Christ the King Sunday Year A, November 23, 2014
Is it really a case of “Team Goat” vs. “Team Sheep” and winners and losers of eternal proportions? Maybe Jesus’ point with this story is something quite different. After all, he is the King of Everything! (Photo: Jirka Matousek, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
For veteran preacher Gary Langness, preaching stewardship happens year round, is a joy-filled process, and begins even before the pastor steps foot in the pulpit. In this article from Luther Seminary’s “Story Magazine” he shares some basic principles. (Photo by that.with.the.camera, used by Creative Commons license)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 16, 2014
The success of the church does not depend on our puny efforts, however well-intentioned they may be. God doesn’t need us. We need God, and God responded to that need by sending Jesus into the world to show us a different way of being. Our Lord, instead of pruning hooks and plowshares took the cross to make peace once and for all. (Photo: Amanda Slater, Creative Commons)
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Lectionary Reflection
This week’s parable has me wondering how our churches and individual disciples would fare if we had a “faith and mission” version of Simon Cowell’s “Got Talent” show. How would we be judged on the use of our God-given, Spirit-fed, and Jesus-led talents? (Photo: Wikipedia)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 9, 2014 (Year One)
In this short passage from Micah, God gives us some simple ingredients for the life of discipleship. This faith “starter” takes on a life of its own, multiplying, growing, sweetening, and creatively expanding as we share, learn, and walk together. (Photo: Neil Conroy, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Yr A
Perhaps the point of this pesky parable is more about trying to remain alert and in the moment—even more than making sure we are prepared, right down to the last ounce of extra oil. Plus, there’s a point or two to be made about stewardship. (Photo: James Emery, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 2, 2014 (Year One)
What will it take, I wonder, for us to be pursuaded—as Naaman—to wash in the waters of baptism daily, to die to sin regularly, and to rise to newness of life clean and whole? Can we listen to the voices of the saints who have gone before us and who have lived lives of faith in specific times and contexts? Can we hear and live into the old, old story in a new time? (Photo: J>ro, Creative Commons)
When the economic downturn came, one pastor decided to confront the stewardship issue head-on with a preaching series aimed at helping his members see their lives from the standpoint of God’s abundance — not the world’s. In Preaching Today the pastor shares how he crafted his series and why. (Photo by Ben Husmann, used by […]
All Saints Sunday, Year A, November 2, 2014
All Saints Sunday is truly a day where the church can shout “Amen,” live in abundant hope, and rejoice prodigally. Such rejoicing is an act of defiance in the face of the powers of death and darkness and an affirmation of our Lord’s promises and teachings. (Photo: Beatrice Murch, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for October 26, 2014, Year One
Leadership demands careful listening and practiced discernment. Leadership must be bold, and leaders must walk confidently in their God-given authority. God provides the tools for leadership and the wisdom to lead if we will but follow God faithfully. (Photo: Andy Rennie, Creative Commons)
