Every life a sermon? Something brings people through the doors of our churches, and it probably isn’t our preaching, no matter how stellar. More likely it is the witness of friend and neighbor, a life on fire for the gospel and filled with love. (Photo by Steve Snodgrass used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
“We are beggars; this is true” are among the last words supposedly written by Martin Luther. In this week’s gospel reading we see both sides of the table–insider and outsider–and we play both roles in this life. Photo by Clevergrrl used under Creative Commons license. Thanks!
Lectionary Reflection for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, August 7, 2011
Even prophets get the blues sometimes. Elijah was ready to call it quits, but God comes to him in the silence to give new direction and hope. For us, like Elijah, it’s the listening that’s the hard part. (Photos of Mt. Sinai by Shannon Hobbs used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Lectionary Reflection for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, July 31, 2011
This week’s texts invite us to contemplate both physical and spiritual hunger and our role as Christians in being filled and filling others for the sake of the gospel. Photo by hoyasmeg used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!
Lectionary Reflection for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Put on your literary hat and dive right in the midst of five parables that enable us to see what the kingdom of heaven is like and how we are a part of it. Photo by odysseus-thevoyager used under Creative Commons License. Thanks.
5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, July 17, 2011
If the parable of the wheat and tares makes you squirm, you are not alone. Read on for one pastor’s approach to the text, along with ideas for youth, children, and visuals.
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!)
This week’s texts are both tough and meaty. Trust, obedience, or hospitality…what’s a preacher to choose? This may be one Sunday when a combo platter is in order for your sermon selection.
Even with our technological advances, community is still needed and of great value. On Holy Trinity Sunday, why not consider how our Triune God models life together? (Photo by jdbradley used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Pentecost, Year A, June 12, 2011
Does Pentecost rank in its proper place among the “big three” Christian festivals in your context? If not, maybe it’s time to rethink the approach to this important day. (Photo by andycoan used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
