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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

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Nature Of Light -- Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be observing this Sunday (Jan.
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
No Return, No Exchange -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2014
In the hectic days following Christmas, the focus of our retail establishments turns from squeezi
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
The Cost Of Cold Hearts -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2014
The brutally cold temperatures that held much of America in its icy grip last week put a major fr
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
Seventy-Seven And More -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary passage from Romans, Paul -- who is capable of being extremely judgment
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
By What Authority? -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
As if the NFL didn’t already have enough on its hands dealing with the uproar over the video clip
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Paying Up -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
While
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
God's E-Vite -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2014
For more than a week, Hong Kong’s main thoroughfares have been filled to overflowing each night w
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
A Tale Of Two Mountains -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A key theme in this week’s lectionary texts is the contrast between what the world sees as streng
Does Marriage Belong To Caesar? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
In a move that surprised some observers, last week the Supreme Court refused to hear appeals to l
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Ebola 2014: A Test Of The Heart -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
In this week’s epistle passage, Paul compares the gentleness and caring that should characterize
Stuck In The Fear-Filled Wilderness / Are We Scared Yet? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
A pair of topics have dominated the news headlines this past week.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Gotta Serve Somebody... -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Vulnerable Leadership -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited and appended, but for purposes of immediacy we are
That’s the Way It Is -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
A big theme running through all of this week’s lectionary texts is that of “authority” -- God tells
Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Delighting in the law -- Psalm 1, John 17:6-19, 1 John 5:9-13, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
Restored to More -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Tenants On the Earth -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24, Amos 7:7-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Is There an App for That? -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten by Dean Feldmeyer
Full of It -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Tom Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:
Call to Repentance through Storytelling -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018:
Alphas and Omegas -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2018
Holding our breath -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Signs -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018

Preaching

The Immediate Word

No Return, No Exchange -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2014
In the hectic days following Christmas, the focus of our retail establishments turns from squeezi
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
The Cost Of Cold Hearts -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2014
The brutally cold temperatures that held much of America in its icy grip last week put a major fr
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
Seventy-Seven And More -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary passage from Romans, Paul -- who is capable of being extremely judgment
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
By What Authority? -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
As if the NFL didn’t already have enough on its hands dealing with the uproar over the video clip
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Paying Up -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
While
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
God's E-Vite -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2014
For more than a week, Hong Kong’s main thoroughfares have been filled to overflowing each night w
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
A Tale Of Two Mountains -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A key theme in this week’s lectionary texts is the contrast between what the world sees as streng
Does Marriage Belong To Caesar? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
In a move that surprised some observers, last week the Supreme Court refused to hear appeals to l
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Ebola 2014: A Test Of The Heart -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
In this week’s epistle passage, Paul compares the gentleness and caring that should characterize
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “
Stuck In The Fear-Filled Wilderness / Are We Scared Yet? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
A pair of topics have dominated the news headlines this past week.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
No Return, No Exchange -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2014
In the hectic days following Christmas, the focus of our retail establishments turns from squeezi
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
The Cost Of Cold Hearts -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2014
The brutally cold temperatures that held much of America in its icy grip last week put a major fr
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
Seventy-Seven And More -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary passage from Romans, Paul -- who is capable of being extremely judgment
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
By What Authority? -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
As if the NFL didn’t already have enough on its hands dealing with the uproar over the video clip
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Paying Up -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
While
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
God's E-Vite -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2014
For more than a week, Hong Kong’s main thoroughfares have been filled to overflowing each night w
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
A Tale Of Two Mountains -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A key theme in this week’s lectionary texts is the contrast between what the world sees as streng
Does Marriage Belong To Caesar? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
In a move that surprised some observers, last week the Supreme Court refused to hear appeals to l
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Ebola 2014: A Test Of The Heart -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
In this week’s epistle passage, Paul compares the gentleness and caring that should characterize
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
No Return, No Exchange -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2014
In the hectic days following Christmas, the focus of our retail establishments turns from squeezi
The Garments Of Righteousness / As The Clock Strikes Midnight -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- 2014
With so much important news occurring in the past week -- and lectionary texts that provide excel
The Cost Of Cold Hearts -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2014
The brutally cold temperatures that held much of America in its icy grip last week put a major fr
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
How Wide Do We Draw Our Circles? -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A great deal of the wrangling in this week’s gospel text is centered on the issue of who is deser
Seventy-Seven And More -- Matthew 18:21-35, Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary passage from Romans, Paul -- who is capable of being extremely judgment
Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
By What Authority? -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
As if the NFL didn’t already have enough on its hands dealing with the uproar over the video clip
Then Their Eyes Were Opened -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The walk to Emmaus takes center stage in this week’s gospel text.
Paying Up -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
While
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s Acts passage tells of the stoning of Stephen.
God's E-Vite -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2014
For more than a week, Hong Kong’s main thoroughfares have been filled to overflowing each night w
Uncovering Our Ears -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
For May 18, 2014 from
A Tale Of Two Mountains -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A key theme in this week’s lectionary texts is the contrast between what the world sees as streng
Does Marriage Belong To Caesar? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
In a move that surprised some observers, last week the Supreme Court refused to hear appeals to l
Feeling Like Orphans -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The lectionary passages this week reassure us of God’s presence and care for us, even in the most
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
Ebola 2014: A Test Of The Heart -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
In this week’s epistle passage, Paul compares the gentleness and caring that should characterize
Paul Meets Hobby Lobby -- Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul contrasts God’s law with the constraints of human behavior: “
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 2
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170+ – Illustrations / Stories
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20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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John Jamison
Object: An orange and a lemon that are about the same size and shape, a knife, a cutting board, orange and yellow paint, and some paper towels. Prepare the fruit by painting the lemon orange, and the orange, yellow. The more alike they look, the better.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 11, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
Tinkerbell is the delightful sprite in Peter Pan who drifts between the world of senses and the world of magic. She sprinkles “fairy dust” to make children fly; she sparkles around Peter Pan as a comrade adventurer.

Once, in one episode of a televised version of Peter Pan, Tin­kerbell ingested some poison. There was nothing to be seen of her, tiny thing that she was, other than the brightness of her little light. But with the poison, her light began to fade. Before our very eyes she grew dimmer, pulsing with a weakening glow.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 9:36-43
Cryonics is an interesting and, if I’m honest, disturbing practice. You might be wondering, what is cryonics? The aim of cryonics, according to Dennis Kowalski, the president of the Cryonics Institute in Michigan, is to “keep bodies in a stable, preserved state until the necessary medical technology arrives.” As of June 1, 2024, there were about five hundred people who have tried to keep themselves preserved for future medical advances to revive.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hello, Peter. Come on in to the office,” Pastor Carl held open the door for him. “Oh, don’t worry about your shoes.”

“They’re muddy and I really should take them off,” Peter said. “Besides if I don’t, I’ll be hearing my mother’s voice telling me to take them off before coming into your office.”

Pastor Carl smiled. “Fair enough.”

After a few moment, Peter took the offered seat across from Pastor Carl.

“So how are you finding our church?” Pastor Carl asked. “I know you mentioned we’re a bit more casual and smaller than you are used to.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:


Jesus said that he gives eternal life to those who follow him. As we worship God today, let us believe in his words so that we too may enjoy the Life that he offers.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we leave you out of our lives.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we are disappointed because you don't answer prayers in the way that we wish.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we refuse to believe that you still act in our lives today.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admit it. It started with Mary. Women were accorded special status during Jesus' ministry; in fact, it was probably women who were major financial supporters of the itinerant rabbi and his friends. Women were the first witnesses to the resurrection. This is not a feminist statement but a factual statement: from the first day to this day, if it were not for the women, there would be no church. It is that simple.

Donald Charles Lacy
History shows that people are invariably looking for Messiahs or Christs. There is that special person who is to come among them and, in a sense, do for them what they cannot do for themselves. Even for years after our Lord arose from the dead and ascended -- yes, and still at this moment -- people are looking.

Henry F. Woodruff
Now you can't even trust the police. When I was a child growing up in Texas, everyone knew how to spot the police cars: they were big old Ford Crown Victorias, painted black with white doors, sporting black wall tires with little moon hubcaps -- or, if they really wanted to be sneaky and fool you, they were big old Ford Crown Victorias painted gray, with whip antennas and license plates that read "City" on them. You could bet the farm on it. Now all that has changed. Police cars are all different makes and models and colors.
Clyde W. Wentzell
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul,
Keep me forever beneath your control.
In right paths lead me for your name’s sake.
All the best choices, Lord, help me to make.

2. When through dark valleys my walk is severe,
Keep me from evil, Lord, ever be near.
Your rod and staff, my discipline be,
O my Good Shepherd, keep watch over me.

3. You spread a table of bountiful store.
Rich are your mercies and love evermore.
Oil on the head, anointing most pure,
Flows in abundance as your love is sure.

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