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)
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)
Reformation Day Lectionary Reflection, October 26, 2014
If nothing else, this Sunday should be a day to be unbound from fear of the future and to celebrate freedom in Christ and God’s steadfastness across the ages. Remembering can give us fuel and freedom to face the future. (Photo: Col Ford, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for October 19, 2014 (Year One)
This week’s lesson is a tough one. Here are some ideas for how to broaden the context from David’s specific sin to the various corporate sins and injustices of our own age and context. (Photo: Shawn Semmler, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Yr. A, October 19, 2014
This week’s lessons provide another opportunity to consider stewardship as being reframed and reformed by God. After all, as Jesus makes clear in the gospel lesson, eveything belongs to God anyway. (Photo: Al King, Creative Commons)
“The State of Church Giving through 2012: What are Christian Seminaries and Intellectuals Thinking – or Are They?” issued by Empty Tomb, an Illinois-based nonprofit that tracks church giving, suggests a different kind of pastor is needed to address giving in an age of affluence. Despite increased stewardship education in seminaries, the situation is complex and requires […]
Caring for one another is at once incredibly simple and achingly tiring, yet stewardship of our relationships is an integral component of any faith community. Sometimes, according to author Courtney E. Martin, we need more doing than thinking, more “bossiness” than niceties. Read her essay posted on the On Being with Krista Tippett website. (Photo: DFID, Creative Commons)
Without deliberately cultivating contentment, it’s tough to successfully steward and appreciate God’s abundance all around us. Check out this article from Relevant Magazine that offers five simple practices leading to greater contentment. (Photo: Rachel Sarai, Creative Commons)
