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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
This Church Is Difficult; Who Can Accept It? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Jesus tells us in this week's lectionary gospel passage that "those who eat my flesh and drink my bl
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Tradition Vs. Twitter -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
We all know that tradition is an important influence in human affairs...
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Some Citizens United -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
After the conclusion of this week's Democratic convention, two months remain until the November elec
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
From Ashes To Rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When God tells Noah that "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you" (Ge
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

Illustration

The Immediate Word

This Church Is Difficult; Who Can Accept It? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Jesus tells us in this week's lectionary gospel passage that "those who eat my flesh and drink my bl
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Tradition Vs. Twitter -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
We all know that tradition is an important influence in human affairs...
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Some Citizens United -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
After the conclusion of this week's Democratic convention, two months remain until the November elec
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
From Ashes To Rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When God tells Noah that "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you" (Ge
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
The Light Of The World -- Luke 2:22-40, Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This Sunday offers those who follow the lectionary a massive buffet -- you can select from as many a

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
This Church Is Difficult; Who Can Accept It? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Jesus tells us in this week's lectionary gospel passage that "those who eat my flesh and drink my bl
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Tradition Vs. Twitter -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
We all know that tradition is an important influence in human affairs...
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
Some Citizens United -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
After the conclusion of this week's Democratic convention, two months remain until the November elec
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
From Ashes To Rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When God tells Noah that "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you" (Ge
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
This Church Is Difficult; Who Can Accept It? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Jesus tells us in this week's lectionary gospel passage that "those who eat my flesh and drink my bl
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Tradition Vs. Twitter -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
We all know that tradition is an important influence in human affairs...
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Some Citizens United -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
After the conclusion of this week's Democratic convention, two months remain until the November elec
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
From Ashes To Rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When God tells Noah that "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you" (Ge
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
This Church Is Difficult; Who Can Accept It? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Jesus tells us in this week's lectionary gospel passage that "those who eat my flesh and drink my bl
A Desert Of News -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This week John the Baptist makes his annual reappearance in the lectionary gospel text when Luke dri
Tradition Vs. Twitter -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
We all know that tradition is an important influence in human affairs...
Paying Attention -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
As the lectionary calendar begins anew with Advent, the big theme is anticipation -- and the posture
Some Citizens United -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
After the conclusion of this week's Democratic convention, two months remain until the November elec
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi
Discipleship As Mentorship -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
The lectionary texts for Transfiguration Sunday offer an interesting set of homiletical challenges.
God Is Great -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Keeping up with the news is often a very depressing endeavor -- with so much bad news dominating the
From Ashes To Rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When God tells Noah that "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you" (Ge
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
No More Polls, No More Ads, No More Politicians' Dirty Looks -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
(This installment contains material for All Saints Day and Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 | Pentec
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out
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CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A football, a hand-held microphone, a camera, a stack of play money bills. These are the objects I used, but you can use any objects that might symbolize “success”.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
For October 20, 2024:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. (v. 4)

The outhouse on the farm where I grew up was beside the ash pile, at the end of a well-worn path, under a boxelder tree about fifty yards from the back door of the house. It was a two-seater – cold in winter, smelly and hot in summer. There was always a Sears and Roebuck catalogue on the floor in the corner, which served as both reading and wiping material.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Most people assume God’s answer to Job, showing him the depth and breadth of the universe is meant to cow Job’s resistance, leading him, now broken, to repent, abjectly saying “...therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes (42:6).”
Mark Ellingsen
All the lessons testify to the theme that it’s not at all about you and me; it’s all about God!

Job 38:1-7 (34-41)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, "What is it you want me to do for you?" In our worship, let us explore what we want Jesus to do for us today.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we are sometimes selfish in our requests to you.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, we are sometimes unreasonable in our requests to you.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, help us to make you the centre of our world.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
The story of Job is familiar to all of us -- a man whose world was spinning merrily along with everything falling into place is suddenly confronted with one misery after another ... disaster, death, disease, and despair. In some of the most moving poetry ever written, chapter after chapter attempts to deal with the age-old question of why, so often, life is unfair.

Schuyler Rhodes
The voice of praise rings beautifully through this psalm as each verse gives poetic color to the glories of creation and its maker. It is something to be read and re-read as we contemplate the wonders of God.
Steven Molin
There is a candy shop in the city of Keystone, South Dakota, just a few hundred yards down the mountain from that infamous Mount Rushmore monument. I can't tell you the name of that candy store, but I can certainly recall the sign on the counter that stands at just about eyeball-level for the average seven-year-old. The sign says this: "If Mom says, 'No,' ask Grandma!"

Harold C. Warlick, Jr.
An elementary principle in the business world is the law of supply and demand. When supplies outrace the demand for a product, prices are low. We call that a "buyer's market." On the other hand, when there are more buyers demanding a product than there are supplies of the product, prices are high. We call that situation a "seller's market."

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