Browsing Preach
Stewards of Advent Time: Awake
First Sunday of Advent, Year B, November 30, 2014
It’s Advent again. What’s a Christian to do? We wait, we hope, we sin, we mess up: wash, rinse, repeat. According to Jesus in Mark’s gospel this week, we must remain awake and be fully present and attentive every day. (Photo: Alan Turkus, Creative Commons)
A Mouthful of Divine Words
Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One, Week Ten), November 23, 2014
Jeremiah’s call to speak prophetically to God’s people is a tough one, but God puts the words in his mouth and goes with him. Yes, God equips ordinary people like you and like me to speak. When we do so, we can count on God to be sowing seeds of hope and abundance–even when the situation looks hopeless. (Photo: emdot, Creative Commons)
Team Goat, Team Sheep, and the Strange King of Everything
Christ the King Sunday Year A, November 23, 2014
Is it really a case of “Team Goat” vs. “Team Sheep” and winners and losers of eternal proportions? Maybe Jesus’ point with this story is something quite different. After all, he is the King of Everything! (Photo: Jirka Matousek, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
The Joy of Preaching Stewardship
For veteran preacher Gary Langness, preaching stewardship happens year round, is a joy-filled process, and begins even before the pastor steps foot in the pulpit. In this article from Luther Seminary’s “Story Magazine” he shares some basic principles. (Photo by that.with.the.camera, used by Creative Commons license)
Strange Tools and Enduring Words
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 16, 2014
The success of the church does not depend on our puny efforts, however well-intentioned they may be. God doesn’t need us. We need God, and God responded to that need by sending Jesus into the world to show us a different way of being. Our Lord, instead of pruning hooks and plowshares took the cross to make peace once and for all. (Photo: Amanda Slater, Creative Commons)
Talent Show
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Lectionary Reflection
This week’s parable has me wondering how our churches and individual disciples would fare if we had a “faith and mission†version of Simon Cowell’s “Got Talent” show. How would we be judged on the use of our God-given, Spirit-fed, and Jesus-led talents? (Photo: Wikipedia)
“Discipleship Starter”
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 9, 2014 (Year One)
In this short passage from Micah, God gives us some simple ingredients for the life of discipleship. This faith “starter†takes on a life of its own, multiplying, growing, sweetening, and creatively expanding as we share, learn, and walk together. (Photo: Neil Conroy, Creative Commons)
Being Prepared: Not Just for Bridesmaids and Boy Scouts
Lectionary Reflection for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Yr A
Perhaps the point of this pesky parable is more about trying to remain alert and in the moment—even more than making sure we are prepared, right down to the last ounce of extra oil. Plus, there’s a point or two to be made about stewardship. (Photo: James Emery, Creative Commons)
Whole Life Stewardship Preaching Series
When the economic downturn came, one pastor decided to confront the stewardship issue head-on with a preaching series aimed at helping his members see their lives from the standpoint of God’s abundance — not the world’s. In Preaching Today the pastor shares how he crafted his series and why. (Photo by Ben Husmann, used by […]
A Day for Hope and Rejoicing?
All Saints Sunday, Year A, November 2, 2014
All Saints Sunday is truly a day where the church can shout “Amen,†live in abundant hope, and rejoice prodigally. Such rejoicing is an act of defiance in the face of the powers of death and darkness and an affirmation of our Lord’s promises and teachings. (Photo: Beatrice Murch, Creative Commons)
