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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Enduring Purses -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
As you are no doubt aware if you read the business pages, there has been a bit of an ongoing soap op
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Waiting For The Birth Of A Jewish Baby -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Sword Will Pierce Your Own Soul Also -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dear fellow preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Dead Or Alive -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal

Illustration

The Immediate Word

A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Waiting For The Birth Of A Jewish Baby -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Sword Will Pierce Your Own Soul Also -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dear fellow preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Dead Or Alive -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Christian Perspectives On War -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Military Might And National Idols -- Exodus 32:1-14, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
A Calendar, A Dream, A Child, And A Donkey -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
December 26, 2004First Sunday after Christmas / Cycle A

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Waiting For The Birth Of A Jewish Baby -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Sword Will Pierce Your Own Soul Also -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dear fellow preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal
Dead Or Alive -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Enduring Purses -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
As you are no doubt aware if you read the business pages, there has been a bit of an ongoing soap op
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
A Sword Will Pierce Your Own Soul Also -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dear fellow preachers,
Waiting For The Birth Of A Jewish Baby -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Christian Perspectives On War -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Worship

The Immediate Word

Enduring Purses -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
As you are no doubt aware if you read the business pages, there has been a bit of an ongoing soap op
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Waiting For The Birth Of A Jewish Baby -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Sword Will Pierce Your Own Soul Also -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dear fellow preachers,
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal
Christian Perspectives On War -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
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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
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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