Matthew 26 19-20 is the end of the beginning. It closes the gospel, like every good sermon, with what to do next. Go & Make: This command is given in such a way that it can be read wrong (and often has been). We have the authority of God not to “make” disciples by force–and… Read More
RCL: Choose Your Own Adventure Holy Spirit Style
In many ways this Eastertide seemed endless with physical distancing and all church activities online in one way or another. Yet, here we are at Pentecost. As we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church, we need to be a bit creative this year. Flash paper, red balloons, and other… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Is This The Time?
Whether you’re celebrating the Ascension of the Lord or the Seventh Sunday of Easter this week, you’ll be hearing a timely question from the disciples: Lord, is this the time? (Acts 1:6) Is this the time we can meet in person again? Is this the time to resume congregational singing? Is this the time we can… Read More
RCL: Love, Orphans, Comfort
This post might as well begin with a true confession: I’ve had a conflict-laden relationship with gospel according to John, and the long passage known as the “Farewell Discourse” of Jesus (chapters 14 through 17) hasn’t helped much. I made an uneasy peace years back, and my affection for the outlier of the four gospels… Read More
RCL: Living Stones
“Do not let your hearts be troubled” Jesus says, like it’s easy. Jesus covers a lot of ground in John 14:1-14. Jesus is here trying to set our poor human hearts at ease. Telling us that we do not need to fear, because not only is there enough room in heaven for everyone, but… Read More
RCL: Green Pasture, Quiet waters, and Abundant Love
When I was a psychiatric chaplain one of my favorite groups to lead with patients was on assessing the shape we are in. I would put multiple colors of Model Magic on the table and ask people to choose a color based on their current feelings. Then I would ask them to create a shape… Read More
RCL: The Road Home
The gospel of Luke continues the story of Easter Sunday with a resurrection appearance unique to this gospel. Following the events of early morning that first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples decide to go home. I wonder why? Is it just because this was their plan all along—to go home after the… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Safer at Home?
It was the evening of Easter. Jesus’ followers weren’t sure what to do with themselves. They were mostly taking the safe route and staying secluded – almost in quarantine. There was no telling what danger they risked if they ventured out into the hubbub of the town. And yet, they had heard good news from… Read More
RCL: Grace in the Wilderness, A Poem for Easter 2020
This was first posted at Write Out of Left Field. Easter is a challenge for preaching this year, even with these very familiar texts. I wrote the following poem as I struggle to pull sermon thoughts together. You are welcome to use it in your worship with attribution. Please share any thoughts you have on… Read More
RCL: Chaos & the Cross
This is a moment of crises in the city of Jerusalem. The moment Jesus enters there is tumult. First the impromptu military parade of victory, followed by the last supper with disciples and finally Jesus arrest. Like the last few weeks in the United States and Europe, and like the last few months in China… Read More
