Login / Signup

The Immediate Word

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

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

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
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
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
Faith In A Stormy Sea -- Matthew 14:22-33, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2017
The last few months have been chaotic ones -- both in Washington and around the world.
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
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
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Cloud Theology -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain -- and wh
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
See The Light, Live The Light, Shine The Light -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In a world riven by divisions of many kinds, it seems more imperative than ever for us to find what
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
Snakes And Scorpions -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray -- and, he sugg
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
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
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 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
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 -
Mulligan Theology -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
A major theme in this week’s lectionary texts is how faith completely redefines our lives -- changin
Repairers Of The Breach -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2016
As the world enjoys the enthralling spectacle of the Olympics, a nagging feeling remains that many o
Fully Pardoned -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lection from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah -- communicating God’s judgm

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Cloud Theology -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain -- and wh
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
See The Light, Live The Light, Shine The Light -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In a world riven by divisions of many kinds, it seems more imperative than ever for us to find what
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
Snakes And Scorpions -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray -- and, he sugg
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
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
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 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
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 -
Mulligan Theology -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
A major theme in this week’s lectionary texts is how faith completely redefines our lives -- changin
Repairers Of The Breach -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2016
As the world enjoys the enthralling spectacle of the Olympics, a nagging feeling remains that many o
Fully Pardoned -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lection from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah -- communicating God’s judgm
Humility -- It's What's For Dinner -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells guests at a party -- who’ve been competing for pr
Hungry For Peace -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Christopher Keating -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Isaiah offers his vision of the “peaceable kingdom” -- a world wher
Weeping Day And Night For The Slain -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Amos 8:4-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah describes God’s f
The State Of The Church Body -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2016
When Paul addresses the fractiousness of the church -- and specifically of the Corinthian congregati
The Apex Of Hope -- Luke 16:19-31, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Psalm 91 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2016
In the past several weeks’ lectionary passages, the prophet Jeremiah has painted a bleak picture of
Next At Bat... -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2016
What happens when a valued member of a family or community dies?
Silent Songs -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2016
Psalm 137, as well as both of this week’s Lamentations passages, expresses the pain and sadness of t
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Lemonade -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2016
In this week’s Old Testament passage, God -- through the prophet Jeremiah -- addresses the people of

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

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
Faith In A Stormy Sea -- Matthew 14:22-33, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2017
The last few months have been chaotic ones -- both in Washington and around the world.
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
The Double-Dog Dare Days Of August -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
The world was put on edge last week, as
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
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Cloud Theology -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain -- and wh
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
See The Light, Live The Light, Shine The Light -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In a world riven by divisions of many kinds, it seems more imperative than ever for us to find what
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
Snakes And Scorpions -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray -- and, he sugg
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
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
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 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
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 -
Mulligan Theology -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
A major theme in this week’s lectionary texts is how faith completely redefines our lives -- changin
Repairers Of The Breach -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2016
As the world enjoys the enthralling spectacle of the Olympics, a nagging feeling remains that many o
Fully Pardoned -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lection from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah -- communicating God’s judgm
Humility -- It's What's For Dinner -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells guests at a party -- who’ve been competing for pr

Sermon

The Immediate Word

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
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
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
Faith In A Stormy Sea -- Matthew 14:22-33, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2017
The last few months have been chaotic ones -- both in Washington and around the world.
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
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
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Cloud Theology -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain -- and wh
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
See The Light, Live The Light, Shine The Light -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In a world riven by divisions of many kinds, it seems more imperative than ever for us to find what
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
Snakes And Scorpions -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray -- and, he sugg
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
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
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 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
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 -
Mulligan Theology -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
A major theme in this week’s lectionary texts is how faith completely redefines our lives -- changin
Repairers Of The Breach -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2016
As the world enjoys the enthralling spectacle of the Olympics, a nagging feeling remains that many o
Fully Pardoned -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lection from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah -- communicating God’s judgm

Worship

The Immediate Word

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
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
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
Faith In A Stormy Sea -- Matthew 14:22-33, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2017
The last few months have been chaotic ones -- both in Washington and around the world.
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
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
The Right Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Matthew’s brief account of Jesus’ baptism seems curious in a way -- John the Baptist seems quite amb
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
The prophet Isaiah begins this week’s Old Testament lection with a clarion call to the Israelites: “
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Cloud Theology -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain -- and wh
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
See The Light, Live The Light, Shine The Light -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In a world riven by divisions of many kinds, it seems more imperative than ever for us to find what
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
Snakes And Scorpions -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray -- and, he sugg
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
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
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 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
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 -
Mulligan Theology -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
A major theme in this week’s lectionary texts is how faith completely redefines our lives -- changin
Repairers Of The Breach -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2016
As the world enjoys the enthralling spectacle of the Olympics, a nagging feeling remains that many o
Fully Pardoned -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Robin Lostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lection from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah -- communicating God’s judgm
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL