Browsing Preach
Jesus and the Stewardship of Self
Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One) for February 8, 2015
This week’s gospel lesson gives us stewardship models straight from our Lord. To serve others well and to appreciate and share God’s abundance, we must also take care of ourselves. This is, of course, easier said than done. (Photo: Jonathan Fox, Creative Commons)
Vocational Stewardship
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, February 8, 2015
How we approach our work, our sense of wholeness and balance, and our mission to love God and serve neighbor in all that we do is part of stewardship. It’s worth considering. It’s important to talk about. And it’s key to one’s discipleship journey and the life of faith. This week’s gospel provides one such opportunity to do so. (Photo: FaceMePLS, Creative Commons)
The Good Life: Psalm 111 and Stewardship
Lectionary Refleciton for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, February 1, 2015
In this week’s Psalm we are reminded that our worth, our purpose, and our reason for being are all found not in what we have or who we are but rather in whose we are. The good life begins in total commitment to God. It’s all about stewardship! (Photo: Axel Buhrmann, Creative Commons)
Three Layers of Environmental Preaching
Pastors who may be reluctant to preach on environmental issues can take inspiration from this informative essay, which broadens the conventional notion that environmental preaching always means addressing controversial political issues. Good reading for pastors who want to lead their congregations in new directions, from Eco-Justice Ministries. (Photo © Nelos – Fotolia.com)
Stewarding the Call to Follow Jesus
Third Sunday after Epiphany Year B, January 25, 2015
Is responding to Jesus’ call to discipleship a stewardship issue? Absolutely! Read on to find out how. (Photo: Marina Elena, Creative Commons)
Preaching on Money
Walking into the pulpit to ask our congregation to give while assuming that people do not want to give is a bit like a young man beginning his proposal of marriage with the words “I know you’ll say no, but….â€Â Here are some tips that can help you to ask boldly, from MinistryMatters. (Photo by […]
The Call
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday after Epiphany January 18, 2015
What about your call? When did you fir st hear, or feel, or sense a call to follow Jesus? However and whenever it happened, Jesus reached right across time, space, and eternity to make himself real to you in some form or fashion.to name and claim you as his own. So now what? Read on! (Photo: Moritz Haase, Creative Commons)
Of Fire, Drenching, and New Growth
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for January 11, 2015 Baptism of our Lord I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, […]
Wet & Well Pleased
Lectionary Reflection for the Baptism of Jesus, January 11, 2015
Do we see our baptism as a commissioning, as the point in which we are continually called to dive into the deep waters of mission and ministry ourselves? We walk in Jesus’ wet footprints, to be sure, but each one of us is called, named, claimed, and sent. (Photo: Joe Mabel, Creative Commons)
No Place Like Home
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for January 4, 2014 (Year 1), Second Sunday of Christmas
Home. There’s no place like home, or so the saying goes. This week’s story stretches from the holy family’s flight from home into Egypt to escape King Herod’s vitriol and murderous intent and back again. In a sense we are all refugees, but thankfully God erases the borders we construct, naming and claiming us in baptism. (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)
