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Ron Love

Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper. He has served Methodist churches in rural, inner-city and suburban settings for 20 years, and also served for four years as an Army chaplain. Dr. Love has also been a corporate librarian for a Fortune 500 company and been a university professor for ten years, teaching history and theology. His writing experience includes denominational publications, magazine articles on religion, and a newspaper devotional column. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology (Slippery Rock State College), master's degrees in library and information science (University of Pittsburgh), secondary education (Duquesne University), church history (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and theology (Wesley Theological Seminary), as well as a doctorate in homiletics (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). Dr. Love now resides in South Carolina.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Moksha -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Evagrius Ponticus (also known as Evagrius the Solitary) was a Christian monk and ascetic who resi
It's a dog's life -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
Pope Francis was selected as Time magazine's "Person of the Year." Regarding his selection, N
The meaning of community -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
The Moravian Community of Herrnhut in Saxony was well established by the year 1727.
Jesus the Christ -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
Painted on the president's chair at the Constitutional Convention, assembled at the Pennsylvania Sta
787 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
J.
A time to reflect -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Jimmy Carter, in his memoir An Hour Before Daylight, recounted the number of tramps that freq
The lion roars -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Encratis lived in Portugal, but her father had given her in marriage to a nobleman in Roussillon, Fr
A faith journey -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
Two players. Two teammates. Same team. One is known for "Tebowing." One is known for murder.
Abundance -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
The wise old preacher hobbled up to the pulpit and made an announcement to the congregation.
We shall be as a city upon a hill -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Ron Love -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
Over fifty years ago on January 9, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave his farewell speech to the Massachus
White grave markers -- white robes -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Ron Love -- All Saints Day - A -- 2014
The Arlington House was a mansion built as a living memorial to George Washington by the first presi
The light of life -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
The sun adds about 12 trillion watt-hours of solar energy per square mile to the earth each year.
The outrageous call to service -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Henry Gerecke is not a household name; yet he had one of the most significant callings in the histor
Secular hearth -- sacred altar -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In 1946, a California lawyer needed a change in his life.
144,000 + 1 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
With the dawning of another world war, Irving Berlin was concerned about the spirit of our nation.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
Worship Opens Our Eyes -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 26, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Trinity of Love, Grace, and Fellowship -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
For June 7, 2020:
Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
For June 14, 2020:
Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
An Awful Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
Say You Love Me (But Stay Six Feet Away) -- 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, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
What Does Your Statue Look Like? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
For July 12, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
Our Implicit Biases -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
For July 19, 2020:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Bending Toward Justice -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
For August 9, 2020:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
An Outsider’s Determined Push -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
For August 16, 2020:

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2023) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2020) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2020) -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2020
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 4 (2020) -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41, Psalm 23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, M Adryael Tong, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 23
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 6 (2020) -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, M Adryael Tong -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Act 17:22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2020) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 64:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 (2020) -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8, Psalm 67 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
Genesis 45:1-5
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2020) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2020) -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2020) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, M Adryael Tong, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2020) -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 42:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Third Sunday of Advent (2020) -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2020) -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 5 (2020) -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45, Psalm 130 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 130
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 7 (2020) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Acts 1:6-14
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 (2020) -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 49:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2020) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Passion Sunday (2020) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
Psalm 31:9-16
Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2020) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations For Trinity Sunday (2020) -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, M Adryael Tong, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2020) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
Exodus 12:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2020) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Sermon Illustrations For Good Friday (2020) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, M Adryael Tong -- Good Friday - A -- 2020
Psalm 22
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 3 (2020) -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 9:1-4
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2020) -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
Exodus 14:19-31

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Worship Opens Our Eyes -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 26, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Trinity of Love, Grace, and Fellowship -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
For June 7, 2020:
Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
For June 14, 2020:
Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
An Awful Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
Say You Love Me (But Stay Six Feet Away) -- 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, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
What Does Your Statue Look Like? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
For July 12, 2020:
Our Implicit Biases -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
For July 19, 2020:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Bending Toward Justice -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
For August 9, 2020:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
An Outsider’s Determined Push -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
For August 16, 2020:
Everything Grows From Common Ground -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
For February 16, 2020:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
Worship Opens Our Eyes -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 26, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Trinity of Love, Grace, and Fellowship -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
For June 7, 2020:
Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
For June 14, 2020:
Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
An Awful Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
Say You Love Me (But Stay Six Feet Away) -- 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, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
What Does Your Statue Look Like? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
For July 12, 2020:
Our Implicit Biases -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
For July 19, 2020:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Bending Toward Justice -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
For August 9, 2020:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
An Outsider’s Determined Push -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
For August 16, 2020:

Worship

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
Worship Opens Our Eyes -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 26, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Trinity of Love, Grace, and Fellowship -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
For June 7, 2020:
Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
For June 14, 2020:
Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
An Awful Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
Say You Love Me (But Stay Six Feet Away) -- 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, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
What Does Your Statue Look Like? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
For July 12, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
Our Implicit Biases -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
For July 19, 2020:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Bending Toward Justice -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
For August 9, 2020:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
An Outsider’s Determined Push -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
For August 16, 2020:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

CSSPlus

What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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