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Stephen P. McCutchan

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Titus 3:4-7, Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Just A Glimpse -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
"Moses did not know the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God." "And while he
From Quid Pro Quo To Heck No! -- Israel Strikes Back -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
It's often said that "anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it," but the offbeat experi
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 23 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength ...
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Advent 2 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
For freedom Christ has set us free.
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
... for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.
Easter 7 -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divinat
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord (Last Sunday After Epiphany) -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2009
And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed....-- Luke 9:29
Lent 5 -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more....
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.-- Psalm 119:97
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths strai
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
... but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
Proper 14 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2009
... even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
Easter 7 -- Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.
Epiphany 2 / Ordinary Time 2 -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
... you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.-- Psalm 36:6
Lent 5 -- John 12:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepa
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrec
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for
Advent 3 -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
... The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst....-- Zephaniah 3:15
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2009
"Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it?
Proper 14 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2009
Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will sh
Easter 7 -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Titus 3:4-7, Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Just A Glimpse -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
"Moses did not know the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God." "And while he
From Quid Pro Quo To Heck No! -- Israel Strikes Back -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
It's often said that "anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it," but the offbeat experi
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Titus 3:4-7, Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Just A Glimpse -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
"Moses did not know the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God." "And while he
From Quid Pro Quo To Heck No! -- Israel Strikes Back -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
It's often said that "anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it," but the offbeat experi
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much

Sermon

The Immediate Word

From Quid Pro Quo To Heck No! -- Israel Strikes Back -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
It's often said that "anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it," but the offbeat experi
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much
Integrity -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
In our very commercialized society, where it's often assumed that everything and everyone has their
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
A Seeker's Faith -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From newspaper editorial pages and cable television news channels to internet "blogs" and direct-mai
What Is Truth? -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Like many other things in our culture, truth seems to be a concept that is often for sale to the hig
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Who Should Carry The Load? -- Mark 14:1--15:47, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Passion Sunday - B
T
Alive Again! -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Easter Day - B
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Car-Nation And Christianity -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Listening To God Through Bird Flu -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
One of the distinguishing features of these first few years of the 21st century has been how much in
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za
Scandal, Betrayal, Hope, Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
This week Stephen McCutchan will write about how the church gets through hard times by sticking toge
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t
Faithing Our Fears -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Fear -- and our varying responses to it -- will likely be one of the enduring legacies from Hurrican
Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
Cry Out "something Is Wrong" -- 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15) 16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
In this week's epistle passage, Paul focuses on the singular importance of reconciliation: "[I]n Chr
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Titus 3:4-7, Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Just A Glimpse -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
"Moses did not know the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God." "And while he
From Quid Pro Quo To Heck No! -- Israel Strikes Back -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
It's often said that "anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it," but the offbeat experi
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them
Meeting Jesus In Jail -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
This Sunday's passage from Acts 16:16-34 offers up a striking contrast between outward appearances a
Suffering In The Sanctuary -- Romans 5:1-5, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
The recent shooting spree in and around a Moscow, Idaho, church is a painful reminder that as much
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
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33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
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Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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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?”

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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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