Lectionary Reflection, 16th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A.
Is a gift really a gift if it comes with strings attached, such as restrictions on how it can be used? Unfortunately, that’s the way many churches receive contributions in our North American context. Where does this come from, and how can we confront it? (Photo by Stewardship–Transforming Generosity, used by Creative Commons license)
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday, September 14, 2014 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Forgiveness as a Mark of Christian Community Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘ Not seven times, […]
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday, September 7, 2014
Whether you’re looking at love and reconciliation with the RCL lessons or God’s covenant with Noah and all creation, we have sermon starters, worship ideas, and suggestions for time with youth and children. Beginning this week, we’ll be looking at both the Revised Common and Narrative Lectionaries. (Photo: Marcelino Repayla Jr., Creative Commons)
12th Sunday after Pentecost Year A, August 31, 2014
We are called into a way of life that runs counter to everything the world tells us is worth having and doing and being. We are invited into community, splashed with water and word, filled with Spirit breath, and gifted to give and give and give some more. And that life is good–very, very good. (Photo by Leland Francisco, used by Creative Commons license)
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year A, August 24, 2014
Want to know how to prevent an identity crisis? Take a cue from Peter in this week’s gospel lesson. This lesson applies to 21st century followers of Jesus, too! (Photo: David Goehring, Creative Commons)
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 17, 2014
Chances are that this week folks in your faith community will be reeling and/or numb from world events. Add to that the usual list of prayer needs and human brokenness and pain. So hand out this crumby gospel, these crumbs of abundant love, grace, and salvation, and don’t be stingy.(Photo: Simon James, Creative Commons)
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, August 10, 2014
Going through chaos into unknown and/or hostile territory makes for some fine drama, unless of course you are the one who is experiencing it. In this week’s gospel reading, Jesus sends the disciples into life’s storms, and they fail to recognize him. How might we be like those early followers? (Photo: Binny V A, Creative Commons)
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, August 3, 2014
There is so much more than mere money to God’s abundance; in fact, by honoring all aspects of God’s abundance and desire for us to live life to its fullest, we are equipped to better understand how to weave our understanding and right use of financial resources into our daily living. (Photo: Amy Gaertner, Creative Commons)
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Year A July 27, 2014 Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matthew […]
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)
