preaching – Page 2

Enough and Then Some

July 26, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Year B, July 29, 2018
Both the man from Baal-Shalishah and Jesus’ disciples had a difficult time wrapping their heads and hearts around the notion of divine provision and plenty. All they could see were meager gifts and scarcity, Have we learned from their stories? If not, it’s time we changed the narrative for this day and time by sharing stories and learning to look for abundance. (Photo: Jarkko Laine, Creative Commons)

Becoming an Inside Out Community

July 19, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Year B July 22, 2018 Lessons: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34; 53-56 Theme: God’s faithful and generous people continue to be works in progress, becoming a fit dwelling for the Spirit of God. Key Scriptures: So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far […]

Redemption and Reconciliation: Why We’re Here

July 14, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Year B, July 15, 2018
God desires for us to participate in this work of healing, restoring, and blessing all of creation. We are not there yet, but we are on the way as God’s beloved community, the Body of Christ. (Photo: Creative Commons)

The high cost of truth-telling

July 11, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 15, 2018
What is the cost of discipleship? Are you willing to go there? Are you willing to speak out, stand up, and move your feet for justice and love of neighbor? What are you willing to lose? This Sunday’s gospel is a great springboard for discussing discipleship and taking a stand. (Photo: Keith Bacongo, Creative Commons)

Prophets & Stewards Needed

July 4, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 8, 2018
We need to see prophets and prophetic voices as gifts among us as the messengers of God that they are. Even if you don’t feel that God is calling you to be a prophet, you may be called to speak a prophetic word or take action. Are you willing to steward your voice, hands, feet, and heart to do the hard, holy work to which God invites you? (Photo: zeevveez, Creative Commons)

A Perfect Portion

June 28, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, Pentecost 6, Proper 8, Year B, July 1, 2018
Our cups—our lives—will have room and margin if we will trust and respond; in God’s economy there is always enough and then some. So do not be afraid at where you may be called to go, who you might encounter there, and whether you feel equipped for the task. God is your portion. (Photo: Ashley Van Haeften, Creative Commons)

See, Hear, & Love

June 21, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard 2 Comments

Revised Common Lectionary for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7), Year B, June 24, 2018
When you step into the pulpit or lead a group discussion this weekend, take heart. We can do this hard thing, my friends. We can see one another, hear one another, and love one another by the grace of God. Yes, we must speak the truth to power and to one another, we must not allow evil to go unchallenged, but we must do so in love and with compassion and kindness. Only by building relationships can we stand together, only by loving God and neighbor can we live grace-fully. (Photo: Anna Oh, Creative Commons)

Do Not Lose Heart

June 7, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, June 10, 2018
To be good stewards of the faith, we have to draw the margins big enough to include all God’s children–even those with whom we disagree.. As Jesus’ sisters and brothers, we must do God’s will as Jesus illustrates and teaches it. This means we may be called crazy, others may seek to silence us, and we might need to take some difficult stances. (Photo: Quim Gil, Creative Commons)

All in the Family

May 24, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Holy Trinity Sunday, Year B, May 27, 2018
The good news of Holy Trinity Sunday is that we have a highly relational God who desires us to have real life, and have it abundantly. We are, according to Paul, “adopted as God’s children,” no longer slaves destined to be fearful. How much our world needs this message of hope today! Let’s be good stewards and share liberally. (Photo: Larry Koester, Creative Commons)

Holy Chaos!

May 17, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, Pentecost Sunday, Year B, May 20, 2018
We are all works in progress, and the Holy Spirit is constantly at work in, with, through, and in spite of us. The Spirit never leaves us, but she sure can shake things up. Get ready for a little chaos my friends, because God’s Spirit is restless and on the loose, both interceding for us and working to usher in Christ’s reign. (Photo: Jacob Spinks, Creative Commons)