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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
Appearance Matters And Other Weighty Theological Issues -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Author's Note: As the parent of a former anorexic adolescent, I know one must approach the
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
"baggage Or Equipment?" -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
Worthy Questions -- Luke 20:27-40, Haggai 1:15b-2:9, Luke 20:27-40, Psalm 98 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
After the election, U.S.
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
God With Us, In The Pit -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C
The problem of human pain and how to alleviate it has been a great challenge throughout the ages, on
Christ The King, What's That All About? -- Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We need a new triumphalism -- not the old triumphalism that's all about vanquishing others here on e
Wesley T. Runk
Wesley T.
The Art And Sacrifice Of Unity -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Chris Ewing -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
"Why can't we all just get along?" This is one of the oldest pleas in the human -- and Christi
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec
The King Is Coming! -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - C
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given, so God imparts to human hearts the blessings
George Murphy
George L.
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal
Faith Matters and Matters of State -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Especially in America, with our constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion on the one hand and

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
Worthy Questions -- Luke 20:27-40, Haggai 1:15b-2:9, Luke 20:27-40, Psalm 98 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
After the election, U.S.
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
God With Us, In The Pit -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C
The problem of human pain and how to alleviate it has been a great challenge throughout the ages, on
Christ The King, What's That All About? -- Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We need a new triumphalism -- not the old triumphalism that's all about vanquishing others here on e
Wesley T. Runk
Wesley T.
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec
The Art And Sacrifice Of Unity -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Chris Ewing -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
"Why can't we all just get along?" This is one of the oldest pleas in the human -- and Christi
The King Is Coming! -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - C
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given, so God imparts to human hearts the blessings
George Murphy
George L.
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal
Faith Matters and Matters of State -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Especially in America, with our constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion on the one hand and
The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
Carter Shelley
Carter Shelley is an ordained Presbyterian minister now serving as adjunct faculty at Wake Fo
The Uses and Abuses of Power -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
We cannot read much in the newspaper or watch the evening news without encountering some reference t
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.
Carlos Wilton
Carlos Wilton has been the pastor of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Point Pleasant Beach

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Appearance Matters And Other Weighty Theological Issues -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Author's Note: As the parent of a former anorexic adolescent, I know one must approach the
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
"baggage Or Equipment?" -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
Worthy Questions -- Luke 20:27-40, Haggai 1:15b-2:9, Luke 20:27-40, Psalm 98 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
After the election, U.S.
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
God With Us, In The Pit -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C
The problem of human pain and how to alleviate it has been a great challenge throughout the ages, on
Christ The King, What's That All About? -- Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We need a new triumphalism -- not the old triumphalism that's all about vanquishing others here on e
Wesley T. Runk
Wesley T.
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec
The Art And Sacrifice Of Unity -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Chris Ewing -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
"Why can't we all just get along?" This is one of the oldest pleas in the human -- and Christi
The King Is Coming! -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - C
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given, so God imparts to human hearts the blessings
George Murphy
George L.
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal
Faith Matters and Matters of State -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Especially in America, with our constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion on the one hand and
The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"
Appearance Matters And Other Weighty Theological Issues -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Author's Note: As the parent of a former anorexic adolescent, I know one must approach the
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
"baggage Or Equipment?" -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.
Worthy Questions -- Luke 20:27-40, Haggai 1:15b-2:9, Luke 20:27-40, Psalm 98 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
After the election, U.S.
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
God With Us, In The Pit -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C
The problem of human pain and how to alleviate it has been a great challenge throughout the ages, on
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...
The Art And Sacrifice Of Unity -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Chris Ewing -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
"Why can't we all just get along?" This is one of the oldest pleas in the human -- and Christi
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their
Wesley T. Runk
Wesley T.
Christ The King, What's That All About? -- Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We need a new triumphalism -- not the old triumphalism that's all about vanquishing others here on e
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal
George Murphy
George L.
The King Is Coming! -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - C
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given, so God imparts to human hearts the blessings
Faith Matters and Matters of State -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Especially in America, with our constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion on the one hand and

Worship

The Immediate Word

A Christian Nation, Or A Nation With Some Christians? -- John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Appearance Matters And Other Weighty Theological Issues -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Author's Note: As the parent of a former anorexic adolescent, I know one must approach the
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
"baggage Or Equipment?" -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
Worthy Questions -- Luke 20:27-40, Haggai 1:15b-2:9, Luke 20:27-40, Psalm 98 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
After the election, U.S.
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
God With Us, In The Pit -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C
The problem of human pain and how to alleviate it has been a great challenge throughout the ages, on
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...
Wesley T. Runk
Wesley T.
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their
Christ The King, What's That All About? -- Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We need a new triumphalism -- not the old triumphalism that's all about vanquishing others here on e
The Art And Sacrifice Of Unity -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Chris Ewing -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
"Why can't we all just get along?" This is one of the oldest pleas in the human -- and Christi
George Murphy
George L.
Faith Matters and Matters of State -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Especially in America, with our constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion on the one hand and
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal
The King Is Coming! -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - C
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given, so God imparts to human hearts the blessings
UPCOMING WEEKS
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26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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John Jamison
Object: An orange and a lemon that are about the same size and shape, a knife, a cutting board, orange and yellow paint, and some paper towels. Prepare the fruit by painting the lemon orange, and the orange, yellow. The more alike they look, the better.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 11, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
Tinkerbell is the delightful sprite in Peter Pan who drifts between the world of senses and the world of magic. She sprinkles “fairy dust” to make children fly; she sparkles around Peter Pan as a comrade adventurer.

Once, in one episode of a televised version of Peter Pan, Tin­kerbell ingested some poison. There was nothing to be seen of her, tiny thing that she was, other than the brightness of her little light. But with the poison, her light began to fade. Before our very eyes she grew dimmer, pulsing with a weakening glow.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 9:36-43
Cryonics is an interesting and, if I’m honest, disturbing practice. You might be wondering, what is cryonics? The aim of cryonics, according to Dennis Kowalski, the president of the Cryonics Institute in Michigan, is to “keep bodies in a stable, preserved state until the necessary medical technology arrives.” As of June 1, 2024, there were about five hundred people who have tried to keep themselves preserved for future medical advances to revive.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hello, Peter. Come on in to the office,” Pastor Carl held open the door for him. “Oh, don’t worry about your shoes.”

“They’re muddy and I really should take them off,” Peter said. “Besides if I don’t, I’ll be hearing my mother’s voice telling me to take them off before coming into your office.”

Pastor Carl smiled. “Fair enough.”

After a few moment, Peter took the offered seat across from Pastor Carl.

“So how are you finding our church?” Pastor Carl asked. “I know you mentioned we’re a bit more casual and smaller than you are used to.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said that he gives eternal life to those who follow him. As we worship God today, let us believe in his words so that we too may enjoy the Life that he offers.



Invitation to Confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we leave you out of our lives.
Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we are disappointed because you don't answer prayers in the way that we wish.
Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we refuse to believe that you still act in our lives today.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admit it. It started with Mary. Women were accorded special status during Jesus' ministry; in fact, it was probably women who were major financial supporters of the itinerant rabbi and his friends. Women were the first witnesses to the resurrection. This is not a feminist statement but a factual statement: from the first day to this day, if it were not for the women, there would be no church. It is that simple.

Donald Charles Lacy
History shows that people are invariably looking for Messiahs or Christs. There is that special person who is to come among them and, in a sense, do for them what they cannot do for themselves. Even for years after our Lord arose from the dead and ascended -- yes, and still at this moment -- people are looking.

Henry F. Woodruff
Now you can't even trust the police. When I was a child growing up in Texas, everyone knew how to spot the police cars: they were big old Ford Crown Victorias, painted black with white doors, sporting black wall tires with little moon hubcaps -- or, if they really wanted to be sneaky and fool you, they were big old Ford Crown Victorias painted gray, with whip antennas and license plates that read "City" on them. You could bet the farm on it. Now all that has changed. Police cars are all different makes and models and colors.
Clyde W. Wentzell
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul,
Keep me forever beneath your control.
In right paths lead me for your name’s sake.
All the best choices, Lord, help me to make.

2. When through dark valleys my walk is severe,
Keep me from evil, Lord, ever be near.
Your rod and staff, my discipline be,
O my Good Shepherd, keep watch over me.

3. You spread a table of bountiful store.
Rich are your mercies and love evermore.
Oil on the head, anointing most pure,
Flows in abundance as your love is sure.

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