Login / Signup

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.
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Children's sermon

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:

The Immediate Word

Naaman and Other Strangers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
For July 7, 2019:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Small Action = Massive Transformation -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 15, 2019:

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2020) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
Genesis 32:22-31
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2020) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 121
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2020) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 (2020) -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2020
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2020) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 and Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2020) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 95
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2020) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

The Immediate Word

Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
An Outsider’s Determined Push -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
For August 16, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Turn Our Minds -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, Psalm 130 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Kentina Washington-Leapheart -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 29, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Sacrifice or Inconvenience? / Lonely in the Midst of People -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54, Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Kentina Washington-Leapheart -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
For April 5, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
What Should a Follower of Jesus Do? -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
For September 6, 2020:
Trinity of Love, Grace, and Fellowship -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
For June 7, 2020:
Vote and ... Forgive? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
For September 13, 2020:
Easter Dawned -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - A -- 2020
For April 12, 2020:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:

Preaching

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:

The Immediate Word

Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
Small Action = Massive Transformation -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 15, 2019:
Solidarity With the Imprisoned -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
For September 1, 2019:

Sermon

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:

The Immediate Word

Naaman and Other Strangers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
For July 7, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:

Worship

Free Access

Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Don’t Give Up On the Whole for a Few Bad Apples -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
For October 11, 2020:
Being the Light: Special Coronavirus Edition -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 22, 2020:

The Immediate Word

Naaman and Other Strangers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
For July 7, 2019:
It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
For July 14, 2019:
Keepers Of The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
For January 6, 2019:
People of a Certain Age -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
For October 27, 2019:
Vox Dei vs. Vox Populi -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
For January 13, 2018:
I Feel Your Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2019
For November 3, 2019:
Teamwork -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
For July 21, 2019:
Engaging (or Testing) God -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
For November 10, 2019:
My Husband; My Wife -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Genesis 18:20-32, Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 138, Psalm 85 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
For July 28, 2019:
God Activates -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
For January 20, 2018:
The Kids and the Geezers Shall Graze Together -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
For November 17, 2019:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
What are We Doing Here? -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
For January 27, 2019:
Swords Into Highchairs, Spears Into Serving Platters -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 1, 2019:
The Lady Ain't A Kook: Prophetic Challenges and Political Crusades -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
For August 11, 2019:
Allowance for New Ideas -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
For February 3, 2019:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Preach or Plow? -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
For February 10, 2019:
Repentance That Matters -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
For December 8, 2019:
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6, Isaiah 58:9b-14 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
For August 25, 2019:
That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019
For February 17, 2019:
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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL