Frederick Buechner: Ash Wednesday: Denouncer of Piety
For special days in the Christian calendar, we post an additional reading from the Revised Common Lectionary and pair it with a Frederick Buechner reading on the same topic. Today we mark Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent with a reading from Matthew 6:1-5...
David Crumm: ‘Another Way’: Ancient wisdom for rethinking leadership in our congregations and communities
The most important thing you need to know about *Another Way: Living & Leading Change on Purpose,* and the book’s three authors, is that you will find their book dramatically different than many of the other leadership books on your shelf. Unlike most authors on leadership, this trio of ministers, activists and scholars is preaching a revolutionary message. That’s revolutionary as in turning popular assumptions upside down.
Bishop Michael Curry: Lent 2020: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Repentance Leading to Action
As the season of Lent approaches on Ash Wednesday, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians and all people of faith to turn and pray on behalf of our nation.
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration - First Sunday in Lent: Eve
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 First Sunday in Lent. Here is this week's reading from Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7...
Susan Sparks: We're in the Same Boat, Brother!
I love a good blues tune. Part of my affection is driven by the melodies, but it’s the lyrics that get me. Somehow, those haunting, mournful songs manage to capture the immense span of the human condition in tiny, concise sound bites....
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration - Transfiguration Sunday: Moses
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 time we will celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. Here is this week’s reading from Exodus 24:12-18...
ReadtheSpirit.com: Celebrating 30 years of Edward McNulty’s Faith & Film writing in Visual Parables
This week, we are celebrating Edward McNulty’s 30th anniversary of his Visual Parables Journal by publishing Ed’s personal reflections on his decades of moving between movie theaters, his role as an online journalist and his ongoing work with congregations and conferences.
Susan Sparks: The Magic of Chicken Poop
Have you ever made a mistake? No? Then please stop reading immediately and take your perfect self somewhere far away from us other human beings who have made a slip or two in this life. Here's a message for all the REST of us. Three things are sure in this life: death, taxes, and mistakes.
Margaret Marcuson: When Should a Pastor Duck?
There’s a time to take a stand--but there’s also a time to get out of the way. When should you duck? Here are three times to duck...
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: God Speaking Through Us
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 after Epiphany. Here is this week’s reading from 1 Corinthians 3:5-7...
Will Willimon: Which One of You? Excerpt from Stories by Willimon
Will Willimon is known and read throughout the world for his riveting, edgy, witty, and provocative stories or parables. Here's an excerpt from his new collection of stories, published by Abingdon Press.
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: The Salt of the Earth
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 after Epiphany. Here is this week’s reading from Matthew 5:13-14...
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
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 after Epiphany. Here is this week’s reading from Matthew 5:1-12...
Frederick Buechner's Weekly Sermon Illustration: Denominations
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 after Epiphany. Here is this week’s reading from 1 Corinthians 1:10....
When you should apologize -- and when you shouldn’t
Church leader, when someone is upset with you or with something that has happened in the ministry, should you apologize? Sometimes.
Frederick Buechner's Weekly Sermon Illustration: He Will Strengthen You
In our blog post every week 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 Second Sunday after Epiphany. Here is this week’s reading from 1 Corinthians 1:1-9...
Lance Moore: Preaching on Quantum Physics?
Quantum Theory seeks big cosmic truths by looking at the nature of the tiniest sub-atomic particles, which sometimes act in paradoxical ways. Can this speak to our view of God in the postmodern era?
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration: Lord of All
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. Here is his comment on Acts 10:34-36...
Frederick Buechner - Heaven - A Meditation for New Year's Day
Today we celebrate New Year’s Day. Here is this week’s reading from Revelation 21:1-6a and an excerpt by Frederick Buechner...
Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustration - Word
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 Second Sunday after Christmas. Here is this week’s reading from John 1:1-14...