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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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Children's sermon

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The Immediate Word

The Apex Of Hope -- Luke 16:19-31, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Psalm 91 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2016
In the past several weeks’ lectionary passages, the prophet Jeremiah has painted a bleak picture of
Next At Bat... -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2016
What happens when a valued member of a family or community dies?
Silent Songs -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2016
Psalm 137, as well as both of this week’s Lamentations passages, expresses the pain and sadness of t
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Lemonade -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2016
In this week’s Old Testament passage, God -- through the prophet Jeremiah -- addresses the people of
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
Fathering Hope: Giving Joseph A Voice -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we all know, the holiday season preceding Christmas is not universally one of comfort and joy, of
Persisting In The Struggle -- Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
The key themes in this week’s lectionary epistle and gospel texts are the value and necessity of pat
Word, Light, And Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
This Sunday offers us a choice of texts -- some congregations will use the readings for the Second S
#whatafaithfulpersonlookslike -- Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Psalm 65 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the t
That's My Boy! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
As we observe Jesus’ baptism this Sunday, the lectionary texts celebrate our being welcomed into and
All Along The Watchtower -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage, the prophet Habakkuk pleads: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for he
Sometimes You Have To Shout -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2016
The prophet Isaiah declares in this week’s Old Testament passage that “For Zion’s sake I will
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
Not Too Young To Speak -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, God tells the young Jeremiah that “I a
Something's Coming -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
As we turn to Advent and the first Sunday of the church year and a new lectionary cycle, the foremos
The Devil Is Quick -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Romans 10:8b-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
This week’s gospel text recounts Jesus’ sojourn in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil
Primary Fears -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, a group of Pharisees warn Jesus that he needs to leave the area in order
Super-Sized Spectacles Of Faith -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up on a mountain with him to pray.
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Unlocking Easter's Hope -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary gospel text opens with a stark description of the existential fear that gripp
What A Waste -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
This week’s gospel passage takes us into the home of Lazarus, where Jesus is being feted with an hon
Where Is Your God? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
The news was stunning -- a deranged man calmly waited until last call at a packed gay nightclub in O
The Wheels Of Injustice -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
At the center of the Passion Sunday gospel narrative is Jesus’ “trial” before the council of the chi
The Real Deal -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2016
In this week’s gospel lectionary text, John dispatches his followers to confront Jesus and ask him:

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
27 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 22, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Not many things are quite as common — and, for that matter, quite as predictable — as the sunrise and the sunset. Yet that does not make them less spectacular, does it? We still find ourselves struck by their beauty. So much so, in fact, that at times we try to take pictures in order to capture what we are seeing and experiencing. Or, if others are nearby, we call some family member over to the window in order to share the beauty of the view with someone we love.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Micah 5:2-5a
Phillips Brooks wrote the hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in 1868. The song began as a poem he’d written for the Sunday School of his church, The Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. Brooks found the inspiration for this hymn after the Civil War, during a year abroad (1865-66) in Europe and the Holy Land. While traveling, he wrote to the children of his parish about visiting Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).

If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t miss a super hero movie, you know that every one of them has an origin story. Bruce Wayne, for instance, witnessed the senseless murder of his parents when he was a child, which is why as an adult he was not only intent on fighting crime but also to instill in criminals the traumatic terror he experienced as a child, and that is why he donned the character of the Batman.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A small bag of potato chips. This message includes role-playing. Depending on your group of children, you can either select your players yourself or ask for volunteers when you need them. You will want one girl to be Mary, another to be Elizabeth, and two more children to be the people in town.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! But instead of just hearing the story,

SermonStudio

Susan R. Andrews
We Protestants don’t know what to do with Mary. Because the doctrines of the Catholic church have turned Mary into a sweet passive icon of virginal purity, we Protestants have been content to leave her out of our gallery of biblical saints — except of course, for her obligatory appearance in our Christmas pageants.
James Evans
The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Mary S. Lautensleger
The name Johann Sebastian Bach has been familiar in church music circles for many years. Bach inscribed all his compositions with the phrase, "To God Alone The Glory." Professor Peter Schickele of the fictitious University of Southern North Dakota discovered an obscure relative, P.D.Q. Bach, known as the most bent twig on the Bach family tree. The name Bach had always been associated with fine music until P.D.Q. appeared on the scene. This fabled genius, P.D.Q.
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night. This night with its carols and candlelight, inhaling an atmosphere of poinsettia and pine, and exhaling the promise of peace. What is it about this night that so captivates our souls, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.

Some are here because they are believers, faithful followers of the Christ. You are here to celebrate the nativity of your Lord. In the name of the Christ you worship and adore, I bid you a joyful welcome.

Harold C. Warlick, Jr.
The university chaplain was late for a meeting. He roared down the interstate through a sparsely populated area of his state. He was traveling ten miles per hour over the speed limit. As the blue light from the highway patrol car flashed in his rearview mirror, the churning in his stomach was exceeded only by his anger at his foolishness. Putting on his best professional face and a humble demeanor, he gave the officer the requested information and jotted in his date book the time and location of his court appointment.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Christmas is nearly here! In our worship today let us reflect the joy and happiness of Mary in the way in which we too greet the birth of our Saviour.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are longing for your birth.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we wait to greet you with clean hearts.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we welcome you -- make us right with you.

Lord, have mercy

 Reading:

 Luke 1:39-45

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