The Lectionary provides Palm Sunday options for churches that are not offering Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, or who expect very small attendance relative to a Sunday service. In addition to the Gospel reading specifically focused on Palm Sunday there are two options for instead reading Luke’s passion narrative: the two versions of the […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Preaching Good Friday and the Seven “Words” from the Cross
Dear ______: Hey, it is GREAT that you got invited to be one of the preachers at your town’s ecumenical Good Friday service. I know it makes you nervous. Nerves are okay — in part it means you take preaching the Word seriously. Preaching Good Friday You mention that it makes you more nervous than […]
Finding the Real Meaning of Christmas: The Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Nativity
If you are part of a Western church that tries to live into the Church year, Protestant or Catholic, you know that in Advent there is a battle afoot. Our churches tell us to focus on Advent. Advent is the ramp-up to Christmas. This season is about waiting for Christ to come — remembering Christmas […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: The Children’s Sermon — Metaphors
Dear ______: Sorry I haven’t written for a while. I launched a new class, and that took my attention from most other things. But it sounds like in your field education position you are getting to continue your thinking about children’s sermons. As you wrote, My supervisor has a unique way of doing his children’s […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: The Children’s Sermon — Why Prepare?
Dear ______: Thanks for your note. Yes, I do often say things like When you are done preparing your children’s sermon, look at what you have written.” Actually I was wondering when you would notice. I’m not entirely surprised that you objected. Why should I write out my children’s sermon?” you ask. “The kids are […]
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