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Ron Love

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

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The 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:
Different But the Same -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 9, 2019:
Lover. Beloved. Love. -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 16, 2019:
Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
The Demands of Freedom -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
For June 30, 2019:
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
That’s the Way It Is -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
A big theme running through all of this week’s lectionary texts is that of “authority” -- God tells
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten by Dean Feldmeyer
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:

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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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:

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Bending Toward Justice -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
For August 9, 2020:
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
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:
Sermon Illustrations for Third Sunday of Advent (2020) -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
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:
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 (2020) -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 49:1-7
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:
Sermon Illustrations For Trinity Sunday (2020) -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, M Adryael Tong, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
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:
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 3 (2020) -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 9:1-4
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:
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 6 | OT 11 | Pentecost 2 (2020) -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7)
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2020) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
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:
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2020) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23
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:
Sermon Illustrations For Transfiguration Sunday (2020) -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Exodus 24:12-18
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:
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2020) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 32

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2019) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Acts 5:27-32
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2019) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2019
Isaiah 9:2-7
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2019) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2019) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
Hosea 11:1-11
Sermon illustrations for Easter 3 (2019) -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Acts 9:1-6, 7-20

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Different But the Same -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 9, 2019:
Lover. Beloved. Love. -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 16, 2019:
Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
The Demands of Freedom -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
For June 30, 2019:
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:
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten by Dean Feldmeyer
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:
Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018:

Free Access

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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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

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:
Different But the Same -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 9, 2019:
Lover. Beloved. Love. -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 16, 2019:
Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
The Demands of Freedom -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
For June 30, 2019:
That’s the Way It Is -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
A big theme running through all of this week’s lectionary texts is that of “authority” -- God tells
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten by Dean Feldmeyer
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:

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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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:

Worship

The Immediate Word

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:
Different But the Same -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 9, 2019:
Lover. Beloved. Love. -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 16, 2019:
Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
The Demands of Freedom -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
For June 30, 2019:
That’s the Way It Is -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
A big theme running through all of this week’s lectionary texts is that of “authority” -- God tells
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
Going Along -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Going Along by Mary Austin2 Kings 2:1-12
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Stories Told, Stories Forgotten by Dean Feldmeyer
Things Unseen -- 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Psalm 20, Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it f
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:

Free Access

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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
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

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For July 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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