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Time for a Clean Sweep
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2011 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1 Advent is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.  — Thomas Merton My theory about major house cleaning works like this: if […]
Advent: A Time for Re-Forming
Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday in Advent, Year B
November 27, 2011
This Sunday’s lessons offer many options for fresh approaches to Advent. Now is the time to invite people into a spiritual season of re-formation, contemplation, readiness, and action. (Photo by BLW Photography used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Congregational Discernment and Stewardship
The spiritual practice of discernment may be a useful tool for congregations when it comes to matters of stewardship of money. Check out this article by spiritual director Teresa Blythe on the Patheos website. (Photo by hickory hardscrabble used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
The Mathematics of Manumission = Freedom in Forgiveness
Who benefits from forgiveness—the one forgiven or the one who forgives? Considering this question leads to some important answers, strange mathematics, and hard work. Are you ready? (Photo by FeatheredTar used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Rescue Me
At the end of your rope? In need of rescue? Don’t rely on a styrofoam ring or Life Saver candy; reach out to the One who offers real hope and lasting rescue. (Photo by Amanda Munoz used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
After the Parade
Passion/Palm Sunday, Year A, April 17, 2011
Everybody loves a parade, right? Ever wonder who picks up all the trash when the last marcher is long gone? This week Christians are reminded that Jesus picks up the refuse and sins we leave scattered in our wake. He is with us for hurrahs and heartaches, parades and pain. (Photo by Dave Bezaire & Susi Havens-Bezaire used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Love, Limbo, and How Low Must We Go?
2nd Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 20, 2011
This week’s gospel contains perhaps the most “famous” verse in scripture AND its often overlooked counterpart. Just what are the limits of God’s love for the world? How do we measure and define them? Surely such love transcends the limits of limbo and human frailty! (Photo by Gil Megidish used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Two Questions — Two Incredible Answers
The Rev. George Haynes
Are we allowed to do with our possessions what we want? And what belongs to us, and what belongs to God, anyway? When you look at the biblical witness, the answers are astounding.
Stewardship Vision
James Murdoch examines through a theological lens what it means to be a faithful disciple of Christ and a good steward and challenges other Christians to do the same. Peruse the full text of his e-book Stewardship: A Way of Life for People and Churches at no cost or download for Christian education or church leadership retreats. (Photo by Alicia-Lee-07 used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Our Charge: To Do God’s Work
By Lt. Col. David Penman
Any statement on stewardship must be kept in the context of who and whose we are. We are charged with taking care of things until Jesus comes again. But this is certainly not a passive supervision of God’s creation. We are all charged with doing his work.