THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Jan. 23, 2011
This is a wonderful text with lots of possibilities. What’s the most immediate point that needs to be lifted up in your context? Perhaps it is this one: when Jesus calls, just HOW immediate must one’s answer be? This minute? Today? Tomorrow? Next year?
To a present culture of materialism, selfishness, and consumerism, we are called to model in our own lives and teach others Christian financial stewardship. Each of us clergy and lay leaders can be trained in our discipling to not only make good stewards of our people, but also to talk the language of fund raising and do so with the conviction that it is an important part of our Christian ministry. (Photo by Fallonyates, used by Creative Commons license.)
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Jan. 16, 2011
Evangelism does not have to be costly and complicated. In fact Jesus and John boil it down to two actions expressed by the words “look” and “see.”
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD, YEAR A
God continues to speak in many different ways. We humans continue to have a hard time listening. Why is that? (Photo by ky_olsen used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
2ND SUNDAY IN CHRISTMAS, YEAR A, Jan. 2, 2011
It’s time to stop bewailing what what we lack and start giving thanks for God’s abundance. Why not make 2011 “A Year of Satisfaction” for yourself and for your congregation? Instead of focusing on resolutions concentrate of being satisfied and sharing. (Photo by vectorportal used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 19, 2010
This week’s gospel text offers an excellent opportunity to connect with the men in the pews. Consider lifting up Joseph as a fine example of counter-cultural discipleship and a strong male role model for today’s men and many challenges they face. (Photo by Rae Whitlock used under Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 12, 2010
Think about it. Here’s John, the bold prophet who pointed to Jesus as the One, who called for repentance and baptized many, and who now sits in Herod’s prison. It must have been lonely, dirty, dank and difficult being imprisoned in first century Judea.
I have tithed for many decades, and it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Although there were always places that the money could go, I never felt that I did not have enough for me and my family. I also felt the need to tell others of my tithing experience. Why am I a tither?
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!)
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 5, 2010
This week John calls us to repent, to turn, to do something new. God is on the loose in the world–here, there, and everywhere. Maybe we should get serious about looking for that kingdom of heaven come near. (Photo by Per Ola Wiberg, used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
