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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)

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 )

Many are the Demons

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Reflection, June 23, 2013
What similarities do we share with the demoniac of this week’s gospel lesson? How are we like the citizens of that town? Do we ever resist healing? Read on for more thoughts about this week’s lessons. (Photo: Nina Matthews Photography, Creative Commons)

Big Love

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 11)
June 16, 2013
This week’s gospel lesson about the woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears raises a good question. Can we allow ourselves to be broken in order to be healed, to believe that in our pouring out we will be gathered into the Body of Christ and by our faith be set free? (Photo: © rolffimages – Fotolia.com)

I Get Knocked Down…

Time after Pentecost Lectionary 10 Reflection, June 9, 2013
A lot of really good stuff is happening in today’s lessons. From dis-ease and death to hope and healing, we have reason to rejoice and sing. We may get knocked down by life, but God will lift us up again. Scroll down for worship ideas and suggestions for time with children and youth. Photo: © raywoo – Fotolia.com

Sufficient

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, June 2, 2013
We can learn a lot from Jesus’ encounter with the Roman centurion. Yes, this is a story about healing, but it is also a stewardship opportunity. We are sufficient in Christ, and in the Body of Christ we live lives of abundant sufficiency. Read on for ideas for preaching, worship, and time with children and youth. (Photo: © 2jenn – Fotolia.com)