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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

Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Living An Ascending Hope -- Psalm 127, Mark 12:38-44 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
As the Northeastern U.S.
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
The Untold Christmas Story -- Matthew 2:16-18, Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The news was stunning and almost unimaginable -- a bustling elementary school in a well-to-do commun
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Living An Ascending Hope -- Psalm 127, Mark 12:38-44 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
As the Northeastern U.S.
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
The Untold Christmas Story -- Matthew 2:16-18, Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The news was stunning and almost unimaginable -- a bustling elementary school in a well-to-do commun
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago
It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
From Ashes To Rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When God tells Noah that "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you" (Ge
Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out
Bring Me The Head Of John The Baptizer -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
Historically speaking, we should currently be in the summer doldrums of this year's presidential cam
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
Drones: Ancient And Modern -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
As the world watches the casualties mount in the conflict in Syria, we wonder -- when is it appropri

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Living An Ascending Hope -- Psalm 127, Mark 12:38-44 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
As the Northeastern U.S.
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
The Untold Christmas Story -- Matthew 2:16-18, Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The news was stunning and almost unimaginable -- a bustling elementary school in a well-to-do commun
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Not Keeping Silent -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2013
This Sunday is January 20th -- the traditional date for presidential inaugurations in the United Sta
Why Now? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is proclamation,
A Consistent Ethic Of Love -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2013
There is probably no other topic in American life that inflames passions as deeply as that of aborti
Joy In Darkness -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Romans 10:8b-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As we enter the Lenten season and its emphasis on introspection and spiritual cleansing, it's a usef
Citizens Of Heaven -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A clear theme emerges from the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent -- how we deal with ou
Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
Living An Ascending Hope -- Psalm 127, Mark 12:38-44 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
As the Northeastern U.S.
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
The Untold Christmas Story -- Matthew 2:16-18, Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The news was stunning and almost unimaginable -- a bustling elementary school in a well-to-do commun
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o

Worship

The Immediate Word

Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Awesome! -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the passage from the Hebrew scriptures appointed by the lectionary for this week, Isaiah comes fa
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Living An Ascending Hope -- Psalm 127, Mark 12:38-44 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
As the Northeastern U.S.
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
The Untold Christmas Story -- Matthew 2:16-18, Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The news was stunning and almost unimaginable -- a bustling elementary school in a well-to-do commun
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
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The Immediate Word

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

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

StoryShare

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

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

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

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

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

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

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


Invitation to Confession:

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

Lord, have mercy.

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

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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