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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

Our Maps Are Too Small -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
The images are heart-wrenching, as the world's attention has slowly become focused on the ongoing dr
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
The Gospel According To Warren Buffett -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary pericope from Matthew, Jesus begins the difficult process of preparing his
On Seeing God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
For the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the lectionary assigns two very familiar scripture texts: the
Deciding To Forgive -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12, Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
This coming Sunday offers a big challenge, as it will be impossible to avoid the fact that it will b
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah
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
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

Illustration

The Immediate Word

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
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

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
The Gospel According To Warren Buffett -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary pericope from Matthew, Jesus begins the difficult process of preparing his
On Seeing God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
For the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the lectionary assigns two very familiar scripture texts: the
Deciding To Forgive -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12, Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
This coming Sunday offers a big challenge, as it will be impossible to avoid the fact that it will b
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah
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
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
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

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What Are We Going To Do With The Weeds? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
At first the reaction across the country was incredulous disbelief -- then as the reality of the Cas
The Rules That Rule -- Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses concludes a lengthy address to t
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
Fourth Of July?! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
In America, this Sunday comes in the middle of a holiday weekend as the country will be awash in the
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
Worshiping Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2011
This first Sunday of the new calendar year finds those who follow the lectionary with a choice -- wh
Fear And Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2011
When the news came of a bombing in the heart of downtown Oslo, many people's first reaction was to a
A God Of New Things -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43 -- Dean Feldmeyer, David Jordan Squire, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2011
As the new calendar year commences much media attention is focused on Washington, where this week ou
Our Maps Are Too Small -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
The images are heart-wrenching, as the world's attention has slowly become focused on the ongoing dr
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
On Seeing God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
For the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the lectionary assigns two very familiar scripture texts: the
The Gospel According To Warren Buffett -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary pericope from Matthew, Jesus begins the difficult process of preparing his
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah
Deciding To Forgive -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12, Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
This coming Sunday offers a big challenge, as it will be impossible to avoid the fact that it will b
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
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
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
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
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 --
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 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
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

Worship

The Immediate Word

Our Maps Are Too Small -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
The images are heart-wrenching, as the world's attention has slowly become focused on the ongoing dr
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
The Gospel According To Warren Buffett -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary pericope from Matthew, Jesus begins the difficult process of preparing his
On Seeing God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
For the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the lectionary assigns two very familiar scripture texts: the
Deciding To Forgive -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12, Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
This coming Sunday offers a big challenge, as it will be impossible to avoid the fact that it will b
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah
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
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
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
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Baptism of Our Lord
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Epiphany 3 | OT 3
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The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For February 8, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changes colour according to his mood, was bright, bright blue. He was feeling very fed up. All by himself with nobody to play with, he had nothing to do but get into mischief. His mother was annoyed with him for eating all the jelly she had ready for tea, and she had ordered him out of the toadstool.

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Peter Andrew Smith
David O. Bales
Contents
"The Way to God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Looking Up" by David O. Bales


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The Way to God
by Peter Andrew Smith
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)

In his story "The Way to God," Peter Andrew Smith tells of a people seeking to know God in their lives who discover the answer is not about what they do but about how they live.

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James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
This is a dangerous psalm -- dangerous, because it is so open to misinterpretation.

"Happy are those who fear the Lord...." Well, who could quarrel with that? Yet this psalm goes on to describe, in concrete terms, exactly what form that happiness takes: "Their descendants will be mighty in the land.... Wealth and riches are in their houses" (vv. 2a, 3a).

Power? Wealth? Are these the fruits of a godly life? The psalmist seems to think so.

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 58:1--9a (9b--12) (C); Isaiah 58:7--10 (RC)
John N. Brittain
I had a much-loved professor in seminary who confessed to some of us over coffee one day that he frequently came home from church and was so frustrated he had to go out and dig in the garden, even in the middle of winter. Robert Louis Stevenson once recorded in his diary, as if it were a surprise, "I went to church today and am not depressed." Someone has said, "I feel like unscrewing my head and putting it underneath the pew every time I go to church." Thoughts like these are often expressed by people who have dropped out of church, especially youth and young adults.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Sometimes when we read a passage of scripture, we may need to pay careful attention to who in the text is speaking. Our understanding of the words themselves may change, depending on whose mouth they come from. If we are reading Job, we need to know which character is speaking in the passage. If Job's friends are talking, we know their words cannot be trusted. They are too self-righteous. Sometimes, we are not sure who is speaking. Job 28 is a beautiful poem extolling the virtue of wisdom, but we can't be sure who delivers this elegant piece.
William B. Kincaid, III
Of all the pressing questions of the day, a sign on one person's desk asks, "How much can I sin and still go to heaven?" The question seems amusing until we stop to think about it. Inherent in this question is a bold-faced confession that there is no interest at all in pursuing a life shaped wholly by the spirit of God, but at the same time we do not want to be so recklessly sacrilegious that we forfeit completely the rewards of the hereafter.
Robert A. Beringer
A Japanese legend says a pious Buddhist monk died and went to heaven. He was taken on a sightseeing tour and gazed in wonder at the lovely mansions built of marble and gold and precious stones. It was all so beautiful, exactly as he pictured it, until he came to a large room that looked like a merchant's shop. Lining the walls were shelves on which were piled and labeled what looked like dried mushrooms. On closer examination, he saw they were actually human ears.
John T. Ball
When pastors retire they have a chance to check out some of the Sunday morning religious television before going off to worship, presuming they don't succumb to the Sunday paper. One retired colleague who has the leisure to monitor Sunday morning television says that churchy television fixes mostly on the personal concerns of the viewers. Anxiety, depression, grief - all important and life--threatening matters - make up much of Sunday morning religious television.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (LBW87, CBH185, NCH104, UM203)
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross (PH100, 101, CBH259, 260, NCH224, UM298, 299, LBW482)
Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light (CBH203, NCH140, PH26, UM223)
God Of Grace And God Of Glory (CBH366, NCH436, PH420, UM577)
You Are Salt For The Earth (CBH226, NCH181)
This Little Light Of Mine (CBH401, NCH524, 525, UM585)
Ask Me What Great Thing I Know (NCH49, UM192, PH433)
There's A Spirit In The Air (NCH294, UM192, PH433)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

One of the difficulties that confronts us who drive our vehicles is forgetting to turn off the lights and returning to the car after some hours only to discover a dead battery. I have found that the problem occurs most often when I have been driving during a storm in daytime and had to turn on headlights in order to be seen by other drivers. By the time I get to my destination the rain has often ceased, and the sun is shining brightly. The problem happens, too, when we drive into a brightly lighted parking lot at night.
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
Some years ago Europa Times carried a story in which Mussa Zoabi of Israel claimed to be the oldest person alive at 160. Guinness Book of World Records would not print his name, however, simply because his age could not be verified. Mr. Zoabi was older than most records-keeping systems. Whatever his true age, Mussa Zoabi believed he knew the secret of longevity. He said, "Every day I drink a cup of melted butter or olive oil."

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Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some salt with me this morning. (Show the salt.) What do we use salt for? (Let them answer.) We use it for flavoring food. How many of you put salt on your popcorn? (Let them answer.) What else do we use salt for? (Let them answer.) We put salt on the sidewalks in winter to keep us from slipping. We put salt in water softeners to soften our water.

In this morning's lesson Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. What do you think he meant by that? (Let them answer.) In Jesus' time salt was very important. It was used to keep food
Good morning! Once Jesus told a whole crowd of people who
had come to hear him preach that they couldn't get into Heaven
unless they were more "righteous" than all the religious leaders
of that day. Does anyone know what that word means? What does it
mean to be righteous? (Let them answer.) It means to be good, to
be fair, and to be honest. Now, what do you think he meant by
that? Was he telling people that they had to do everything
perfectly in this life in order to get into Heaven? (Let them
answer.)
Good morning! How many of you own your own Bible? (Let them
answer.) When you read the Bible, do you find some things that
are hard to understand? (Let them answer.) Yes, I think there are
some tough things to comprehend in the Bible. After all, the
Bible is God's Word, and it's not always easy to understand God.
He is so much greater than we are and much more complex.

Now, I brought a New Testament with me this morning and I
want someone to read a verse for us. Can I have a volunteer? (Let
Teachers and Parents: The most common false doctrine, even
among some who consider themselves strong Christians, is that we
can earn our way into Heaven by our own works. Our children must
learn the basic Christian truth that Heaven is a gift of God and
that there is no way to be righteous enough to deserve it. We
must rely on the righteousness of Christ for our ticket into
Heaven.

* Make white paper ponchos with the name JESUS written in
large letters on each one. (A large hole for the head in a big

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