Login / Signup

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.
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

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:
Getting a Pass, or a Second Chance? -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
For February 24, 2019:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Ecological Jeremiad -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2019
For September 15, 2019:
Dreamers and Waiters -- 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 -- 2019
For March 10, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
The Backfire Effect -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2019
For September 29, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:
Nevertheless, He Resisted -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2019
For October 20, 2019:
Why Are You Weeping? -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
For April 21, 2019:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Going to Extremes -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 5, 2019:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
Love Between Our Toes -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 19, 2019:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:

Illustration

The Immediate Word

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:
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:
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:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
For June 14, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
Not-So-Happy Campers -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
For September 27, 2020:
Worship Opens Our Eyes -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 26, 2020:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
Everything Grows From Common Ground -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
For February 16, 2020:
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:
An Awful Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Mountains, Top and Bottom -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2, Psalm 99 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
For February 23, 2020:
Say You Love Me (But Stay Six Feet Away) -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Zechariah 9:9-12, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020
For July 5, 2020:
Give to God the Things That are God's -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
For October 18, 2020:
What Does Your Statue Look Like? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
For July 12, 2020:
The Law of the Lord and the Law of the Land -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
For October 25, 2020:
Our Implicit Biases -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
For July 19, 2020:
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:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
Shining in Glory -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

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:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Ecological Jeremiad -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2019
For September 15, 2019:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Dreamers and Waiters -- 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 -- 2019
For March 10, 2019:
The Backfire Effect -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2019
For September 29, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:
Nevertheless, He Resisted -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2019
For October 20, 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:
Why Are You Weeping? -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
For April 21, 2019:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Going to Extremes -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 5, 2019:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
Love Between Our Toes -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 19, 2019:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
The Captivity of Calumny -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26, Psalm 97 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For June 2, 2019:

Sermon

The Immediate Word

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:
Getting a Pass, or a Second Chance? -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
For February 24, 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:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Ecological Jeremiad -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2019
For September 15, 2019:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Dreamers and Waiters -- 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 -- 2019
For March 10, 2019:
The Backfire Effect -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2019
For September 29, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:
Nevertheless, He Resisted -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2019
For October 20, 2019:
Why Are You Weeping? -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
For April 21, 2019:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Going to Extremes -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 5, 2019:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
Love Between Our Toes -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 19, 2019:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:

Worship

The Immediate Word

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:
Getting a Pass, or a Second Chance? -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
For February 24, 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:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
Soft Power and The Making Of Friends -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 22, 2019:
Ecological Jeremiad -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2019
For September 15, 2019:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Dreamers and Waiters -- 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 -- 2019
For March 10, 2019:
The Backfire Effect -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2019
For September 29, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:
Nevertheless, He Resisted -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2019
For October 20, 2019:
Why Are You Weeping? -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
For April 21, 2019:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Going to Extremes -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 5, 2019:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
Love Between Our Toes -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 19, 2019:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL