X/2, p.130)
David Coffin
What happens when one’s past life narrative or goals in life have drastically shifted or collapsed? How do they rebuild hope? For Israel, they lost their land, monarchy, and national identity. In the days of the New Testament,they could easily be identified as living in the “fourth world” country. That is, existing in substandard conditions in one’s own native land?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Rose sat back in her chair and opened her magazine. She heard the thump of the stairs and caught a glimpse of her daughter and son in the corner of her eye. She turned her head as they put water bottles in their backpacks.

“What are you two doing?” she looked over at the clock. “Don’t you have homework?”

“All done,” Paul and Linda announced at the same time.

Rose ignored Linda but locked eyes with Paul. He met her gaze for a few moments and then sighed.

“Okay, I’m almost done but still have some math questions,” he admitted.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told us that we should always pray and not lose heart, for God is on our side. In our worship today let us pray to the Lord for the needs of others and for all our own needs.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes you don't seem to be there when I pray and I feel like I'm talking to myself.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes my prayers seem so dry and boring that I give up.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Psalm 119 is well-known as the longest chapter in the Bible. The poem is actually an extended, and extensive, meditation on the meaning of the law. Given the sterile connotations often associated with "law" and "legalism," it's hard sometimes to appreciate the lyrical beauty of these reflections. One thing is for certain, the writer of this psalm does not view the law as either sterile or void of vitality.

Schuyler Rhodes
There is perhaps no better feeling than knowing that someone "has your back." Having someone's back is a term that arose from urban street fighting where a partner or ally would stay with you and protect your back in the thick of the fray. When someone has your back, you don't worry about being hit from behind. When someone has your back you can concentrate on the struggle in front of you without worrying about dangers you cannot see. When someone has your back you feel protected, secure, safe.
David Kalas
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.

Chances are that a good many of us carry family names. We are named for a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, or an aunt somewhere on the family tree. Others of us had parents who named us after a character in the Bible, or perhaps some other significant character from history.

All told, I expect a pretty fair number of us are named after someone else.

John W. Clarke
Our reading today from the prophet Jeremiah is one in which the Hebrew people, not knowing what else to do in terms of addressing their predicament, decide to blame it all on God. They believed their problems to be the result of their sins and the sins of their fathers. Of course, one person's sin does indeed affect other people, but all people are still held personally accountable for the sin in their own lives (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:2).
Donna E. Schaper
As usual, the epistle is a little more graphic than we can quite grasp. Itchy ears: what a concept just in physical terms. Experience it for a minute. You itch, you scratch, you sort of know you shouldn't scratch because it will only make the itch worse. But still you scratch, while wondering how the itch ever got started in the first place. What a concept: itchy ears as a vehicle for spiritual truth.

John E. Berger
Did Jesus ever do comedy? Indeed he did, and the Parable of the Unjust Judge is partly comic monologue. The routine began with a probate judge so ridiculously dishonest that he announced, "... I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone...." (There must have been a gasp of disbelief from Jesus' audience.)

The Unjust Judge was nagged by a widow, however, who had every right to nag, because she had been cheated by somebody in the community. A good judge would have helped the widow, but remember, this judge "neither feared God nor had respect for people."

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And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? (v. 7)

Good morning, boys and girls. Yesterday, I was riding in my car and I kept hearing this noise. I call it a squeak. Do you know what a squeak sounds like? (let them answer) Squeaks are very annoying. It is hard to find a squeak in your car, so it is still squeaking.

I also have a chair that has a squeak and I brought it in with me today because it is

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