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Mary Austin

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Counting The Cost -- Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A -- 2011
The news that barring unforeseen developments all United States troops will withdraw from Iraq by De
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Who's Number One? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Psalm 30 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
American culture seems to thrive on an individualistic, can-do spirit -- exemplified by our deeply h
'her Piece Is Bigger Than Mine' And Other Family Quarrels -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
In this week's gospel text Jesus visits the home of the sisters Mary and Martha, where he finds hims
The Unnamed 72 -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
This week's texts all have a common theme -- a call to a life of faith, and a forthright discussion
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
This week we enter the season of Advent, and while the world around us is ratcheting up into full-b
Shop Without Ceasing -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Another Black Friday -- the discount shopping bonanza that marks the day after Thanksgiving -- has c
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece

Pages

Illustration

The Immediate Word

And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Who's Number One? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Psalm 30 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
American culture seems to thrive on an individualistic, can-do spirit -- exemplified by our deeply h
'her Piece Is Bigger Than Mine' And Other Family Quarrels -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
In this week's gospel text Jesus visits the home of the sisters Mary and Martha, where he finds hims
The Unnamed 72 -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
This week's texts all have a common theme -- a call to a life of faith, and a forthright discussion
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
This week we enter the season of Advent, and while the world around us is ratcheting up into full-b
Shop Without Ceasing -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Another Black Friday -- the discount shopping bonanza that marks the day after Thanksgiving -- has c
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa
What's Next? -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
In the wake of a contentious election campaign that has been fraught with anxiety, many people will

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Preaching

The Immediate Word

A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Who's Number One? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Psalm 30 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
American culture seems to thrive on an individualistic, can-do spirit -- exemplified by our deeply h
'her Piece Is Bigger Than Mine' And Other Family Quarrels -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
In this week's gospel text Jesus visits the home of the sisters Mary and Martha, where he finds hims
The Unnamed 72 -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
This week's texts all have a common theme -- a call to a life of faith, and a forthright discussion
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
This week we enter the season of Advent, and while the world around us is ratcheting up into full-b
Shop Without Ceasing -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Another Black Friday -- the discount shopping bonanza that marks the day after Thanksgiving -- has c
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa

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Sermon

The Immediate Word

Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in
Polls, Parables, And Complaints -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary offers a pair of texts in which we discover how God provides unimaginable b
Race To The Rear? -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
One of the most fundamental aspects of American culture is competition.
Counting The Cost -- Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
The news that barring unforeseen developments all United States troops will withdraw from Iraq by De
Counting The Cost -- Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A -- 2011
The news that barring unforeseen developments all United States troops will withdraw from Iraq by De
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Who's Number One? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Psalm 30 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
American culture seems to thrive on an individualistic, can-do spirit -- exemplified by our deeply h
'her Piece Is Bigger Than Mine' And Other Family Quarrels -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
In this week's gospel text Jesus visits the home of the sisters Mary and Martha, where he finds hims
The Unnamed 72 -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
This week's texts all have a common theme -- a call to a life of faith, and a forthright discussion
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on

Pages

Worship

The Immediate Word

Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Who's Number One? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Psalm 30 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
American culture seems to thrive on an individualistic, can-do spirit -- exemplified by our deeply h
'her Piece Is Bigger Than Mine' And Other Family Quarrels -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
In this week's gospel text Jesus visits the home of the sisters Mary and Martha, where he finds hims
The Unnamed 72 -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
This week's texts all have a common theme -- a call to a life of faith, and a forthright discussion
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
This week we enter the season of Advent, and while the world around us is ratcheting up into full-b
Shop Without Ceasing -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Another Black Friday -- the discount shopping bonanza that marks the day after Thanksgiving -- has c
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece

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Liturgy

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
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
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For March 8, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer) is he is better at theatre than at writing.” The implications of this comment were about passages such as this one about Jesus and the woman of Samaria.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus reaches across every racial and cultural barrier, offering salvation to all.

Old Testament Lesson
Exodus 17:1-7
Water From A Rock
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Lee Griess
Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.
Frank Luchsinger
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Knowledge that water is an integral ingredient of life was a concept not lost on the ancients. The great civilizations of the world located themselves near water and used it in most every aspect of their daily lives. The Egyptians built the world's first great empire along the Nile. In the midst of the desert a flourishing community existed and grew in size and strength. The water of the river provided the source of life for the people then as it does today. On both sides of the Nile a rich and fertile area exists for farming and grazing of livestock.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for some days. To some extent Jesus had decided to get out of Judea, where he had been working, in order to avoid competition with John the Baptist in that region.
Harry N. Huxhold
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the prophet Isaiah. The account is dated in the year that King Uzziah died. That does not necessarily mean Uzziah was already dead. This scene could have taken place in the temple during a religious festival such as New Year's Day. At such a festival, the cultic ceremonies honored the divine king being enthroned as conqueror of all the enemies of the people.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: With Us Or Not?

Call To Worship

Two sides comprise every journey: the found side during which we trust in God's care, and the lost side where we fear that alone we will not make it through. At the worst, we scuffle and fuss within the confines of confusion, then shout, "Are you here with us or not, God?" At the best, we quiet down, hear God's voice in the silence, and proceed with hope. Wherever you are on your present journey, know that, here, you are welcome.

Collect
Wayne H. Keller
The Community Gathers

Invitation to the Celebration

Why have you come to worship today? Out of habit? To see your friends? To enjoy the singing? To hear the sermon? To learn something? To get help for the coming week? To restore your sense of values? For 100 other reasons? (Pause.) And, now that we're here, let us worship, in the Name of God the Parent, God the Child, God the Spirit. And all the people said, "Right on!"

Response

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Sermon Starters: "Crossing Lines" / "Meeting a Prophet"
Shining Moments: "Water Sign" by Anne Sunday
Scrap Pile: "Healing the Soul" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith
Contents

What's Up This Week
"Testing One, Two, Three..." by Keith Hewitt
"The Account" by Keith Hewitt
"Set Free" by Timothy Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

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