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Ron Love

Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper. He has served Methodist churches in rural, inner-city and suburban settings for 20 years, and also served for four years as an Army chaplain. Dr. Love has also been a corporate librarian for a Fortune 500 company and been a university professor for ten years, teaching history and theology. His writing experience includes denominational publications, magazine articles on religion, and a newspaper devotional column. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology (Slippery Rock State College), master's degrees in library and information science (University of Pittsburgh), secondary education (Duquesne University), church history (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and theology (Wesley Theological Seminary), as well as a doctorate in homiletics (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). Dr. Love now resides in South Carolina.
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Commentary

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Longing For Peace -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2013
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2017) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2017
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 (2017) -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2017
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2017) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Genesis 12:1-4a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2017) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2017
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2017) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2017) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2017
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 (2017) -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
Genesis 45:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2017) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2017) -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations For Transfiguration Sunday (2017) -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
Exodus 24:12-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2017) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 7 (2017) -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2017) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2017) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2017) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
Exodus 12:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 5 (2017) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2017) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2017) -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2017
Exodus 14:19-31
Sermon Illustrations For Presentation Of The Lord (2017) -- Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- 2017
Malachi 3:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2017) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2017) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
Exodus 16:2-15
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 (2017) -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2017
Isaiah 49:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 3 (2017) -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2017
Isaiah 9:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2017) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 4 | Ot 4 (2017) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
Micah 6:1-8

Preaching

The Immediate Word

The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Longing For Peace -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2013
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Finding Words In Speechless Grief -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary Old Testament and Gospel texts both contain accounts of the death of a widow'

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Longing For Peace -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2013
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg

Worship

The Immediate Word

Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
Longing For Peace -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2013
In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is described as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Finding Words In Speechless Grief -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary Old Testament and Gospel texts both contain accounts of the death of a widow'
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
For January 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
At Jesus' baptism God said, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." Let us so order our lives that God may say about us, "This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased."

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I fail to please you,
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm sure I have pleased you, but have got it wrong,
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I neither know nor care whether I have pleased you,
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Welcoming Mr. Forsythe" by Argile Smith
"The Question about the Dove" by Merle Franke


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke. Jan had heard it all before: the taunting and teasing from her aunts and uncles. Sure, they hadn't been there at her birth, but they loved to tell the story. They were telling Jan's friends about that fateful day when Jan was born - and baptized.


Elizabeth Achtemeier
The lectionary often begins a reading at the end of one poem and includes the beginning of another. Such is the case here. Isaiah 42:1-4 forms the climactic last stanza of the long poem concerning the trial with the nations that begins in 41:1. Isaiah 42:5-9 is the opening stanza of the poem that encompasses 42:5-17. Thus, we will initially deal with 42:1-4 and then 42:5-9.

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1--7 (L)
Tony S. Everett
Jenny was employed as an emergency room nurse in a busy urban hospital. Often she worked many hours past the end of her shift, providing care to trauma victims and their families. Jenny was also a loving wife and mother, and an excellent cook. On the evening before starting her hectic work week, Jenny would prepare a huge pot of soup, a casserole, or stew; plentiful enough for her family to pop into the microwave or simmer on the stove in case she had to work overtime.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Bil Keane, the creator of the Family Circus cartoon, said he was drawing a cartoon one day when his little boy came in and asked, "Daddy, how do you know what to draw?" Keane replied, "God tells me." Then the boy asked, "Then why do you keep erasing parts of it?"1
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Being Inclusive
Message: Are you sure, God, that you show no partiality? Lauds, KDM

The haughty part of us would prefer that God be partial, that is, partial to you and to me. We want to reap the benefits of having been singled out. On the other hand, our decent side wants God to show no partiality. We do yield a little, however. It is fine for God to be impartial as long as we do not need to move over and lose our place.
William B. Kincaid, III
There are two very different ways to think about baptism. The first approach recognizes the time of baptism as a saving moment in which the person being baptized accepts the love and forgiveness of God. The person then considers herself "saved." She may grow in the faith through the years, but nothing which she will experience after her baptism will be as important as her baptism. She always will be able to recall her baptism as the time when her life changed.
R. Glen Miles
I delivered my very first sermon at the age of sixteen. It was presented to a congregation of my peers, a group of high school students. The service, specifically designed for teens, was held on a Wednesday night. There were about 125 people in attendance. I was scared to death at first, but once the sermon got started I felt okay and sort of got on a roll. My text was 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, as some refer to it. The audience that night was very responsive to the sermon. I do not know why they liked it.
Someone is trying to get through to you. Someone with an important message for you is trying to get in touch with you. It would be greatly to your advantage to make contact with the one who is trying to get through to you.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: When the floods and storms of the world threaten
to overwhelm us,
All: God's peace flows through us,
to calm our troubled lives.
One: When the thunder of the culture's claims on us
deafens us to hope,
All: God whispers to us
and soothes our souls.
One: When the wilderness begs us to come out and play,
All: God takes us by the hand
and we dance into the garden of grace.

Prayer Of The Day
Your voice whispers
over the waters of life,
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
A Service Of Renewal

Gathering (may also be used for Gathering on Epiphany 3)
A: Light shining in the darkness,
C: light never ending.
A: Through the mountains, beneath the sea,
C: light never ending.
A: In the stillness of our hearts,
C: light never ending.
A: In the water and the word,
C: light never ending. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
Baptized In Water or Praise And Thanksgiving Be To God Our Maker

Prayer Of The Day

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I wearing this morning? (Let them answer.) I'm wearing part of a uniform of the (name the team). Have any of you gone to a game where the (name the team) has played? (Let them answer.) I think one of the most exciting parts of a game is right before it starts. That's when all the players are introduced. Someone announces the player's name and number. That player then runs out on the court of playing field. Everyone cheers. Do you like that part of the game? (Let them answer.) Some people call that pre-game "hype." That's a funny term, isn't it?
Good morning! Let me show you this certificate. (Show the
baptism certificate.) Does anyone know what this is? (Let them
answer.) Yes, this is a baptism certificate. It shows the date
and place where a person is baptized. In addition to this
certificate, we also keep a record here at the church of all
baptisms so that if a certificate is lost we can issue a new one.
What do all of you think about baptism? Is it important? (Let
them answer.)

Let me tell you something about baptism. Before Jesus
Good morning! How many of you have played Monopoly? (Let
them answer.) In the game of Monopoly, sometimes you wind up in
jail. You can get out of jail by paying a fine or, if you have
one of these cards (show the card), you can get out free by
turning in the card.

Now, in the game of life, the real world where we all live,
we are also sometimes in jail. Most of us never have to go to a
real jail, but we are all in a kind of jail called "sin." The
Bible tells us that when we sin we become prisoners of sin, and

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