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candle 03.07.11

Let us go now to Bethlehem!

CHRISTMAS EVE, Year A, Dec. 24, 2010
Our job is to go to Bethlehem right here, right now, in whatever context we live and serve and tell the story of the Messiah’s birth. To do so, however, we first must plumb the depths of our own heart and allow Luke’s story to fill us with wonder and hope and awe, just like those first century shepherds. (Photo by allegri used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

candles 10.29.10

Here, There, and Everywhere

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!)

candle 11.23.10

Stewards of Advent: Wake, Watch, and Wait!

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!)

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Thanksgiving Resources

SermonCentral has a trove of sermons, illustrations and worship resources to help make your congregation’s observance of Thanksgiving a meaningful experience. Gratitude, after all, is the root of happiness, generosity and faith.

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Celebrating our Freedom in Christ to be Good Stewards

Lectionary Reflection for Reformation Day, October 31, 2010

Luther had a lot to say about stewardship, so skip the history lesson and practice stewardship “reformation” this week? (Photo: ff137 used by Creative Commons License.)

Luther Preaching

Stewardship Sermons

Here’s a compilation of stewardship sermons guaranteed to get your own creative preaching juices flowing. They’re listed by text and title. They are part of Rev. Edward Markquart’s  excellent “Sermons from Seattle.”

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Are You Kidding Me, Jesus?

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.

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Creation Care Sermons

Bookmark this page, for sure, for whenever you need a little inspiration on preaching about environmental issues. This  wonderful assortment of sermons is guaranteed to get those creative sermon juices flowing. From Creation Care.  (Photo by Fallonyates, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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22 Stewardship Preaching Tips

OK, pastor, you’ve been meaning to stress stewardship from the pulpit more this year. Here’s a simple set of tips you can keep on your desk for handy reference when you’re preparing the next sermon.   From the Niagara Diocese, Anglican Church of Canada.  (Photo by Chefranden, used under Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

Pulpit

Three Levels of Environmental Preaching

Preachers who wish to address creation care from the pulpit may benefit from this article, which outlines three basic approaches for preaching on the environment. From Eco-Justice Ministries. (Photo by Jordon Cooper, used under a Creative Commons license.)