Browsing
Don’t be Puttin’ on Airs!
August 29, 2010, 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Lectionary Reflection
Do folks looking at our congregations from the outside see us putting on airs as 21st century Christians, or do they see an open invitation to full inclusion and participation? This week’s gospel lesson invites us to examine ourselves. Are we up to the task?
Peace, Walls, and Fractured-Faith Forecasting
Lectionary Reflection
August 15, 2010, 12th Sunday after Pentecost
“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” says the narrator in Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall.” Could that “something” be the gospel? We humans build walls that Jesus is in the business of shattering, but there is still pain and cost. How do we preach this text without throwing up additional walls?
“Ready, Set, Go!”
Lectionary Reflection
11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 8, 2010
As Christians, we need not live our lives steeped in fear and anxiety about what may happen. Instead we are called to be ready, to fully invest in faithful discipleship, and to live the good news so that all may see and know the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Thoughts on One Thing and All Things
Lectionary Reflection for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
July 18, 2010
This week’s lessons from Luke’s gospel and Colossians encourage the reader to consider the importance of “the one thing” and “all things.” Not surprisingly both “things” are found in Jesus Christ.
A Minimalist Approach to Ministry?
Lectionary Reflection
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 4, 2010
Is Jesus advocating a minimalist approach to ministry in speaking to his followers in this week’s passage from Luke’s gospel? How does this apply to Christians today?
“What are you doing here, (Insert your name)?”
Lectionary Reflection for June 20, 2010
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Things weren’t going so hot for Elijah, prophet of God. In fact, he was so undone that he asked God to let him die. Instead, God asks a question. How would you answer if God asked you the same question?
The Poor Man’s Lamb (or, how power and injustice make cozy bedfellows)
Lectionary Reflection for June 13, 2010
Third Sunday after Pentecost
This week’s lessons flow with a strong undercurrent that considers the relationship between power and injustice. Fortunately for us, Jesus models a different use of power.
The Many Faces of Mercy
Lectionary Reflection for Sunday, June 6, 2010
Second Sunday after Pentecost Year C
How about taking a slightly different approach to this week’s texts? Consider as the key point that God does provide and mercy has a face–yours.
The Divine Ensemble
LECTIONARY REFLECTION for May 30, 2010
Trinity Sunday, Year C
Finding an image to communicate the mystery of the Holy Trinity is a daunting task, and one that will never yield a perfect result. However, this writer gives it one more stab, borrowing an image from the actor’s toolkit.
What Does this Mean, this whole Pentecost Thing?
Lectionary Reflection for May 23
Ask your average mainline Christian what Pentecost is all about, and you’re likely to hear everything from “I don’t know” to “We all wear red.” Worship leaders, preachers, and Christian educators should give careful thought to this important day.