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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

The Well-Tuned Ear -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus tells us that he is the shepherd and gatekeeper for the sheep.
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
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
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
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.
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 -- 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
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
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L
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.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2017) -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Isaiah 42:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Passion Sunday (2017) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2017) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Genesis 29:15-28
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 5 (2017) -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 4 (2017) -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
1 Samuel 16:1-13
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 3 (2017) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Exodus 17:1-7
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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
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 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

Preaching

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
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L
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
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

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Well-Tuned Ear -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus tells us that he is the shepherd and gatekeeper for the sheep.
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
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
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
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
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.
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Well-Tuned Ear -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus tells us that he is the shepherd and gatekeeper for the sheep.
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
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
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
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
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.
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

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

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John Jamison
Object: A bowl and a towel.

* * *

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

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

* * *

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

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

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

StoryShare

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

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

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

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

SermonStudio

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

Different paces and paths to resurrection faith

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

Length:
15 minutes

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

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

LUCIUS:
(Distracted but agreeable) Hmmmm.

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

LUCIUS:
True.

The Village Shepherd

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

 Call to worship:

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

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, we turn to you.

Lord, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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