If you’ve ever undertaken a church renovation or home restoration project, you understand a thing or two about what it means to be “in process.” Dwellings need continual upkeep and maintenance to remain sound and functional. So do organisms and organizations. The Body of Christ is no exception to the rule. (Photo by Jeremy Levine, used by Creative Commons license)
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A
How are we respond to the creative word and redeeming purpose of God? The answer is a simple one. We, the created and beloved, are to praise God and offer our thanks. We are to use our humble gifts of human voice, word, and action in joyous and grateful response to God’s amazing “Word” of grace, love, and mercy. (Photo: John Morgan, Creative Commons)
Business author Bill Treasurer says “Effective leadership isn’t about having power over people, it’s about doing good for people.” Steward leaders can take good lessons from Treasurer’s new book, entitled “Leaders Open Doors.” (Photo: William Murphy, Creative Commons
Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, June 6, 2014
Can you hear the whisper of Jesus calling you to wholeness, to healing, to a new way of being? In the wearying wake of the world’s vain promises and competing claims, Jesus offers fresh hope, a light load, and real rest. These are words so many of us need to hear afresh. How will you share this good news? (Photo: wild, Creative Commons)
From Cool Harvest, a program of Interfaith Power and Light, comes a handy downloadable PDF booklet entitled “Thanking God with Integrity: Volume II Table Grace in a World Struggling with Climate Change.” No matter your stance on this issue, you’ll find this booklet well worth reading and sharing. (Photo: Shannon Patrick 17, Creative Commons)
Third Week after Pentecost, Year A, June 29, 2014
This week’s lessons offer wonderful possibilities to talk about stewardship of time, resources, relationships, and faith. Ample opportunities to address hospitality and welcome are at hand, as well. Check out our ideas for worship and for time with children and youth, too! (Photo: Intel Free Press, Creative Commons)
Third Sunday after Pentecost Year A Lectionary Reflection
June 22, 2014
Here’s the deal: this week’s lessons are not easy ones, but they contain tough words that we need to hear, ponder, and to which we must respond. Discipleship is not an easy lifestyle, but the rewards are everlasting and the promises are true. Speak the truth in love this week. (Photo: Jonny Hughes, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for Holy Trinity Sunday, Year A, June 15, 2014
Instead of pondering the essence of the Trinity this Sunday, why not celebrate Jesus’ call for us to live out the full expression of God’s mercy, grace, and love in the practice of making disciples? It’s a tall order, but we are not called to go it alone. We do it together, and we do it with God. (Photo: Frank Ates)
Lectionary Reflection for the Day of Pentecost, Year A June 8, 2014 When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1-2 Go ahead! […]
Seventh Sunday of Easter Year A, June 1, 2014
As we leave Easter for the long, green season of ordinary time, may we never forget that relationship with God is anything but ordinary. May we also never forget that prayer is powerful and in it we enter into conversation with our Lord, into the very presence of the Divine. (Photo: Bill McChesney, Creative Commons)
