How Shall I Receive You?

As an ass, playing the role of jester? As the outlandish actor in the scene, cast to make the comfortable laugh and the disenchanted daydream? As a stone, the unseen understudy? As the patient watcher in the wings, ready to leap up and shout one line if only the leads...

Preaching in Lent: Mark My Words

If you’re prepping to preach in Lent, I’ve outlined a variety of ideas for sermon series, including: Journey to the Cross, loosely modeled on Stations of the Cross; A Word for “You” sermon series on the Year B Gospel readings; a sermon series...

Preaching in Lent: Journey to the Cross

With the turn of the civic calendar to a new year, the appearance of Lent is quickly on the horizon of the liturgical year—beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 14th. I’ve outlined a variety of Lenten sermon series in past years, including: A Word for...

Marking the Moment

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. – Exodus 12:1-2 (NRSV) The shadows of Lent have almost reached their longest hour. The tension of Holy Week is...

Sabbatical

Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in their yield; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of complete rest for the land, a sabbath for the Lord. – Leviticus 25:3-4 (NRSV) Eight hours you shall work a...

Rain in the Forecast

O children, be glad and rejoice in God, who has poured down for you abundant rain. The threshing floor shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I am your God, and you shall never again be put to shame. Then afterward, I will pour out my...

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