Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
An Idle Tale and Unlikely Evangelists
Resurrection of our Lord, Year C, March 27, 2016
Are twelve short verses, an idle tale, and some unlikely evangelists enough to make an Easter sermon this year? With God all things are possible, and what we have is more than enough. Get ready to celebrate! (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)
To Serve and Love: Following the Way of Christ
Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C, March 20, 2016
When we, as followers of Christ, set out to serve one another and all whom we encounter in this beautiful yet broken world, we are going to get dirty. I can guarantee you that much. Our hands will be soiled, our hearts will be stained, and our dreams will be sullied. (Photo: Paukrus, Creative Commons)
What if the Church Tithed?
What a wonderful world it could be if our hearts and eyes were in sync! This article offers some good food for thought about how tithing could make a real difference if the entire Church decided to do it. (Photo: Evan Jackson, Creative Commons)
Costly: A Life Poured Out
Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 13, 2016
I’m pretty sure most of us would rather pour costly perfume on Jesus and see ourselves worshiping him extravagantly instead of acting like a greedy, selfish traitor that seems to be Judas’ lot in life. But would we do so when it comes right down to it? Can we break ourselves open in radical discipleship? (Photo: Paul Kussrow, Creative Commons)
Plenty, Paucity, and a Measly Kid Goat
Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 6, 2016
The story of the prodigal son is so rich: It touches on grace, abounds in hope, and drips with love. It also serves as a powerful story about stewardship. Jesus tells a tale that offers a fine comparison between living with an abundance mindset and nurturing a sense of scarcity. (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)
Creation Care Curriculum: Every Creature Singing
This spring while scheduling your Earth Day observance, plan to educate your church on how our decisions impact the one and only planet that God gave us to live on — and how we can care for creation! “Every Creature Singing” gives you a detailed 13-session lesson plan, as well as a teacher’s guide. Each lesson has Scripture, readings, discussion questions that focus on your neighborhood, and other resources. (Photo: George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Creative Commons)
Where are the Figs?
Third Sunday in Lent, Year C, February 28, 2016
Someday, like it was for that barren fig tree, there will be an accounting. For the barren church that means doors closed, windows shuttered, and opportunity lost. No one wants to see that happen to their congregation, right? Or do they? (Photo: Ian Scott, Creative Commons)
Waiting Game?
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday in Lent, Year C, February 21, 2016
This week’s lectionary lessons have a common thread of waiting that weaves them together. And we Americans do a LOT of waiting (some 37 billion hours per year), yet we find it difficult to wait for God. (Photo: Andy Wright, Creative Commons)
Online Creation Care Library
Tyndale Seminary offers an online “Creation Care Reading Room” for people without easy access to a seminary library. You’ll find many helpful resources here. (Photo © Elena Schweitzer – Fotolia.com)
A Fast of First Fruits
Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday in Lent, Year C, February 14, 2016
Are you “giving up” something for Lent? Forget the nominal “sacrifices†this year. Ask instead, “What fast of ‘first fruits’ do I need to offer to God? What really matters? (Photo: Faith Goble, Creative Commons)
