Browsing Preach
Choice
Last week’s gospel lesson (Mark 6:14-29) has had me thinking about choices and consequences. John the Baptist made the hard choice to be a truth teller and lost his head because of it. Herod Antipas made a silly promise at a dinner party and ended up having to deliver the head of John the Baptist […]
Take Good Care of You!
Lectionary Reflection for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
July 22, 2012
Jesus encouraged his disciples to rest and care for themselves so that they could better care for others. How are we as individuals, leaders, and congregations encouraging good self-care stewardship practices? Read on for more information! (Photo by HaPe_Gera used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
At What Cost?
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection July 15, 2012 And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer. ” — Mark 6:23-24 Everything has […]
Real Strength
Lectionary Reflection for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 8, 2012
In a world and cultural milieu where the church faces increasing challenges, these lessons offer both encouragement and a wake-up call for all who would be disciples. Christians have a different idea about what constitutes strength. (Photo by bHope34 used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
The Giving Community
Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
July 1, 2012
This week’s epistle lesson offers an excellent chance to talk about stewardship and generosity. Read on for ideas for preaching and teaching, worship, and time with youth and children.
The Toughest Topic: Talking About Money
Clergy are often reluctant to raise the subject of money. They know it is a sensitive area and people might get upset. Good church members are hard to find. Why risk losing them by raising a provocative topic? And clergy are sensitive to the reputation of the church in many quarters that “the church is only after our money.†But there are smart ways to raise the issue. (Photo © Carlos Santa Maria – Fotolia.com)
Wide Open Faith
Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 24, 2012
How does a wide open faith and heart help us to deal with life’s storms? Even when we don’t realize it, God is riding the waves with us, bringing us through the chaos into safe, grace-full harbors. (Photo by NASA used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Growing Season
Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 17, 2012
Do you feel more like a tiny seed or a giant cedar tree? Wonder how anything can possibly grow from your paltry faith, your singular action, or your tiny congregation? The lessons this week have a hopeful word for you, so do read on. (Photo by jakeliefer used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Stewardship Bible Studies: Best of the Old Testament
Today’s sermon is a Bible study. You have brought your Bibles today and we are going to study them to see what the Bible has to say about stewardship. We are people of the Word. The Word is our spiritual guide for so many of our beliefs and values. We consistently look to the Word for guidance.
One Big Hopeful Family
Second Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection
June 10, 2012
Jesus’ notion of family is a wide circle of inclusion. How is our Lord’s definition of family reflected in your community of faith? (Photo by dsearls used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
