For no particular reason, I have decided to offer some suggestions for choosing children’s curriculum. Whether it’s Sunday School or, say, Vacation Bible School, the lessons we share with the young people of the church are important. It’s true that no curriculum, not even what I wrote for Shine (#ShamelessSelfPromotion), will perfectly impart the fullness of… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Organizing Like Paul (Romans 1:1-17)
I am not always a huge fan of Paul’s, but I have to give him credit as an organizer. He gets power and he gets the importance of relationships. This week’s text from Romans 1 can be found here along with an additional commentary here. Paul starts off this letter by what we call in organizing… Read More
RCL: From Death to Life
This was originally posted at Write Out of Left Field Those little purple faces poking up next to the sidewalk on my way out of church on Sunday were nearly my undoing. Not exactly the color purple in a field, but I noticed. I saw them innocently reaching for the sun, the first of spring… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: What Not to Say
After a discussion with my clergy group yesterday, I decided that many congregants could use some guidance in terms of interacting with their pastors–particularly in the post-worship receiving line. Feel free to make copies and share with those who may need it. (Note: Two of these are borrowed directly from a colleague in the group.… Read More
RCL: Must be Thomas
It’s the first Sunday after Easter, so it must be time for Thomas. Of course, there are other options if Thomas doesn’t have appeal for you. There’s Peter defending his right, and the rights of the other apostles to preach Jesus. There are the Psalms full of praise and thanksgiving. There’s the Alpha and Omega… Read More
Sunday Prayer: Six Wings
With two they covered their faces; Interrogate the ways we watch the world, O Holy Magnificence, for too often we hide the eyes of our hearts from the blaze of your love as it is at work on earth as in heaven; too often we watch with cynicism, judgment, and self-interest. Now cover our sinful… Read More
RCL: Behavior Modification Edition
Do you ever get discouraged by human behavior? I do, often. I sometimes find even my own behavior disheartening. We know what is right and good, yet we persist in doing things that are harmful to ourselves, to our neighbors, or to the planet. The other day, after reading a particularly horrid news article, I… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Immerse
Life is not tried it is merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire. (Garth Brooks, “Standing Outside the Fire”) I’m cruising on the RevGalBlogPals’ Big Event 12.0, and the Rev. Angie Shannon — making use of Garth Brooks’ lyrics — reminded the group in opening worship that the fire (the Fire) does not change… Read More
Advent 2: Sunday Prayer
Not to have peace, but to be peace; Not to endure the fire, but to live with fire; Not to be called prophets, but to catch the vision; Not to be complete, but to be preparing; This is our Advent prayer. Rachel G. Hackenberg‘s book with co-author Martha Spong, Denial Is My Spiritual Practice (and… Read More
Advent 1: Sunday Prayer
The day will surely come. Steadfast God, hold us in the meantime that we might not fear the long night. The time will surely arrive. Faithful God, give us signs while we wait until every speck of star and dust is a revelation. The promise will surely be fulfilled. Eternal God, plant the seeds within… Read More
