THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Jan. 23, 2011
This is a wonderful text with lots of possibilities. What’s the most immediate point that needs to be lifted up in your context? Perhaps it is this one: when Jesus calls, just HOW immediate must one’s answer be? This minute? Today? Tomorrow? Next year?
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Jan. 16, 2011
Evangelism does not have to be costly and complicated. In fact Jesus and John boil it down to two actions expressed by the words “look” and “see.”
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD, YEAR A
God continues to speak in many different ways. We humans continue to have a hard time listening. Why is that? (Photo by ky_olsen used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
2ND SUNDAY IN CHRISTMAS, YEAR A, Jan. 2, 2011
It’s time to stop bewailing what what we lack and start giving thanks for God’s abundance. Why not make 2011 “A Year of Satisfaction” for yourself and for your congregation? Instead of focusing on resolutions concentrate of being satisfied and sharing. (Photo by vectorportal used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
1st SUNDAY IN CHRISTMAS, Year A, Dec. 26, 2010
Christmas Day is almost over and the gospel text for tomorrow reminds us of this broken world’s painful reality. If you are still working on your sermon, perhaps you will find a word here along with an idea for your children’s time. Merry Christmas! (Photo by blacklord used under Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
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!)
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 19, 2010
This week’s gospel text offers an excellent opportunity to connect with the men in the pews. Consider lifting up Joseph as a fine example of counter-cultural discipleship and a strong male role model for today’s men and many challenges they face. (Photo by Rae Whitlock used under Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 12, 2010
Think about it. Here’s John, the bold prophet who pointed to Jesus as the One, who called for repentance and baptized many, and who now sits in Herod’s prison. It must have been lonely, dirty, dank and difficult being imprisoned in first century Judea.
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!)
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!)
