preaching – Page 37

The Many Faces of Mercy

May 30, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard

Lectionary Reflection for Sunday, June 6, 2010
Second Sunday after Pentecost Year C
How about taking a slightly different approach to this week’s texts? Consider as the key point that God does provide and mercy has a face–yours.

The Divine Ensemble

May 24, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard

LECTIONARY REFLECTION for May 30, 2010
Trinity Sunday, Year C

Finding an image to communicate the mystery of the Holy Trinity is a daunting task, and one that will never yield a perfect result. However, this writer gives it one more stab, borrowing an image from the actor’s toolkit.

Proclaiming stewardship: A guide for sermons and temple talks

May 21, 2010 By the Rev. Susan K. Hedahl

By the Rev. Dr. Susan K. Hedahl
Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?

What Does this Mean, this whole Pentecost Thing?

May 18, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard

Lectionary Reflection for May 23

Ask your average mainline Christian what Pentecost is all about, and you’re likely to hear everything from “I don’t know” to “We all wear red.” Worship leaders, preachers, and Christian educators should give careful thought to this important day.

So Tell Me, Do You Love Jesus?

April 13, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard

In this week’s assigned Gospel reading, Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. Jesus’s responses to Peter’s affirmations tell a lot about the path of discipleship Jesus asks us to walk.

Concerning Fear, Doubt and Belief

April 5, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard

Christianity loses much whenever we who claim Christ are afraid to live in the tension of those details concerning our faith that remain in painted in broad strokes of varying shades of gray. I hear my Lord saying that it is okay not to have all the answers.

A ReNEWed Creation

March 15, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard

Even though we’re still very much a consumer culture, nowadays it’s cool to recycle, reuse and re-value stuff others might throw away. Jesus did that with people. Jesus saw worth in everyone. He knew the truth that God created everything good. Of course quite predictably, he encountered resistance from members of polite society.

Wish!

October 18, 2009 By Sharron R. Blezard

20th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, October 18,2009
As stewards of the gospel we are called to drink from Jesus’ cup and walk wet in the waters of his baptism. Those who put this cup to their lips will know suffering; their eyes will be opened to see the world through Jesus’ eyes. Do we dare wish this? (Photo by LifeSuperCharger. Thanks!)

Proclaiming Stewardship: A Guide for Sermons and Temple Talks

September 1, 1995 By The Rev. Dr. Susan K. Hedahl

Susan K. Hedahl, professor of homiletics, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, offers tips for sermons and temple talks. “Ask what the stewardship profile of your congregation is — Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?