Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Worship

Monday Meditation: RCL Year C, Palm Sunday, Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 (Liturgy of the Passion)

April 12, 2019 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Bible, Church Year, Monday Meditation, Worship Tagged With: Liturgy of the Passion, Luke 22:14-23:56, Luke 23:1-49, Palm Sunday, RCL Year C

Letters to a Young Pastor: Preaching Good Friday and the Seven “Words” from the Cross

April 4, 2019 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Church Year, Ministry, Seminary, Worship Tagged With: Preaching Good Friday, Seven Last Words of Jesus, Seven Words from the Cross

Finding the Real Meaning of Christmas: The Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Nativity

December 20, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen 7 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Bible, Music, Worship Tagged With: Advent, Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Nativity, Meaning of Christmas

Letters to a Young Pastor: The Children’s Sermon — Metaphors

October 18, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Worship Tagged With: child-centered interaction, Children's Sermons, Metaphors, Mr Rogers, Random Grab Bag

Letters to a Young Pastor: The Children’s Sermon — Why Prepare?

August 9, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen 5 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Ministry, Worship Tagged With: Children's Sermons, Preparing a children's sermon

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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