Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C
January 31, 2016
What if our congregations really took to heart 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as “the more excellent way” of being the Body of Christ? Imagine the differences we might see and experience! All we need is love–just not the commercialized kind. (Photo: Bryan Brenneman, Creative Commons)
To say Roger Smith was passionate about stewardship is an understatement. For more than 30 years he served the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a predecessor body in the area of stewardship education. After retiring in 2008, Smith served as president of the Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) board, was a financial coach […]
Second Sunday after Epiphany, Year C, January 17, 2016
We may not be in exile ourselves, but we can welcome the refugee and open our arms to the stranger. We may not feel forsaken, but we can hold out our hand to the one who is and offer friendship and support. (Photo: Kelly Short, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Baptism of our Lord, Year C, January 10, 2016
This Sunday’s lessons, combined with recent events, offers preachers and teachers a real opportunity to “wade deeper” into the waters of our baptismal identity. We also have ideas for time with children and youth. (Photo: THX0477, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Christmas, Year C January 3, 2016 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and […]
Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday of Christmas, Year C December 27, 2015 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 This Sunday we’ll be only two days out from celebrating Christmas Day in all its […]
Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C
December 20, 2015
Luke Skywalker graces the silver screen again, but it is Luke’s gospel that brings us a real blockbuster and a countercultural hero in an unlikely Prince of Peace. So sing with Mary and rejoice with Elizabeth because God is once again up to something new. (Photo: JD Hancock, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C, December 13, 2015
This third Sunday of Advent brings us to the turning point, reminding us to remember from whence our help comes, to turn from that which separates us from God, and feast on a heaping helping of hope and joy. (Photo: Dmitry Kichenko, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year C, December 6, 2015
As stewards of God’s abundance we can choose to do a “new” thing, or at least a different thing during the season of Advent. What if we looked at the road ahead, the days that stand between us and Christmas, as a time to let go of something, to share something, to live more simply, to choose to do less and live more? (Photo: BrunoBrunan, Creative Commons)
First Sunday of Advent, Year C, November 29, 2015
This year enter Advent with prayer and thanksgiving. Focus on building relationships rather than credit card debt. Do random acts of kindness and generosity rather than stressing over the perfect Christmas. You’ll be glad you did! (Photo: Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ, Creative Commons)
