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What do you Lack?

20th Sunday after Pentecost, October 14, 2012
Lectionary Reflection
What possessions, what “stuff,” and what intangibles are keeping you from following Jesus’ instructions for discipleship? This is another hard teaching, but it is one that comes with a promise. Photo: © dimdimich – Fotolia.com

It’s Complicated

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost October 7, 2012 What are mere mortals that you should be mindful of them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalm 8:4 Life is messy. It’s rarely as orderly, prettified, and sensible as we delude ourselves into thinking it is. The creation is both beautiful and broken, or as […]

Rx for Broken Lives and Faltering Faith

As the most obese or overweight people on the planet, Americans know we need to do something about our poor health. Fortunately, the medical community is responding with remedies, both complex and commonsense. But is our spiritual health much better? Fortunately, the Bible tells us clearly how to get into good spiritual shape!

  • September 26
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The Gratitude Attitude

Lectionary Reflection, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
September 16, 2012
This week’s psalm offers the perfect opportunity to talk about living with an attitude of gratitude–a necessary precursor to effective stewardship. (Photo by barbicane used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

  • September 12
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The One Hundred Percent

Lectionary Reflection for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 9, 2012 My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? James 2:1 Have you heard about the one percent or their financial opposites the ninety-nine percent? Chances are unless you’ve been living beneath a rock, […]

We are What We Eat

Lectionary Reflection for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 19, 2012

If it’s true that we are what we eat, we who claim to be Christ’s disciples better whet our appetites and feast on Jesus. Why? So that the divine presence and promise infuses our very pores like garlic, and so that we can share this everlasting meal with others.

Participatory Faith

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, August 12, 2012

What are you doing in your worshiping community to foster a participatory, joyous, and experiential faith? This week’s lessons offer some encouragement, ideas, and an opportunity to address the issue. (Photo by Charles Atkeison used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Cultivating Spiritual Growth

Lectionary Reflection for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 5, 2012
How’s the work of cultivating disciples going in your community of faith? Paul has some good words for spiritual gardeners in this week’s epistle lesson, and the gospel reminds us the master gardener’s mentoring that sustains us. (Photo by hans s used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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!)

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!)