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Stewards of Advent: Wake, Watch, and Wait!

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Year A, Nov. 28, 2010
Wake up, sleepy Christian! Don’t be lulled into consumer compliance for the holiday season. Be stewards of Advent and celebrate the texts that call us to radical awareness God at work in the world and role in that work. (Photo by Per Ola Wiberg used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Celebrating our Freedom in Christ to be Good Stewards

Lectionary Reflection for Reformation Day, October 31, 2010

Luther had a lot to say about stewardship, so skip the history lesson and practice stewardship “reformation” this week? (Photo: ff137 used by Creative Commons License.)

Are You Kidding Me, Jesus?

Lectionary Reflection, 15th Sunday after Pentecost, September 5, 2010

Hey, Jesus, you really want me to stand up in front of a congregation and preach this text? Are you kidding me? Most people will hear this text with enough law-lensed baggage to stop their ears. As preachers and teachers, we need to lift up the grace and hope that comes with living “cross-wise” in the world.

Proclaiming stewardship: A guide for sermons and temple talks

By the Rev. Dr. Susan K. Hedahl
Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?

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.

So Tell Me, Do You Love Jesus?

In this week’s assigned Gospel reading, Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. Jesus’s responses to Peter’s affirmations tell a lot about the path of discipleship Jesus asks us to walk.

Dawn of the Resurrected Dead

Why think of a 1970s horror film at Easter? We need to take a close look at how we script this story, especially for those who haven’t experienced the radical love and grace of our amazing God.

Can These Bones Live?

Lectionary Reflection: March 3, 2008
The Sunday’s lectionary reading from Ezekiel has special meaning for residents of the Upper Midwest who have been dealing with population decline and other problems.

Proclaiming Stewardship: A Guide for Sermons and Temple Talks

Susan K. Hedahl, professor of homiletics, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, offers tips for sermons and temple talks. “Ask what the stewardship profile of your congregation is — Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?