We have been in an extended Advent since March, yearning for God’s transforming power to come and kick butt, er, sweep through our world. COVID has put us all in a state of exile from our former lives, and we hear Isaiah’s words with extra longing this year. Restoration? Bring it on. Good news? Very… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Year of God’s Favor Edition (Isaiah 61:1-11)
Surely Isaiah is talking about a different year. Because this can’t be “the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God”. Can it? But what would happen if such a year were to break upon us? What would the reaction be if all these things that Isaiah lists were to… Read More
Worship Words for Advent 3: Joy
Some people always have the right words. Worship Words is here in case you are not one of those people. Or maybe just not one of those people this week. We have some contributions from our RGBP community to help. Feel free to use as-is, adapt, or use for inspiration. If you use them in… Read More
RCL: Growing Advent
Here we are at John 1:19-28 at the forerunner, the John the Baptist, the missing figure from the Nativity scene. The one who is preparing the world for Christ. How is he preparing? He is baptizing people. John baptizes people so much, it become a part of his identity. John the Baptizer. Are we preparing… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Advent 3
Who are you? Are you Jesus? Are you the light? Or are you a witness to the light? (John 1:6-8, 19-28) Who are you? Are you the One who is faithful? Are you the One who is blameless? Or are you the one who is grateful? (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24) Who are you? Are you the… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Waiting for Justice
Advent is by far my favorite liturgical season. This time of quiet reflection and expectant waiting, with the multiple meanings that it carries is always a rich one for me personally. The themes of a fertile darkness where things grow and change, the eschatological hope for justice through God’s realm on earth, and all of it… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: From Biting One’s Tongue to Using One’s Voice
Election season is upon us here in the United States, and this year seems to be a bit more contentious. Even throughout the primary season, friends who are usually on the same political side have verbally sparred with us over which party candidate is the best. As the general election looms on the horizon, we… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: A Garland instead of Ashes
When can we dream, if not in this season of Advent? When can we make room in our hearts, in our worship, in our preaching, for the possibility of something wildly and divinely new, if not in Advent? The LORD has sent you to dream of protesters draped in garlands not ashes, of the poor… Read More
"Joy: All Decked Out" — a Monday Extra for Advent
(This Monday Extra is a sermon by ring member Rachel Hackenberg, who blogs at Faith and Water.) Joy! JOY! Joy! Let God whisper it in your soul. Joy. Not happiness, not that moment of elation when things come together or that gleeful feeling like when you’re about to dive into dessert. Not happiness… Joy. Not… Read More
Tuesday Lectionary Leanings- Tradition Edition (December 28)
(Since we have two significant preaching moments in the coming week, there are two posts today, this one for December 28 and another for December 24, which is just below. Blessings to you…) For Sunday, December 28 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40 It is the tradition of the church that on… Read More
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