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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

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:

The Immediate Word

Naaman and Other Strangers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
For July 7, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- 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 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
Small Action = Massive Transformation -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 15, 2019:

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Illustrations for All Saints Day (2020) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2020) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
Genesis 32:22-31
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2020) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 121
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2020) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 (2020) -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2020) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 and Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2020) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 95

The Immediate Word

Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 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:
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:
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:
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:
Turn Our Minds -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, Psalm 130 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Kentina Washington-Leapheart -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 29, 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:
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:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Sacrifice or Inconvenience? / Lonely in the Midst of People -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54, Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Kentina Washington-Leapheart -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
For April 5, 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:
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 Should a Follower of Jesus Do? -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
For September 6, 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:
Vote and ... Forgive? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
For September 13, 2020:
Easter Dawned -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - A -- 2020
For April 12, 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:

Preaching

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:

The Immediate Word

It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- 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 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Small Action = Massive Transformation -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 15, 2019:
Solidarity With the Imprisoned -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
For September 1, 2019:

Sermon

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:

The Immediate Word

Naaman and Other Strangers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
For July 7, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- 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 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Small Action = Massive Transformation -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 15, 2019:

Worship

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Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:

The Immediate Word

Naaman and Other Strangers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
For July 7, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- 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 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
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For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Lutheran Church [ELCA], Oakwood, Georgia. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She is the co-author with her husband of three books.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

CSSPlus

Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

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