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Light

From Wrath to Worth

Lectionary Reflection for the 4th Sunday in Lent March 18, 2012 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus… Read more»

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Holy Collision!

Lectionary Reflection for the Baptism of our Lord
January 8, 2012
Mark’s gospel propels us like carnival bumper cars into a holy collision of water, Word, and Spirit. Are you ready? This is no Sunday for “nicey-nice” tame imagery in the presence of the Creator who brought life from chaos and salvation from sin. (Photo by Paul Holloway used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Lectionary Reflection for Christmas Eve 2011
How can we share the gift that keeps on giving in a way that honors the timelessness of the message but allows us to see, hear, and embody that message in a fresh way?

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Have a ‘Harvest Thanksgiving’ service

Fall is when we celebrate the harvest, so why not hold a special service of thanks for all God’s gifts? You can get lots of ideas just by typing “harvest liturgy” into your favorite search engine, but click above for one to get started. Here is another. (Photo by DrBacchus, used by Creative Commons License.… Read more»

  • September 28
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worship canceled

No power for worship?

‘It’s Personal’ Blog
When Hurricane Irene knocked out power on a Sunday morning we had to cancel worship. But is the electric company the real source of our power for worship? Of course not, but many churches hold services even though they seem “off the grid” of the Holy Spirit. (Rob Blezard photo.)

Plant

Rogation: Celebration of seedtime

Rogation is the Eastertide celebration of the fields and orchards during planting time. Why not use it as a way to honor the earth at Springtime? It’s traditionally held the sixth week of Easter, but anytime’s appropriate to honor the processes of life. Here is a Rogation Service you can adapt for your own context:… Read more»

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Let’s Start the Party and Show a Little Joy!

Lectionary Reflection
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 12, 2010

Isn’t it time we quit our mumbling and grumbling and let joy be the defining mark of our discipleship and gratitude for being sought and found by God?

  • September 11
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hard hat

Preach Labor Issues from the Pulpits

In the richest country in the world, more than 2 million full-time, year-round workers live below the poverty line, struggling to pay for necessities.  Interfaith Worker Justice suggests you join other churches in focusing Labor Day weekend services on the injustices facing low-wage workers. (Photo by Rob Shenk under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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How to Avoid Boring Worship

‘IT’S PERSONAL’ BLOG

In an age of scintillating entertainment available 24/seven in smaller and ever-more-accessible gadgets, you can understand why worship seems boring to some. While worship can be fun, inspiring and enjoyable, its entertainment value is really beside the point.

NAUMF

Theology of a Steward 101

Visit the stewardship pages of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation website for an excellent discussion of the foundational relationship between faith and giving.  You’ll also find quotes, best practices, sermon starters, educational resources, and much more. Click here to access the resources of the NAUMF.