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Aflame
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, August 18, 2013
Do these lessons leave you burning with the passion of the gospel or afraid of being burned? One thing’s for certain, these are tough texts for today’s times. Read on for ideas for preaching, worship, and time with children and youth. (Photo: Matthew Venn)
From Fear to Faith to Freedom
12th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection August 11, 2013 Do not be afraid little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 Want to appreciate the scale of the universe? Take a blanket outside to a place beyond the lights of town or farmyard, make sure it is […]
So It Is
11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 4, 2013
Instead of preaching about greed, how about lifting the abundant life of interdependence and joy that Jesus teaches? Turn this lesson around and celebrate living life with focus, clarity, and purpose–in the moment–with God at the heart of everything. (Photo: Lori Bee, Creative Commons)
Wise Words for Consternated Christians
Lectionary Reflection for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, July 28, 2013
Today’s lessons offer wisdom for those too timid or troubled or tired of praying. Jesus tells us to ask, and Paul reminds us that we have received. How can we help equip our communities to be confident in prayer, deepening the roots of faith, and bearing fruit abundantly? Read on! (Photo: Leland Francisco, Creative Commons)
The One Thing in the Midst of Many
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, July 21, 2013
Just how distracted are you? This week’s gospel lesson reminds us to be more mindful of what really matters. Read on…and focus on the one thing. (Photo by Ally Mauro, used by Creative Commons License)
The Messy Work of Neighboring
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
July 14, 2013
Loving your neighbor can be messy business, but it’s what Jesus calls us to do. How will you send the community out to “go and do likewise”? (Photo: Frame It Photography)
“Created to Give, Tempted to Keep”
Adam Hamilton, pastor and author, reflects on how we are hardwired by God to be generous but fall prey to the voices of fear and self-gratification. Click here for more. Click here to learn about Hamilton’s book Enough. (Photo: Liz West, Creative Commons)
Beyond the Blind Spot
Stewardship program in a slump? Congregational enthusiasm flagging? Leaders feeling tired and battle-weary? If so, click here to read C. Otto Scharmer’s article on uncovering the blind spot(s) in leadership. While not aimed at faith communities, the principles are readily applied to congregational settings. (Photo: Nimish Gogri, Creative Commons)
The Abundant Joy of Inter-dependence
Lectionary Reflection for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 7, 2013
This is a Sunday to celebrate all the good things God has done, including knitting together the Body of Christ in an interdependent way that enables us to do far more than we could ever do alone. (Photo: )
Now!
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C, June 30,2013
How often do we take a ministry or mission project or initiative through committee and council, only to have it stalled or tabled for further discussion? How often have you heard the words “We tried that 10 years ago, and it didn’t work then.†The world needs good news, and it needs it now! This week challenge one another to put aside any “buts” and get moving in mission and ministry. (Photo: bertknot, Creative Commons )
