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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Rules That Rule -- Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses concludes a lengthy address to t
When Good-Bye Is Not Good-Bye -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
This Sunday of the church year the lectionary focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity -- a complex th
Fourth Of July?! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
In America, this Sunday comes in the middle of a holiday weekend as the country will be awash in the
Sacrificing Our Children -- Genesis 22:1-14, Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
The lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures this week provides us with a compelling story but
Worshiping Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2011
This first Sunday of the new calendar year finds those who follow the lectionary with a choice -- wh
Birthday Gifts -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary readings feature the familiar Parable of the Sower; but another fascinating
A God Of New Things -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43 -- Dean Feldmeyer, David Jordan Squire, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2011
As the new calendar year commences much media attention is focused on Washington, where this week ou
What Are We Going To Do With The Weeds? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
At first the reaction across the country was incredulous disbelief -- then as the reality of the Cas
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Sacrificing Our Children -- Genesis 22:1-14, Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
The lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures this week provides us with a compelling story but
Worshiping Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2011
This first Sunday of the new calendar year finds those who follow the lectionary with a choice -- wh
Birthday Gifts -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary readings feature the familiar Parable of the Sower; but another fascinating
A God Of New Things -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43 -- Dean Feldmeyer, David Jordan Squire, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2011
As the new calendar year commences much media attention is focused on Washington, where this week ou
What Are We Going To Do With The Weeds? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
At first the reaction across the country was incredulous disbelief -- then as the reality of the Cas
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Free Illustrations For October 17, 2010 -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
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Preaching

The Immediate Word

When Good-Bye Is Not Good-Bye -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
This Sunday of the church year the lectionary focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity -- a complex th
Fourth Of July?! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
In America, this Sunday comes in the middle of a holiday weekend as the country will be awash in the
Sacrificing Our Children -- Genesis 22:1-14, Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
The lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures this week provides us with a compelling story but
Worshiping Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2011
This first Sunday of the new calendar year finds those who follow the lectionary with a choice -- wh
Birthday Gifts -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary readings feature the familiar Parable of the Sower; but another fascinating
A God Of New Things -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43 -- Dean Feldmeyer, David Jordan Squire, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2011
As the new calendar year commences much media attention is focused on Washington, where this week ou
What Are We Going To Do With The Weeds? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
At first the reaction across the country was incredulous disbelief -- then as the reality of the Cas
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Rules That Rule -- Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses concludes a lengthy address to t
When Good-Bye Is Not Good-Bye -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
This Sunday of the church year the lectionary focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity -- a complex th
Fourth Of July?! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
In America, this Sunday comes in the middle of a holiday weekend as the country will be awash in the
Sacrificing Our Children -- Genesis 22:1-14, Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
The lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures this week provides us with a compelling story but
Worshiping Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2011
This first Sunday of the new calendar year finds those who follow the lectionary with a choice -- wh
Birthday Gifts -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary readings feature the familiar Parable of the Sower; but another fascinating
A God Of New Things -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43 -- Dean Feldmeyer, David Jordan Squire, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2011
As the new calendar year commences much media attention is focused on Washington, where this week ou
What Are We Going To Do With The Weeds? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
At first the reaction across the country was incredulous disbelief -- then as the reality of the Cas
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er

Worship

The Immediate Word

Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word For June 19, 2011 -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
A FATHER'S PERSPECTIVE
Fourth Of July?! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
In America, this Sunday comes in the middle of a holiday weekend as the country will be awash in the
When Good-Bye Is Not Good-Bye -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
This Sunday of the church year the lectionary focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity -- a complex th
Sacrificing Our Children -- Genesis 22:1-14, Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
The lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures this week provides us with a compelling story but
Worshiping Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2011
This first Sunday of the new calendar year finds those who follow the lectionary with a choice -- wh
Birthday Gifts -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary readings feature the familiar Parable of the Sower; but another fascinating
A God Of New Things -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43 -- Dean Feldmeyer, David Jordan Squire, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2011
As the new calendar year commences much media attention is focused on Washington, where this week ou
What Are We Going To Do With The Weeds? -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
At first the reaction across the country was incredulous disbelief -- then as the reality of the Cas
Suffering And Serving, One And All -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2011
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which l
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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