Cheesehead is out of pocket at an adult retreat with guess what, no itnernet connections. Can you imagine? So I am volunteering to fill the big shoes (metaphorically speaking) of Cheesehead. I am on vacation at the beach while hubby is at a medical conference. (I know, I know, such torturous work, but somebody has got to do it.)
You'll find the readings for this Sunday here. It will be interesting to see where you all are headed with which text.
My focus continues to be on the Ephesians passage, which I have read, but have not yet got a theme or an outline yet. It is one of the two prayers that Paul writes for the Ephesians and it is full of love for them.
Ephesians still for me... um revabi I guess you didn't get the memo that you are supposed to email everyone in the webring a brilliant sermon from that week's text.
ReplyDeleteNo harm, no foul - I'll be waiting.
Thanks for stepping in, Abi! Of course, I don't have a sermon to write ('cause I don't preach, at least not officially - my 17 year old DS would differ I am sure) but I want to go on record as saying this is one of my favorite passages of scripture ever (from Ephesians):
ReplyDelete"3:20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine,
3:21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Boy howdy, if I ever get to feeling worried and concerned about what's coming up tomorrow, all I need is to remember that I can't even begin to imagine what a big picture God has. Bigger than I could ever conceive of. It blows my mind. Like, wow, man!
Oh, My Goodness! I'm so sorry. I wrote something and thought I sent it, but it didn't post. Thank you, Abi for pinch hitting for me.
ReplyDeleteSorry again!
Hey Cheesehead, you probably sent it, and it is out there in cyberspace somewhere or on someone's blog that needed to hear those beautiful words. No prob. Hope it is going well at the retreat.
ReplyDeleteMary Beth a 17 yr old DS? Wow. I agree I like those words of Paul. I guess that is why i am preaching on Ephesians, there is a log of good in it especially about God's grace.
And Will Smama, sermon is in the mail. LOL. I do believe I have a sermon somewhere on this passage.
I'm on deck to give a lay sermon this Sunday. I am moodling around with the idea of talking about God's shalom, and about how living into that means ministering to people's spiritual and material needs alike. I want to compare all of us to the little kiddo with the loaves and fish, offering those up to the greater good, and asking all of us what's in our own little sack lunches of giftedness, that we can offer to others.
ReplyDeleteI guess it's one of those God things.
ReplyDeleteI'm preaching twice on Sunday -- once at the hospital and once for a healing service at church. I've got the sermon done for the hospital, but was not going very far with the healing service.
The Eph text is perfect. I never even thought of using the lectionary. Duh!
laughing at RM's comment above :)
ReplyDeletewell at long last I have something to contribute here (grin) I'm not preaching but teaching at the teenage camp - four Bible studies Mon-Thursday. Maybe a workshop too. I'm working with the older teenagers who mostly are believers. The theme of the camp is God's plan for my life. I believe He'll talk to me as much as he'll talk to the youth.
Monday - God's love check
Tuesday God's voice almost check
Weds can't remember the topic but I'll talk about character and the choice we make. I'll use 2 Pet and Gal 5 here. Talk mostly about fruits. But also something about the (healthy) desires of our hearts - our passions.
Thurs God equips us. Love and spiritual gifts only on Tuesday I'm already talking about prophesy ... go figure.
There's no teenagers from our local church on the camp (possibly DD will stay on ..) but I'm really excited to see what God will do this week.
Prayers appreciated. I feel very rusty.and prob this will be the only teaching I do this year. My official mentor (UMC) is the pastor on the camp. I think that's good. He can see my fruit :) I think watermelon is in season (grin)
Mmmmmmmm.....watermelon. Gonna go have some now.
ReplyDeleteYou go, Lorna! Great stuff and I know it will be a rich and lovely experience for you. Praying God's blessing on your week.