FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Year A, Nov. 28, 2010
Wake up, sleepy Christian! Don’t be lulled into consumer compliance for the holiday season. Be stewards of Advent and celebrate the texts that call us to radical awareness God at work in the world and role in that work. (Photo by Per Ola Wiberg used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, Year A, Nov. 14, 2010
Just because we live in the “meantime” does not mean we Christians have to let the mean times of this world wear us down. Don’t let the hater be hating on you.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, October 24, 2010
This Sunday’s gospel passage from Luke reminds us that although we might like to see the world in clear cut opposites of black and white, life is really lived in the gray areas. Pharisee and tax collector, saint and sinner…yep, that’s us. (Photo by Flickr used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Oct. 17, 2010
Why should persistence matter to our parishioners, congregations, and denominations? Can’t we just find some quick fix or program to address all of our woes and concerns? Read on to find out why this often overlooked trait needs to be reclaimed. (Photo by Larry Page used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
When Pastor Jim Ortberg, editor-at-large of Leadership Journal, went on a seven-week sabbatical, he got a lot more than just some rest and relaxation. He learned a lesson on how to live. His advice speaks to all pastors and people of God. (Photo “Reflections in a Coffee Cup” by Gunjan Karun used by Creative Commons […]
Lectionary Reflection, 18th Sunday after Pentecost, September 26, 2010
Does money equate to happiness? According to the results of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the answer is yes…to a point. The Christian, however, may want approach this equation from a somewhat different perspective. (Photo by Aart van Bezooyen used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
17th Sunday after Pentecost, September 19, 2010
Lectionary Reflection
Don’t let this Sunday’s texts pass by as casually as another retail transaction. We have an opportunity to open conversation and talk about how careful stewardship may affect all of God’s children in real and meaningful ways.
‘IT’S PERSONAL’ Blog Catching her breath at the treadmill next to me, the woman in the pink tee shirt asked how long before she would see “results.” It was her first workout, she explained, and she was excited. Like a lot of people who come to the fitness room at the local YWCA, she was […]
Lectionary Reflection, 15th Sunday after Pentecost, September 5, 2010
Hey, Jesus, you really want me to stand up in front of a congregation and preach this text? Are you kidding me? Most people will hear this text with enough law-lensed baggage to stop their ears. As preachers and teachers, we need to lift up the grace and hope that comes with living “cross-wise” in the world.
‘IT’S PERSONAL’ Blog For about four long weeks, during the hottest part of a hot summer, rain avoided Adams County in south-central Pennsylvania, where I live. The broiling sun toasted our lawns brown and turned the blades of grass brittle and spiky. The lush green of the trees dulled and the branches and stems drooped. […]
