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Mary Austin

Mary Austin is the Senior Pastor of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, a diverse Presbyterian congregation in the Washington, DC area. She has served churches in New Jersey and Michigan, and also loved being a hospice chaplain. She is the author of Meeting God at the Mall, published by CSS.
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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Sacrifice or Inconvenience? / Lonely in the Midst of People -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54, Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Kentina Washington-Leapheart -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
For April 5, 2020:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Easter Dawned -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - A -- 2020
For April 12, 2020:
What Should a Follower of Jesus Do? -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
For September 6, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
Vote and ... Forgive? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
For September 13, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Not-So-Happy Campers -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
For September 27, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Give to God the Things That are God's -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
For October 18, 2020:
The Law of the Lord and the Law of the Land -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
For October 25, 2020:
Shining in Glory -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
Hype Man for Disruption -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 6, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:

Illustration

The Immediate Word

He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Not-So-Happy Campers -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
For September 27, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Give to God the Things That are God's -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
For October 18, 2020:
Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
For June 14, 2020:
The Law of the Lord and the Law of the Land -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
For October 25, 2020:
Shining in Glory -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
Hype Man for Disruption -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 6, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
Who Are You? -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 13, 2020:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
Angels At The Doorway -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 20, 2020:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What Should a Follower of Jesus Do? -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
For September 6, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
Vote and ... Forgive? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
For September 13, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Not-So-Happy Campers -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
For September 27, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Give to God the Things That are God's -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
For October 18, 2020:
Laughter’s Healing Art -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
For June 14, 2020:
The Law of the Lord and the Law of the Land -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
For October 25, 2020:
Shining in Glory -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
Hype Man for Disruption -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 6, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
Who Are You? -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 13, 2020:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Sacrifice or Inconvenience? / Lonely in the Midst of People -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54, Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Kentina Washington-Leapheart -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
For April 5, 2020:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Easter Dawned -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - A -- 2020
For April 12, 2020:
What Should a Follower of Jesus Do? -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
For September 6, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
Vote and ... Forgive? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
For September 13, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Not-So-Happy Campers -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
For September 27, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Give to God the Things That are God's -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
For October 18, 2020:
The Law of the Lord and the Law of the Land -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
For October 25, 2020:
Shining in Glory -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
Hype Man for Disruption -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 6, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:

Worship

The Immediate Word

Sacrifice or Inconvenience? / Lonely in the Midst of People -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54, Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Kentina Washington-Leapheart -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
For April 5, 2020:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Easter Dawned -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - A -- 2020
For April 12, 2020:
What Should a Follower of Jesus Do? -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 149 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
For September 6, 2020:
Breathe the Breath of God -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For April 19, 2020:
Vote and ... Forgive? -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
For September 13, 2020:
He Restores My Soul! -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 3, 2020:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Stoning the Scapegoat -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 10, 2020:
Not-So-Happy Campers -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
For September 27, 2020:
Religious in Every Way, or Not -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 17, 2020:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
Should I Stay or Should I Go? -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
For May 24, 2020:
We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Give to God the Things That are God's -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
For October 18, 2020:
The Law of the Lord and the Law of the Land -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
For October 25, 2020:
Shining in Glory -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Hope and the Politics of Doom -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
For November 8, 2020:
Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Jesus On the Throne, Us In the Pasture -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
For November 22, 2020:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
The Gift of the Magi: Wisdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2020
For January 5, 2020:
Hype Man for Disruption -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 6, 2020:
Obligations of the Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
For January 12, 2020:
Be Prepared! -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
For January 19, 2020:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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23 – Worship Resources
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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