Will Willimon: Confronting Racism from Our Pulpits
In the face of racism, contemporary preachers face two possibilities: we can join in the onslaught of God’s kingdom and speak up, enjoy the disruption of changed hearts and lives, trust that the good news is more truthful than the lies that enthrall the world, or we can be silent and miss the miracles.
Ed Rosado: Engaging Science with Two Presbyterian Guys
For us at Science for the Church, relationship building is the foundation. It is at the point of inclusion and diversity that I want to start reflecting on this challenging yet rewarding journey.
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: Light (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5)
In our blog post every Monday we select a reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday, and pair it with a Frederick Buechner reading on the same topic. Next Sunday we will celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Here is this week’s reading from Revelation...
Matthew Ian Fleming: Tears of Renewal
Over two days we gathered asking for renewal, calling upon God to ignite in us a spirit of renewal for ourselves, for our communities, for our congregations, for our neighborhoods, for our world.
Walter Brueggemann: Divine Arithmetic
Now that I have just turned 89, it is inescapable that I think, from time to time, of my ending. Sometimes I think of my longevity and am amazed. Sometimes—not often—I think of my death. I am mostly content to leave that in God’s good hands.
Drew Rick-Miller: The Role of Faith in a Mental Health Crisis
I’m not a mental health professional, nor am I trained to treat even mild mental illnesses. I do, however, know a little about the connection between spirituality and health and its relevance to the role of faith in a mental health crisis.
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: Bebb's Speech at Revonoc
In our blog post every Monday we select a reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday, and pair it with a Frederick Buechner reading on the same topic. Next Sunday we will celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Here is this week's reading from the Gospel of John...
Walter Brueggemann: Sleepless in Babylon
The dismantling of statues of erstwhile heroes has led me, inescapably, to the nightmare of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. That powerful sixth-century Babylonian ruler, much despised by Israel had, it is reported to us, many sleepless nights, as he was “troubled” (Daniel 2:1, 3).
Char Rachuy Cox: Loving and Living the Questions
As I look forward to my youngest-child-now-adult walking across the stage, I find myself ruminating on the threads of my own decades-ago-college-experience that continue to be woven throughout my life.
Susan Sparks: We'd Better Dial Up Our Sleep Number
I don’t know about y’all, but I love to sleep. Love. It. And, at the risk of sounding a bit arrogant, I’m really good at it.
Greg Cootsona: Do You Mind? Loving God with All Your Mind
I was recently asked to preach on the final phrase of the Greatest Commandment according to Jesus: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with… with all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37). Afterward, a neuroscientist in the congregation told me he rarely cries in church, but these words hit home. I hope the message will also resonate with you.
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: Disaster (Psalm 23)
In our blog post every Monday we select a reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday, and pair it with a Frederick Buechner reading on the same topic. Next Sunday we will celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Here is this week’s reading of Psalm 23...
Walter Brueggemann: Undeserving in Michigan
I regularly read the “Advice” column in our local paper written by Jeanne Philips. When I read it daily I sometimes sense in an instant of Schadenfreude that someone has issues more complex than my own.
Mihee Kim-Kort: I'm Still Waiting on the Resurrection
The tomb is empty. But, I still feel empty, too. The world feels heavy with the lingering scent of Good Friday...
Drew Rick-Miller: “I Was Made to Do This.”
Reflect back with me to your formative years. Consider the stepping stones that led you to where you are today. Trace the path of discerning your vocation. Hold on to those moments when you see that your work is what God intended it to be....
Margaret Marcuson: Fasting from Complaining: 9 Reasons Why Church Leaders Might Want To Try It
It’s the Easter season, more of a time for church leaders to celebrate than fast. But I’m thinking about fasting as a spiritual practice.
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: Peter (John 21:9-17)
In our blog post every Monday we select a reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday, and pair it with a Frederick Buechner reading on the same topic. Next Sunday we will celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter. Here is this week’s reading from the gospel of John...
Diana Butler Bass: The Holy Thursday Revolution
Before the pandemic, I was often asked to preach on the second Sunday after Easter. The traditional verses for that day are always the same in liturgical churches — John 20:19-31 — the story of Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance, including the popular account known as “Doubting Thomas.”...
Walter Brueggemann: Remembering Old Testament Scholar Norman Gottwald
Norman Gottwald has died at 95. He is, in my judgment, the most important and influential Old Testament scholar of the twentieth century in the U.S.
Maureen Wise: Helping Your Church Make Green Choices
I am one of many Christians in the sciences who take our stewardship of creation seriously. As a person of faith, I know that small actions (mustard seeds) can add up to mountains.