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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Good Shepherd And The Good Mother:a Tough Job Description -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Robin Lostetter
Robin Lostetter is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) Minister of Word and Sacrament (“Teaching
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Beth Herrinton-Hodge
Beth Herrinton-Hodge is a Certified Christian Educator and Teaching Elder (Minister
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy
It's the time of year when thousands of grads have to think about what to do next.
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh -- Acts 2.1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
All Things: Evolved Things? -- Colossians 1:11-20, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George L. Murphy
November 21 is Christ the King Sunday, the end of the church year, and the lectionary readings
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
The Blessing And Bane Of Witnesses -- Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Easter Day - C
The lectionary's Easter texts for this year give us a good opportunity to comment on the nature of w
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Robin Lostetter
Robin Lostetter is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) Minister of Word and Sacrament (“Teaching
Beth Herrinton-Hodge
Beth Herrinton-Hodge is a Certified Christian Educator and Teaching Elder (Minister
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy
It's the time of year when thousands of grads have to think about what to do next.
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh -- Acts 2.1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,
All Things: Evolved Things? -- Colossians 1:11-20, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George L. Murphy
November 21 is Christ the King Sunday, the end of the church year, and the lectionary readings
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Blessing And Bane Of Witnesses -- Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Easter Day - C
The lectionary's Easter texts for this year give us a good opportunity to comment on the nature of w
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Free-Riders, Nominals, And Nones -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
The lectionary readings appointed for Proper 28 provide us with powerful messages about the futu
Damned If We Do, Damned If We Don't! -- Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,
Signs? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Lord, To Whom Can We Go (To Blame)? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Insert The Other Candidate's Name Here -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage Paul warns the Thessalonian congregation against being swa

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Robin Lostetter
Robin Lostetter is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) Minister of Word and Sacrament (“Teaching
Beth Herrinton-Hodge
Beth Herrinton-Hodge is a Certified Christian Educator and Teaching Elder (Minister
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy
It's the time of year when thousands of grads have to think about what to do next.
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh -- Acts 2.1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,
All Things: Evolved Things? -- Colossians 1:11-20, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George L. Murphy
November 21 is Christ the King Sunday, the end of the church year, and the lectionary readings
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Blessing And Bane Of Witnesses -- Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Easter Day - C
The lectionary's Easter texts for this year give us a good opportunity to comment on the nature of w
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Free-Riders, Nominals, And Nones -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
The lectionary readings appointed for Proper 28 provide us with powerful messages about the futu

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Are You Tempted To Be Offended? -- Luke 4:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Jesus is getting plenty of media coverage these days.
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Robin Lostetter
Robin Lostetter is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) Minister of Word and Sacrament (“Teaching
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh -- Acts 2.1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Beth Herrinton-Hodge
Beth Herrinton-Hodge is a Certified Christian Educator and Teaching Elder (Minister
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy
It's the time of year when thousands of grads have to think about what to do next.
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Blessing And Bane Of Witnesses -- Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Easter Day - C
The lectionary's Easter texts for this year give us a good opportunity to comment on the nature of w
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,
All Things: Evolved Things? -- Colossians 1:11-20, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George L. Murphy
November 21 is Christ the King Sunday, the end of the church year, and the lectionary readings

Worship

The Immediate Word

Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Robin Lostetter
Robin Lostetter is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) Minister of Word and Sacrament (“Teaching
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy
It's the time of year when thousands of grads have to think about what to do next.
I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh -- Acts 2.1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Beth Herrinton-Hodge
Beth Herrinton-Hodge is a Certified Christian Educator and Teaching Elder (Minister
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
All Things: Evolved Things? -- Colossians 1:11-20, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George L. Murphy
November 21 is Christ the King Sunday, the end of the church year, and the lectionary readings
Not Too Quickly Shaken Or Alarmed -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
This week’s lectionary epistle passage from Second Thessalonians counsels us to “let no one dece
The Blessing And Bane Of Witnesses -- Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Easter Day - C
The lectionary's Easter texts for this year give us a good opportunity to comment on the nature of w
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For July 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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