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Beth Herrinton-Hodge

Beth Herrinton-Hodge is a Certified Christian Educator and Teaching Elder (Minister) in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She is currently the director of the Academic Support Center at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Beth is a graduate of Ohio University, Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and San Francisco Theological Seminary, and she has served churches in Virginia, North Carolina, California, Ohio, and Maine. She contracts with the PC(USA) to write The Present Word adult church school curriculum and is the PC(USA) member on the Committee on the Uniform Series (CUS) with the National Council of Churches of Christ, USA. Beth and her husband, Rev. Jay Hodge, live in Shelbyville, Kentucky. They parent teen and tween daughters and three black rescue dogs.
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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

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
What Belongs to God? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, the Pharisees scheme to trap Jesus with what in journalistic
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
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
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
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
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
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
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
Licensed Fruit Inspectors -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2016
The last week has been a tumultuous one that has highlighted the divisions in American society.
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
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 -
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
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
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
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
Persisting In The Struggle -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
The key themes in this week’s lectionary epistle and gospel texts are the value and necessity of pat
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
All Along The Watchtower -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage, the prophet Habakkuk pleads: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for he

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

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The Immediate Word

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
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
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
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
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
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
Licensed Fruit Inspectors -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2016
The last week has been a tumultuous one that has highlighted the divisions in American society.
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
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 -
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
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
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
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
Persisting In The Struggle -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
The key themes in this week’s lectionary epistle and gospel texts are the value and necessity of pat
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
All Along The Watchtower -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage, the prophet Habakkuk pleads: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for he
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
Something's Coming -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we turn to Advent and the first Sunday of the church year and a new lectionary cycle, the foremos
The Real Deal -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
In this week’s gospel lectionary text, John dispatches his followers to confront Jesus and ask him:

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

Preaching

The Immediate Word

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
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
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
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
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
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
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
Licensed Fruit Inspectors -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2016
The last week has been a tumultuous one that has highlighted the divisions in American society.
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
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 -
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
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
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
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
Persisting In The Struggle -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
The key themes in this week’s lectionary epistle and gospel texts are the value and necessity of pat
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
All Along The Watchtower -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage, the prophet Habakkuk pleads: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for he
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

Sermon

The Immediate Word

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
What Belongs to God? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, the Pharisees scheme to trap Jesus with what in journalistic
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
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
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
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
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
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
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
Licensed Fruit Inspectors -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2016
The last week has been a tumultuous one that has highlighted the divisions in American society.
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
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 -
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
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
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
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
Persisting In The Struggle -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
The key themes in this week’s lectionary epistle and gospel texts are the value and necessity of pat
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
All Along The Watchtower -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage, the prophet Habakkuk pleads: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for he

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

Worship

The Immediate Word

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
What Belongs to God? -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, the Pharisees scheme to trap Jesus with what in journalistic
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
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
Whom Can You Trust? -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter brings us the story of “Doubting Thomas” -- but i
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
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
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
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
Licensed Fruit Inspectors -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2016
The last week has been a tumultuous one that has highlighted the divisions in American society.
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin
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 -
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
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
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
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
Persisting In The Struggle -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
The key themes in this week’s lectionary epistle and gospel texts are the value and necessity of pat
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
All Along The Watchtower -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage, the prophet Habakkuk pleads: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for he

Free Access

Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
For April 20, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: A bowl and a towel.

* * *

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

Have you ever gotten in trouble for not doing what you were supposed to do? (Let them respond.) Maybe it was something you were supposed to do at home, or maybe it was something you were supposed to do for someone else. Well, our story today is about the time Jesus’ friends didn’t do what Jesus told them they were supposed to do.
John Jamison
Activity: The Easter Game. See the note. 
John Jamison
Object: A box of Kleenex?

* * *

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

Today is the day we call Good Friday, and it is the day that Jesus died. What happened on Good Friday is the story I want to tell you about. It is a short story, but it is also a very sad story. (Show the Kleenex.) It is so sad that I brought a box of Kleenex with me in case we need it. Let’s hear our story together.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Acts 10:34-43
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 65:17-25
The vision of Isaiah, the new heaven and new earth, a world we cannot begin to imagine, moves us from the sorrow of Good Friday and the waiting of Saturday, into the joy of the resurrection. Isaiah proclaims from God, “no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it or the cry of distress.” What a moment, what a time that will be. What hope there is in this prophecy? God’s promises are laid out before us. God’s promises are proclaimed to us.
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
It’s unclear whether the original prophet is speaking about his own sufferings as a prophet bringing an unwanted word to people who want to believe all is well (and which could have led to severe physical punishment on the part of the authorities), or to the nation as the suffering servant who have suffered under the lash of a foreign oppressor, much as God’s people suffered under the Egyptians. These are legitimate interpretations, and perhaps there’s a bit of truth in all viewpoints.
Wayne Brouwer
When Canadian missionaries Don and Carol Richardson entered the world of the Sawi people in Irian Jaya in 1962, they were aware that culture shock awaited them. But the full impact of the tensions they faced didn’t become apparent until one challenging day.
David Kalas
What do you do on the night before God saves you? 

The children of Israel had been languishing in hopeless bondage for centuries. How many of them had lived and died under the taskmaster’s whip? How many of them had cried out to the Lord for help without seeing their prayers answered?  And so, as surely as their bodies were weighed down under the weight of their physical burdens, their spirits must also have been weighed down under years of bondage and despair.
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
It is perhaps not widely known, but the Community Blood Center has a website that contains stories of blood recipients.  I spent some time on that website as I thought about this passage. One of the stories that struck me was Kristen’s. Kristen’s time of need came during the birth of her first child. After a smooth pregnancy, she experienced serious problems during delivery, which led to a massive hemorrhage. She needed transfusions immediately, and ended up receiving 28 units of platelets, plasma, and whole blood.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. (v. 14)

Mary weeps as she comes to the tomb that first Easter morning. She weeps because her dearest friend is dead. When this friend comes up behind her she turns around and sees him, but she doesn't really see him. Do you know what I mean?

Mary thought Jesus was the gardener. She implores him, "Sir, if you have taken him away tell me where you have laid him…"  She sees him but she doesn't see him.
Peter Andrew Smith
I’m sorry but I have some bad news. John heard the words of the doctor again as he sat in the pew waiting for the service to start on Good Friday. He was at church because he was a regular and he hoped, he prayed that he could escape the rising fear and dread that had come from the medical appointment yesterday. The doctor had been sure there was no problem when John had told him the symptoms he was experiencing a couple of weeks ago. The doctor even told him to just ignore them as they were a sign of getting older.
John E. Sumwalt
In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ (v. 25)

I was seven years old, the same age as my grandson, Leonard, when I asked the big communion question in the barn while helping Dad, the first Leonard Sumwalt, milk cows in 1958.

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
All my life I have struggled with the concept of calling this day of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion as “good.” What could possibly be good about Jesus being arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified? How can we call this feast day “good”?
Wayne Brouwer
When I was a pastor in rural southern Alberta, we held our Easter Sunrise worship services in a cemetery. It was difficult to gather in the dark, since neither mountains nor forests hid the spring-time sun, and the high desert plains lay open to almost ceaselessly unclouded skies. Still, we mumbled in hushed whispers as we acknowledged one another, and saved our booming tones for the final rousing chorus of “Up from the grave he arose…!” We did not shake the earth as much as we hoped.
Dennis Koch
Gospel Theme:

Different paces and paths to resurrection faith

Gospel Note:
John here obviously mingles at least two Easter morning traditions, the one featuring Mary Magdalene and the other starring Peter and the beloved disciple. The overall effect, however, is to show three different paths and paces to resurrection faith: the unnamed disciple rushes to the empty tomb and comes to faith simply upon viewing it; Mary slowly but finally recognizes the risen Christ and believes; Peter, however, simply goes home, perhaps to await further evidence.
Pamela Urfer
Cast: Two Roman soldiers, FLAVIUS and LUCIUS, and an ANGEL

Length:
15 minutes

FLAVIUS and LUCIUS are seated on their stools, center stage.

FLAVIUS: (Complaining) What was all the hurry about for this burial? I don't understand why we had to rush.

LUCIUS:
(Distracted but agreeable) Hmmmm.

FLAVIUS: I don't know why I even ask. It's so typical of the military: Hurry up and wait.

LUCIUS:
True.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The liturgy can start with a procession in which a child carries the Easter candle from the West end of the church to the altar at the East end, stopping at intervals to raise the candle high and cry, "Christ our Light". The people respond with "Alleluia!" All the candles in church are then lit from the Easter candle.

 Call to worship:

 The Lord is risen, he is risen indeed! Let us rejoice and be glad in him!

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, we turn to you.

Lord, have mercy.

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