The Lectionary readings this week give us lots of options – as ever. From Jesus withdrawing for a time, his calling the disciples, a controversial healing that resulted in loss of income for a community, a plea for peace in the early church community – all providing rich seams that have much to speak into… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Getting real again
It’s that season when, out of our routines, we lose track of the days. But Sunday approaches relentlessly. So what are you preaching this Sunday in the midst of what, for many, is still very much a holiday and yet, for others… Our Lectionaries offer us new beginnings in the gospel of Mark (NL) or… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party:Next up: Advent
On this last Sunday of the Liturgical Year, are you happy to soon be moving on from Luke’s gospel if you’re a Revised Common Lectionary Preacher? Are you preaching the Reign of Christ before you do that? If you’re following the Narrative Lectionary, are you preaching reform and prophetic lament? And are you already wondering… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Humility and Hope Edition
As ever, the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary provide lots of choices for preaching this week. There is also the opportunity to preach Reformation Sunday and, in some traditions, All Saints might be incorporated into this Sunday. Where are you finding good news this week? Where are you finding hope that can be… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Gift and responsibility.
Our readings this week remind us that we belong to God and all that we are and all that we have comes from God. That demands of us care and compassion for others and good stewardship of all God’s gifts. You will find the RCL post from earlier in the week here and the NL… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Teach us to pray
There are some really interesting options in the RCL passages this week – What’s in a name, in Hosea; Restoration and forgiveness in Psalm 85; What happens when a community forgets God in Genesis; Building on Christ’s foundation in Colossians and Teach us to pray in the gospel. Richness and diversity on a plate. What… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Be Love Out Loud
The text for this week found in Isaiah reminds me so much of the current political climate we find ourselves in today. Read it here This story is so familiar to what we are experiencing in this country with this seated president – that it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Back in the groove
Here in Scotland, Schools and colleges are back and the weather is doing its best to convince us that summer is over. While some are relieved to re-establish a routine, others are reluctant to get back into the groove. This past week it has felt as though a new church session has exploded into life… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: 3 in 1
In the Church of Scotland, this past week has seen our General Assembly take place in Edinburgh, a week long flurry of debates, deliberations and determination. During the week, we commemorated the decision of the Assembly 50 years ago to permit women to be ordained to Ministry of word and Sacrament. It was a week,… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: How to be church?
I’ve had a really stimulating week, full of conversations about church. And, in particular about how to be church today, living out the gospel and transforming communities with the love of God. From Pioneer ministers to ministers involved in transition in congregations to ministry students from Zurich who were visiting Scotland, we were all grappling with… Read More
