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Mary Austin

Mary Austin is the Senior Pastor of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, a diverse Presbyterian congregation in the Washington, DC area. She has served churches in New Jersey and Michigan, and also loved being a hospice chaplain. She is the author of Meeting God at the Mall, published by CSS.
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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Paved With Good Intentions -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about workers anxious to rid a field of
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
The Double-Dog Dare Days Of August -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
The world was put on edge last week, as
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
Singing Songs and Rising Waters -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2017
With barely a chance to catch their breath after reporting on the catastrophic flooding caused in Te
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
The Double-Dog Dare Days Of August -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
The world was put on edge last week, as
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
Singing Songs and Rising Waters -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2017
With barely a chance to catch their breath after reporting on the catastrophic flooding caused in Te
Did I Get to the Vineyard Too Late? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Mary Austin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable that at first glance seems antitheti
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
A Blueprint for Unity -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Beth Herrington-Hodge -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, Paul invokes the example of Jesus as model of behavior fo
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
Cash, Credit, or Your Life? -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a curious parable about greedy vineyard tenant
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Cloud Theology -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain -- and wh
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
See The Light, Live The Light, Shine The Light -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In a world riven by divisions of many kinds, it seems more imperative than ever for us to find what
Demonstrations, Marches, And Rallies / Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered, And Betrayed -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
In this installment of The Immediate Word, we’re offering two main essays -- one fo
Looking Into The Tomb -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When the grief-stricken women discover the empty tomb on Easter morning, it is so unexpected and bey
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
The Double-Dog Dare Days Of August -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
The world was put on edge last week, as
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
Singing Songs and Rising Waters -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2017
With barely a chance to catch their breath after reporting on the catastrophic flooding caused in Te
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
Did I Get to the Vineyard Too Late? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Mary Austin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable that at first glance seems antitheti
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Cloud Theology -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain -- and wh

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What Happens in Vegas -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 23 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2017
The centerpiece of this week’s lectionary gospel text is a parable about guests who spurn their invi
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
What Belongs to God? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, the Pharisees scheme to trap Jesus with what in journalistic
Saints On A Train -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2017
While the world copes with another apparent terrorist attack in London, a recent incident on a
Swiping Toward God -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, the Pharisees continue trying to trap Jesus with their series
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Paved With Good Intentions -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about workers anxious to rid a field of
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
The Double-Dog Dare Days Of August -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
The world was put on edge last week, as
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese

Worship

The Immediate Word

Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
Keep Calm And Hope On -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Less than three months after a similar coordinated
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Faith In The Face Of Loss -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Genesis 22:1-14 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, Abraham faces the most extreme test many of us could po
Addicted To Sin -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary text from Romans, Paul laments his inability to completely live up to the
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Jesus Wants You To Make A New Year's Resolution -- Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for New Year’s Day is the familiar passage in which Jesus describes what
Fertile Grounds: Birthrights And Kingdom Privileges -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2017
This week’s primary Old Testament lectionary text brings us the story of Jacob trading away his birt
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Paved With Good Intentions -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable about workers anxious to rid a field of
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
The Double-Dog Dare Days Of August -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
The world was put on edge last week, as
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
Singing Songs and Rising Waters -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2017
With barely a chance to catch their breath after reporting on the catastrophic flooding caused in Te
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For November 9, 2025:
  • Reductio Ad Absurdum by Dean Feldmeyer. The best way to not lose an argument is to not argue at all.
  • Second Thoughts: Stirred, But Not Shaken by Chris Keating. In the face of lawlessness, chaos, and rumors about Jesus’ return, Paul urges the Thessalonians to hold fast. It is a reminder of the powerful witness we find in these often misinterpreted apocalyptic texts.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Haggai 1:15b--2:9
The First Lesson is found in a book which is set early in the reign of the Persian emperor Darius I (around 520 BC), nearly 20 years after the Babylonian exiles had returned home. Work had ceased on the planned rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The book recounts the prophet Haggai’s efforts to exhort the region’s Persian governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua to resume the construction project. This text is an ode to the new temple to be built.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Haggai 2:1-15b--2:9 and Psalm 145:2-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A couple of board games or card games.

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StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey Pastor Tom!” Mary waved from in front of the university library. “Are you heading to the flag raising?”

“I am,” Pastor Tom said. “Are you attending?”

“Not me — I’m afraid.” She gestured at the Physical Sciences building. “I have a class in a couple of minutes. See you on Sunday!”

“See you then. Have a good class!”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus responded to a trick question by telling people the good news that after death we live on forever in a new kind of life. In our worship today, let us explore the theme of life after death.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I find it hard to believe in life after death. Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I'm afraid of Judgement Day. Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Psalm 145 is known not so much in its entirety, but piecemeal, by those who are familiar with Christian worship texts. Words like "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" (v. 3); "The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season" (v. 15) and "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" have often called us to worship. The words, "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" (v. 8) have often called us to confession, or assured us of God's pardon.
Robert R. Kopp
When I asked Dad to go to Israel with Mom and me about fifteen years ago, he said, "Son, I've been in two wars. That's enough dodging bullets for one lifetime."

But after almost two decades of trips to Israel, I've discovered Jerusalem is a lot safer than walking around Yankee Stadium or Central Park. Indeed, I'd be willing to wager a round at Pebble Beach that there are more crimes committed in America every day than in Israel every year.
John E. Berger
Here is a true story about a strange funeral service.

The deceased man had no church home, but that is not the unusual part of the story. The man's widow asked for a certain clergyman to be the funeral preacher. The desired clergyman had performed a family wedding a few years earlier. That is not unusual either. It is what is called "an extended church family relationship." In other words, the man had been neither a church member nor a church goer, but there had been a connecting experience -- in this case a family wedding.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him down the labyrinthine ways
Of my mind; and in the midst of tears
I hid from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated
Adown Titantic glooms of chasmed fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase
And unperturbed pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy;
They beat -- and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feet --

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