Browsing
A Case of ‘Teacher’s Tongue’
16th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year B, September 13, 2015
God has given us voices to be used in service of the good news of Jesus. One question this week’s lessons may invite is how are we using our “teacher’s tongue” to make a difference? A lot of words fill the air all around us, and not all of them are nice. Yes, a lot of responsibility comes with being given the “tongue of a teacher.†(Photo: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Creative Commons)
Go in Peace—and then do something!
15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Lectionary Reflection
September 6, 2015
Luther may have called the book of James an “epistle of straw,” but this week’s lessons complement each other, compelling us to action after having been “opened” to the amazing grace of Jesus. (Photo: Daniel Holt, Creative Commons)
Let’s Hear it for Dirty Disciples!
14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B Lectionary Reflection
August 30, 2015
Sometimes disciples have to get their hands dirty to do God’s work, and that may not always be the popular choice. Today’s lessons lift up the importance of seeing beyond a little surface dirt to the work of ministry and the love of neighbor. (Photo: St0rmz, Creative Commons)
A Tough Teaching
Lectionary Reflection for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 23, 2015
Yes, this is a difficult teaching, but is there really anything else worth learning? We’re at the end of the “Bread of Life” series of lessons in the Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary, complete with Peter’s confession. The key is how to make it our confession today. (Photo: Fotolia)
Hungry Hungry Humans and the Bread of Life
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Year B Lectionary Reflection, August 16, 2015
If you’re ever played the game “Hungry Hungry Hippos” you may have a good image for this Sunday’s gospel reading. Curious? Read on! You can even find out how to make a “Hungry Hungry Human Game.” (Photo: Chris, Creative Commons)
Less Fuss, More Feasting
Lectionary Reflection for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 9, 2015
It’s oh so easy to focus on the negatives in life and in our congregations. Jesus instructs us to choose another way, to feast on the Bread of Life and follow his lead. (Photo:Just Cook NYC, Creative Commons License)
Non-Perishable Discipleship
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 2, 2015
Hungry people and perishing food do not make for a pleasing combination or happy picture, especially in light of this week’s gospel lesson (John 6:24-35) where we feast on the image of Jesus as the bread of life, as food that does not perish. There’s a stewardship connection here it would seem. (Photo US Department of Agriculture, Creative Commons)
A Simple Lesson in Stewardship
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 26, 2015
What do bread and stewardship have to do with each other? Check out this week’s lectionary reflection for our thoughts. You’ll also find ideas for worship and for time with youth and children. (Photo: Steve Cadman, ,Creative Commons)
Peace and More Peace
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 19, 2015
This is a good Sunday to preach and teach about peace–both peace found in our unity in Christ and peace that Christ commands us to seek in rest and time apart. Whichever route you take, we all need a little more peace in our lives. That’s one thing upon which we can all find common ground. (Photo: bana gurl, Creative Commons)
The High Cost of Truth-Telling
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
July 12, 2015
What is the cost of discipleship? Are you willing to go there? Are you willing to speak out, stand up, and move your feet for justice and love of neighbor? What are you willing to lose? This Sunday’s gospel is a great springboard for discussing discipleship and taking a stand. Blessings on your preaching and teaching, bold colleagues. (Photo: Keith Bacongo, Creative Commons)
