Narrative Lectionary: So Many Tangents, So Little Time (1 Kings 5, 8)

This week’s readings are 1 Kings 5:1-5 and 1 Kings 8:1-13. We’ve skipped over the entire reign of David (which, honestly, is fine by me) and are now reading about the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. Of course, it is not really Solomon’s Temple, it is God’s Temple. Though reading through the full narrative here, from… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: Listening to God (1 Samuel 3)

Well, Narrative Lectionary preaching friends, so much for Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth; we’re jumping right into 1 Samuel! This Sunday is our one chance to talk about the period of the judges before we find ourselves in the monarchy next week. It’s likely that many people in your congregation will be familiar… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: The Story We Can’t Avoid Forever (Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14)

I was so excited to start a new cycle of the Narrative Lectionary last week! I love that the NL focuses in on one passage (compared to the RCL’s four), so there’s no hemming and hawing and spending half of my week just trying to decide which scripture to preach. Or rather, I loved that… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: “One in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29)

Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 Those of us using the Narrative Lectionary get to preach from Galatians yet again this week! With the Revised Common Lectionary, you can always choose the Gospel reading, or the Hebrew Scripture, or even the Psalm when passages like this show up. But with our beloved NL, there’s nowhere else to turn.… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: “Speaking of His Departure” (Luke 9:28-45)

While the story of the Transfiguration is in all three Synoptic Gospels, it is only Luke who tells us what Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about: They “were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem” (v. 31). Moses and Elijah have done hard things—impossible things—for God, and now they… Read More

Wits’ End: Coping in a time of Crisis

Dear Clergy Colleagues, It’s rough out there! Between a worldwide pandemic, the attempted overthrow of democracy in the United States, and the projected beer and Spam shortages, 2021 isn’t looking much better than 2020. In the current reality, our jobs are incredibly difficult—emotionally, spiritually, and practically. So here are some helpful things to keep in… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: When the Bible Gets You in Trouble (Luke 4:14-30)

Reflection Many of the people who raided the United States capitol building last Wednesday were wearing “Jesus” t-shirts and waving Christian flags. And it is pretty obvious those people have listened to a lot of unfaithful preaching and read very little of the actual Bible. We’re in the season of Epiphany now which is when… Read More

Wit’s End: Weekend Edition

With thanks to all of you who have shared your ideas and stories of pastoring during a pandemic. Rev. Joanna Harader serves as pastor of Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, KS. You can read some of her more serious thoughts about Advent on her blog, Spacious Faith. RevGalBlogPals encourages you to share our blog posts… Read More