The Revised Common Lectionary continues to bring us complicated teachings of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. In an attempt to catch Jesus teaching against the government, the Pharisees ask him about paying taxes. Is it lawful or not? Jesus says to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and give to God the things… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Spoiler Edition
Do you think Jesus was an extrovert or an introvert? Here, in Matthew 14:13-21, is Jesus after a really tough time; his family disowned him and then his cousin is killed by the powers that be. When I was small, I was sad, because I was convinced that Jesus was an introvert, because he wanted… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Sails
I’m not much of a sailor, Jesus. I hew toward queasiness, fearfulness, land-longing. All distractions, I know, but persistent ones. You met your first friends where they were, leaping from boats, salt water stiffly drying in their hair and beards. I remember this. So for today, rather than trying to be a sailor, I’m going… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Gates and Sheep edition
Preaching colleagues, it’s that time of the week again! How is your sermon coming along? Between planning liturgy, preparing for children’s sermons, and writing something for the main preaching event, this is often the busiest time of the week! At least, it is for those who tend to procrastinate, or who had unexpected events eat… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Surprising Jesus, this is the season when you appear around corners, through closed doors, traveling along the road, or letting us put our hands in your side, breathing on us, or feeding us breakfast. You do the most ordinary and the most extraordinary of things. Keep us alert, we pray, to moments of resurrection. Open… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
This weekend we celebrate the birth of Jesus! It’s an honor and blessing to proclaim one of the central stories of our faith to worshippers on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. It is also a continual struggle for preachers – how do we proclaim such a familiar story in a way that is faithful, relevant,… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Waiting for Love
Love came down to rescue me, love came down to set me free. Love, it’s a simple word isn’t? Just four letters, such a small word for such a big purpose. You are the incarnation of Love, sweet baby Jesus. You are God incarnate. God, who is the embodiment of love, and all things that… Read More
Saturday Prayer -Simple
In complicated times, Holy Friend, remind us of Your simplicity. “You are the light of the world.” “Do not be afraid.” “Love one another.” “Come out.” “I will be with you.” Amen. Jennifer Garrison Brownell serves as designated term pastor at First Congregational Church -UCC in Vancouver, Washington. She contributed to the Revgals book There’s a Woman… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Who Reigns? Edition
Christ the King Sunday has long been my least favorite day in the church year. To begin with, most of us haven’t had any experiences with kings aside from characters in fairy tales or movies. I don’t like to think of the Messiah as being comparable to, say the King of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Sons of Widows
The readings for this Sunday include two stories about a widow’s son being raised from the dead. Elijah raises the son of the widow at Zarephath, who has provided for him while he was in hiding. (Both alternatives for the OT reading include this story!) Jesus raises the son of the widow at Nain, a… Read More
