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Bethany Peerbolte

Reverend Bethany Peerbolte recognizes her calling is to make scripture relevant to young Christians, and Christians young at heart. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Mission at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan. Her blog, Millennial Epistle, seeks to connect scripture to trending topics and contemporary issues. Bethany’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has led her to work with Detroit Pride, The Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice, and the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. Bethany holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminary.
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Children's sermon

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Bending Toward Justice -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
For August 9, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:
There Is Enough Friendship To Share -- John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
John the Baptist gives us a great example of how to be a friend.
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:

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Planning For The Surprise -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
There are probably two kinds of kids listening to these verses.
Unexpected Teacher -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
Matthew introduces John the Baptist, the person who God has sent to prepare the people for Jesus.
Oooo That Makes Me Sooo… Mad? -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
John the Baptist asked Jesus, through his own followers, if he really was the “expected one.” Jesus’
What’s In A Name? -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
What’s in a name? A lot.
Hold On To The Good News -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Bethany Peerbolte -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2019
This story is obviously missing some details.
Trusted Advice -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Children are at a stage in life where they are told to do all kinds of things.

The Immediate Word

Why Are You Weeping? -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
For April 21, 2019:
The Backfire Effect -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2019
For September 29, 2019:
Finding Resurrection Among Smoldering Ruins -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For April 28, 2019:
Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
Going to Extremes -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 5, 2019:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
Love Between Our Toes -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 19, 2019:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Lover. Beloved. Love. -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2019
For June 16, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:

Illustration

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
Solidarity With the Imprisoned -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
For September 1, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Getting a Pass, or a Second Chance? -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
For February 24, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:

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Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
Solidarity With the Imprisoned -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
For September 1, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Getting a Pass, or a Second Chance? -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
For February 24, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:

Free Access

Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:

Sermon

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
Solidarity With the Imprisoned -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
For September 1, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Getting a Pass, or a Second Chance? -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
For February 24, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:

Free Access

Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:

Worship

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
Solidarity With the Imprisoned -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
For September 1, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
No Longer As a Slave -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
For September 8, 2019:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Getting a Pass, or a Second Chance? -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
For February 24, 2019:
Fearing Fear -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
For March 3, 2019:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
No New Things! -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For April 7, 2019:
Tell Everyone! / Setting the Table: from Passover to Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
For April 14, 2019:

Free Access

Genuine Humility -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
For October 6, 2019:
By The Rivers Of Babylon -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
For October 13, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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