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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

Demonstrations, Marches, And Rallies / Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered, And Betrayed -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
In this installment of The Immediate Word, we’re offering two main essays -- one fo
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Looking Into The Tomb -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When the grief-stricken women discover the empty tomb on Easter morning, it is so unexpected and bey
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
The Viral Jesus -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robin Lostetter, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2016
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to

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The Immediate Word

Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
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:
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:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
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:
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:
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:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
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:
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:
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:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Looking Into The Tomb -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When the grief-stricken women discover the empty tomb on Easter morning, it is so unexpected and bey
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
The Viral Jesus -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robin Lostetter, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2016
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
The Neighbor Next Door -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2016
It seems that each day in the last week has brought us news of another horror somewhere around the w

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Demonstrations, Marches, And Rallies / Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered, And Betrayed -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
In this installment of The Immediate Word, we’re offering two main essays -- one fo
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Looking Into The Tomb -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When the grief-stricken women discover the empty tomb on Easter morning, it is so unexpected and bey
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
The Viral Jesus -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robin Lostetter, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2016
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to

Worship

The Immediate Word

Demonstrations, Marches, And Rallies / Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered, And Betrayed -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
In this installment of The Immediate Word, we’re offering two main essays -- one fo
Looking Into The Tomb -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
When the grief-stricken women discover the empty tomb on Easter morning, it is so unexpected and bey
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Jesus Offers a Black Friday Deal -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2017
The final Sunday of the church year -- known as Christ the King Sunday -- celebrates the Reign of Ch
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Can These Bones Live? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
For nearly a decade and a half, Iraq has been wracked by violence and conflict.
The Scrappy Sound of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Isaiah declares to the exi
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
Test Everything -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary passage from his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells the congregation
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
Christmas Greetings -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for the fourth Sunday of Advent, the angel Gabriel brings dumbfounding
Meeting Jesus Again -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, two disciples walking to Emmaus encounter a fellow travele
Who Are These Old People Grabbing My Baby? -- Isaiah 62:10--62:3, Isaiah 60:1-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B, New Year's Day - B -- 2017
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas tells the story of Jesus being prese
Opening The Door, Being The Door -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are centered on the themes of sheep and shepherds -- Psalm 23 tell
Stephen's Stoning As Capital Punishment -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The state of Arkansas’s
Standing On The Promises -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
In the lectionary text from the gospel of John for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the di
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Living As One -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary passage from Acts describes the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ ascension
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
The Viral Jesus -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robin Lostetter, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2016
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
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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.

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