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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What Motivates You? -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
Lance Armstrong's record-setting seventh win of the Tour de France sparked this installment of Th
What Kind Of Light? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
What Kind Of Light? Isaiah 49:1-7 By George Murphy
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004 Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal
Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
It's quite traditional for anyone past the age of thirty to worry about "the younger generation" and
Sacrifice And Service -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
As modern preachers choke over the choice Abraham faced and the God who asked it of him, a not dissi
Constructing Community -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 128, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
The shock of betrayal that Jacob experienced the morning after his wedding resonates all too easily
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Dean Feldmeyer
Dean Feldmeyer is the pastor of Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, where
Mary Austin
Mary Austin is the pastor of Westminster Church, a Presbyterian church for all people, located in De
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
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
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
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
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

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Illustration

The Immediate Word

Vacation Or Vocation? -- Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
It's quite traditional for anyone past the age of thirty to worry about "the younger generation" and
Sacrifice And Service -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
As modern preachers choke over the choice Abraham faced and the God who asked it of him, a not dissi
Constructing Community -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 128, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
The shock of betrayal that Jacob experienced the morning after his wedding resonates all too easily
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Dean Feldmeyer
Dean Feldmeyer is the pastor of Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, where
Mary Austin
Mary Austin is the pastor of Westminster Church, a Presbyterian church for all people, located in De
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
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
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
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
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
What's Next? -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
In the wake of a contentious election campaign that has been fraught with anxiety, many people will
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
'just As You Did It To The One Of The Least Of These' -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Psalm 27 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Even though all of us at times experience life as a "vale of tears," we in the First World realize t
A Christian Nation, Or A Nation With Some Christians? -- John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Appearance Matters And Other Weighty Theological Issues -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Author's Note: As the parent of a former anorexic adolescent, I know one must approach the
"baggage Or Equipment?" -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Pages

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What Kind Of Light? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
What Kind Of Light? Isaiah 49:1-7 By George Murphy
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004 Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal
Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
It's quite traditional for anyone past the age of thirty to worry about "the younger generation" and
Sacrifice And Service -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
As modern preachers choke over the choice Abraham faced and the God who asked it of him, a not dissi
Constructing Community -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 128, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
The shock of betrayal that Jacob experienced the morning after his wedding resonates all too easily
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Dean Feldmeyer
Dean Feldmeyer is the pastor of Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, where
Mary Austin
Mary Austin is the pastor of Westminster Church, a Presbyterian church for all people, located in De
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
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
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
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
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
What's Next? -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
In the wake of a contentious election campaign that has been fraught with anxiety, many people will

Pages

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What Motivates You? -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
Lance Armstrong's record-setting seventh win of the Tour de France sparked this installment of Th
What Kind Of Light? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
What Kind Of Light? Isaiah 49:1-7 By George Murphy
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004 Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal
Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
It's quite traditional for anyone past the age of thirty to worry about "the younger generation" and
Sacrifice And Service -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
As modern preachers choke over the choice Abraham faced and the God who asked it of him, a not dissi
Constructing Community -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 128, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
The shock of betrayal that Jacob experienced the morning after his wedding resonates all too easily
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Dean Feldmeyer
Dean Feldmeyer is the pastor of Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, where
Mary Austin
Mary Austin is the pastor of Westminster Church, a Presbyterian church for all people, located in De
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
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
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
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
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

Pages

Worship

The Immediate Word

What Motivates You? -- Matthew 14:22-33, Romans 10:5-15, Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
Lance Armstrong's record-setting seventh win of the Tour de France sparked this installment of Th
What Kind Of Light? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
What Kind Of Light? Isaiah 49:1-7 By George Murphy
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004 Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Speaking Our Truth -- Acts 17: 22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"(The Apostle Peter's) current successor," declared the newly minted Benedict XVI in his first papal
Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
It's quite traditional for anyone past the age of thirty to worry about "the younger generation" and
Sacrifice And Service -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
As modern preachers choke over the choice Abraham faced and the God who asked it of him, a not dissi
Constructing Community -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 128, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
The shock of betrayal that Jacob experienced the morning after his wedding resonates all too easily
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Dean Feldmeyer
Dean Feldmeyer is the pastor of Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, where
Mary Austin
Mary Austin is the pastor of Westminster Church, a Presbyterian church for all people, located in De
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
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
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
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
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

Pages

Liturgy

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 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
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For March 8, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer) is he is better at theatre than at writing.” The implications of this comment were about passages such as this one about Jesus and the woman of Samaria.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus reaches across every racial and cultural barrier, offering salvation to all.

Old Testament Lesson
Exodus 17:1-7
Water From A Rock
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Lee Griess
Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.
Frank Luchsinger
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Knowledge that water is an integral ingredient of life was a concept not lost on the ancients. The great civilizations of the world located themselves near water and used it in most every aspect of their daily lives. The Egyptians built the world's first great empire along the Nile. In the midst of the desert a flourishing community existed and grew in size and strength. The water of the river provided the source of life for the people then as it does today. On both sides of the Nile a rich and fertile area exists for farming and grazing of livestock.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for some days. To some extent Jesus had decided to get out of Judea, where he had been working, in order to avoid competition with John the Baptist in that region.
Harry N. Huxhold
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the prophet Isaiah. The account is dated in the year that King Uzziah died. That does not necessarily mean Uzziah was already dead. This scene could have taken place in the temple during a religious festival such as New Year's Day. At such a festival, the cultic ceremonies honored the divine king being enthroned as conqueror of all the enemies of the people.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: With Us Or Not?

Call To Worship

Two sides comprise every journey: the found side during which we trust in God's care, and the lost side where we fear that alone we will not make it through. At the worst, we scuffle and fuss within the confines of confusion, then shout, "Are you here with us or not, God?" At the best, we quiet down, hear God's voice in the silence, and proceed with hope. Wherever you are on your present journey, know that, here, you are welcome.

Collect
Wayne H. Keller
The Community Gathers

Invitation to the Celebration

Why have you come to worship today? Out of habit? To see your friends? To enjoy the singing? To hear the sermon? To learn something? To get help for the coming week? To restore your sense of values? For 100 other reasons? (Pause.) And, now that we're here, let us worship, in the Name of God the Parent, God the Child, God the Spirit. And all the people said, "Right on!"

Response

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Sermon Starters: "Crossing Lines" / "Meeting a Prophet"
Shining Moments: "Water Sign" by Anne Sunday
Scrap Pile: "Healing the Soul" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith
Contents

What's Up This Week
"Testing One, Two, Three..." by Keith Hewitt
"The Account" by Keith Hewitt
"Set Free" by Timothy Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

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