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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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Children's sermon

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The Immediate Word

Next At Bat... -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2016
What happens when a valued member of a family or community dies?
The Apex Of Hope -- Luke 16:19-31, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Psalm 91 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2016
In the past several weeks’ lectionary passages, the prophet Jeremiah has painted a bleak picture of
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Silent Songs -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2016
Psalm 137, as well as both of this week’s Lamentations passages, expresses the pain and sadness of t
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Fathering Hope: Giving Joseph A Voice -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we all know, the holiday season preceding Christmas is not universally one of comfort and joy, of
Lemonade -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2016
In this week’s Old Testament passage, God -- through the prophet Jeremiah -- addresses the people of
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Persisting In The Struggle -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
The key themes in this week’s lectionary epistle and gospel texts are the value and necessity of pat
That's My Boy! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
As we observe Jesus’ baptism this Sunday, the lectionary texts celebrate our being welcomed into and
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
Sometimes You Have To Shout -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2016
The prophet Isaiah declares in this week’s Old Testament passage that “For Zion’s sake I will
All Along The Watchtower -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage, the prophet Habakkuk pleads: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for he
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
Not Too Young To Speak -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, God tells the young Jeremiah that “I a
Something's Coming -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we turn to Advent and the first Sunday of the church year and a new lectionary cycle, the foremos
The Devil Is Quick -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Romans 10:8b-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
This week’s gospel text recounts Jesus’ sojourn in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil
Primary Fears -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, a group of Pharisees warn Jesus that he needs to leave the area in order
Super-Sized Spectacles Of Faith -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up on a mountain with him to pray.
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Unlocking Easter's Hope -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary gospel text opens with a stark description of the existential fear that gripp
What A Waste -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
This week’s gospel passage takes us into the home of Lazarus, where Jesus is being feted with an hon
Where Is Your God? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
The news was stunning -- a deranged man calmly waited until last call at a packed gay nightclub in O
The Wheels Of Injustice -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
At the center of the Passion Sunday gospel narrative is Jesus’ “trial” before the council of the chi
The Real Deal -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
In this week’s gospel lectionary text, John dispatches his followers to confront Jesus and ask him:

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UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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