Katy Stenta

Katy Stenta is the solo revitalization pastor at the bigger on the inside New Covenant Presbyterian church located in Albany, NY, since 2010. She is also the co-founder/leader of TrailPraisers an Inclusive New Worshipping Community. She writes narrative lectionary and other liturgical prayers at www.katyandtheword.com and is a pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Katy loves reading as much fantasy as possible and playing with her three children Franklin (11), Westley (9) and Ashburn (7) who she often takes to the public library where her husband Anthony works. Katy, a Xiennial, is excited about the new greater church that is emerging and loves helping people hearths call of God.

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus' Thoughts and Prayers -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023

For May 21, 2023:

An Alternative Language -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023

For May 28, 2023:

Three Is a Magic Number -- Matthew 28:16-20, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Psalm 8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2023

For June 4, 2023:

Jesus Hits Pause -- Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023

For June 11, 2023:

People of Welcome -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2023

For July 2, 2023:

The Good We Cannot Do -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Zechariah 9:9-12, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023

For July 9, 2023:

Needful Things -- Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2023

For July 16, 2023:

Volunteer Corn -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, Isaiah 44:6-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2023

For July 23, 2023:

The Kingdom of Heaven is Hot -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023

For July 30, 2023:

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023

For January 1, 2023:

What Are You Really, Really Looking For? -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2023

For January 15, 2023:

Nevertheless, She Persisted. -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2023

For August 20, 2023:

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023

For January 22, 2023:

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023

For August 27, 2023:

The Authentic Me -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023

For September 3, 2023:

Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023

For January 29, 2023:

Empathy and Encouragement -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023

For September 10, 2023:

You Want Too Much, Jesus -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 114, Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2023

For September 17, 2023:

Jesus' Feedback Sandwich -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023

For February 5, 2023:

Mission: Control -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023

For October 8, 2023:

Team Everybody -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023

For February 12, 2023:

The Wild and Crazy Wedding Feast -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023

For October 15, 2023:

God Makes Room For Us -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2, Psalm 99 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023

For February 19, 2023:

We Are the Holders of Hands -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22, Psalm 9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023

For October 22, 2023:

Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023

For February 26, 2023:

Illustration

The Immediate Word

For May 21, 2023:

For May 28, 2023:

For June 4, 2023:

For June 11, 2023:

For July 2, 2023:

For July 9, 2023:

For July 16, 2023:

For July 23, 2023:

For July 30, 2023:

For January 1, 2023:

For January 15, 2023:

For August 20, 2023:

For January 22, 2023:

For August 27, 2023:

For September 3, 2023:

For January 29, 2023:

For September 10, 2023:

For September 17, 2023:

For February 5, 2023:

For October 8, 2023:

For February 12, 2023:

For October 15, 2023:

For February 19, 2023:

For October 22, 2023:

For February 26, 2023:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

For May 21, 2023:

For May 28, 2023:

For June 4, 2023:

For June 11, 2023:

For July 2, 2023:

For July 9, 2023:

For July 16, 2023:

For July 23, 2023:

For July 30, 2023:

For January 1, 2023:

For January 15, 2023:

For August 20, 2023:

For January 22, 2023:

For August 27, 2023:

For September 3, 2023:

For January 29, 2023:

For September 10, 2023:

For September 17, 2023:

For February 5, 2023:

For October 8, 2023:

For February 12, 2023:

For October 15, 2023:

For February 19, 2023:

For October 22, 2023:

For February 26, 2023:

Sermon

The Immediate Word

For May 21, 2023:

For May 28, 2023:

For June 4, 2023:

For June 11, 2023:

For July 2, 2023:

For July 9, 2023:

For July 16, 2023:

For July 23, 2023:

For July 30, 2023:

For January 1, 2023:

For January 15, 2023:

For August 20, 2023:

For January 22, 2023:

For August 27, 2023:

For September 3, 2023:

For January 29, 2023:

For September 10, 2023:

For September 17, 2023:

For February 5, 2023:

For October 8, 2023:

For February 12, 2023:

For October 15, 2023:

For February 19, 2023:

For October 22, 2023:

For February 26, 2023:

Worship

The Immediate Word

For May 21, 2023:

For May 28, 2023:

For June 4, 2023:

For June 11, 2023:

For July 2, 2023:

For July 9, 2023:

For July 16, 2023:

For July 23, 2023:

For July 30, 2023:

For January 1, 2023:

For January 15, 2023:

For August 20, 2023:

For January 22, 2023:

For August 27, 2023:

For September 3, 2023:

For January 29, 2023:

For September 10, 2023:

For September 17, 2023:

For February 5, 2023:

For October 8, 2023:

For February 12, 2023:

For October 15, 2023:

For February 19, 2023:

For October 22, 2023:

For February 26, 2023:

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

Signup for FREE!

(No credit card needed.)

Advent 2 (Cycle B)

32 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...

Advent 3 (Cycle B)

33 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
36 – Children's Sermons / Resources
28 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...

Advent 4 (Cycle B)

31 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
36 – Children's Sermons / Resources
31 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...

Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

Signup for FREE!

(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mea Culpa

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Elena Delhagen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Quantisha Mason-Doll

For December 10, 2023:

Mea Culpa by Dean Feldmeyer — Advent is a good time to start preaching about repentance.
Second Thoughts: The Season of Comfort by Katy Stenta based on Mark 1:1-8.
Sermon illustrations by Tom Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen.
Worship resources by George Reed.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Hopeful Voices

David Coffin

Amidst this season of Advent, where can mainline church leaders find hope amidst headlines in many churches’ magazines reporting the steady decline of church attendance and membership? In one study, church American membership has dipped below 50% in contrast to close to 70-75% in previous decades.

Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2023)

Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez

Isaiah 40:1-11

StoryShare

Fruits of Repentance

Peter Andrew Smith

“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wiping the counter and then turned the dishwasher on. “It was really great to have them over.”

“They certainly seemed to enjoy themselves and even Dad was talkative,” Molly gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for cooking.”

“My pleasure, I enjoyed it.” Stephen paused. “I think I could go for a bit more pie.”

Molly rolled his eyes. “Really?”

Stephen rubbed his stomach and then grinned. “Yeah, I think so.”

CSSPlus

God's Surprise: God's Craziness!

John Jamison

Object: You need pieces of clothing to dress two children. One is to be dressed in nice clothes, and the other in ‘not-so-nice’ clothes. You could either dress them like they were in Jesus’ day or as they might look today. For Jesus’ day, you might dress one child in a nice robe, with a fancy hat and staff, like a king, and the other just wrapped in something like burlap with a rope belt, like John the Baptist. For today, you might dress one child in a jacket or nice suit, and the other in old, torn jeans and a baggy, ragged shirt, or sweatshirt.

The Village Shepherd

The Advent Candle

Janice B. Scott

Call to Worship:

With John the Baptist, in our worship today let us prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we are not worthy to undo the strap of your sandals.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, we repent. Forgive our sins.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, baptise us with your Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Advent 2

Stan Purdum

(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

Jesus Will Lead Us Home

Richard E. Gribble, CSC

The voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his 28 men aboard the Endurance bound for Antarctica, which began in 1914, is a story too few know but all should hear. The Imperial Trans-Atlantic Expedition, under Shackleton's command, was the first British Antarctic expedition after Norwegian Ronald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole in December 1911.

What Do You Mean, "Repent"?

Thomas G. Long

Bright Lights, Big City is Jay McInerney's searingly-witty, emotion-ripping novel of one man's perilous drift down an alcohol and white-powder-polluted stream of delayed adolescence. The young man is bright, creative, and desperately lonely. His language is marked by the kind of sarcasm which forms at the intersection of keen intelligence, comic conceit, and human desolation.

Promises, Promises, Promises

Wayne Brouwer

Somewhere today a woman picks up another dirty shirt and tosses it into the laundry basket. She shakes her head and thinks, "I've got to get out of this marriage! He treats me like dirt! I deserve someone better, someone who really loves me! God knows I've put up with more than anyone needs to."

But she sees the picture of their wedding day on the dresser and stops. She remembers the promise she made that day: "...for better, for worse...." And she decides to stay and see if she can make this thing work.

Refresh your browser to stay on this page

To narrow your results select one or more categories in the below list.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Worship

The Immediate Word

New & Featured This Week

Dean FeldmeyerThomas WilladsenElena DelhagenMary AustinChristopher KeatingGeorge ReedKaty StentaQuantisha Mason-Doll

David Coffin

Bonnie BatesBill ThomasMark EllingsenFrank Ramirez

Peter Andrew Smith

John Jamison

Janice B. Scott

Stan Purdum

Richard E. Gribble, CSC

Thomas G. Long

Wayne Brouwer

Special Occasion

Site Links

Home

My account

Contact us

Advanced search

Components

The Immediate Word

SermonStudio

Emphasis Preaching Journal

StoryShare

The Village Shepherd

CSSPlus

Gospel Grams 1

Gospel Grams 2

Upcoming Lectionary

Advent 1 (B)

Advent 2 (B)

Advent 3 (B)

Advent 4 (B)

Christmas!

Christmas 1

New Year's

Epiphany of the Lord

Baptism of Our Lord

This Week’s Scriptures

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Elena Delhagen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Quantisha Mason-Doll

Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez