- Peter, Peter, bo-beter,
- Banana-fana fo-feter,
- Fee-fi-mo-meter
- SATAN!
At my house the coffee is brewing, and the tea water is rumbling in the kettle. I'm thinking of a poached egg with an English Muffin, and I'm sure other encouraging provisions will come our way over the course of the day.
Join our conversation in the comments. What are you up to for the children's word? What events come between you and your writing today? If you are a "lurker," reading along but not commenting, why not introduce yourself today? We hope you will, so we won't have to sing:
- Lurker, Lurker, bo-burker,
- Banana-fana fo-furker
- Fee-fi-mo-murker
- Lurker!
Songbird, I like the song. Hope I'm not a party pooper today. But I'm already done and its posted over here I'm involved in a pulpit exchange tomorrow and, because I'm new to the area, I'm telling a wee bit of "my story" as a way of getting into the idea of fathoming out God's call. Going with Abraham's laughter and the gospel. Want to hang out with you guys as well as having a lazy day snuggled up with the kids - We're watching movies just now. Stayed up into the wee small hours yesterday so I could finish up and "earn"my laziness. There's some carrot and coriander soup and wholemeal bread coming up since its almost lunchtime here. I'll check back later and see what other folks are preaching - and eating.
ReplyDeleteSportsQueen has a softball tournament today so I'll be reading via my phone. I told her the passage for Sunday had "take up your cross and follow me." She said, "That's easy. Oh wait, is that one of those fake easy ones where you think it'll be easy and then you don't know what to say after 'take up your cross'?"
ReplyDeleteI'm voting for "fake easy." Now for 12 to 15 minutes of after "take up your cross."
hello, I'm not supposed to be here. I have a confirmation retreat today, but first: I have a funeral. So I'm preparing for that and I'm going down to the retreat a little later than I thought.
ReplyDeletefinishing up my sermon even now....
Every party has a pooper...
ReplyDeleteNo, it's okay, Liz, just so others don't feel shamed by your accomplishment! I have a road map of where I hope to go, but there are always shifts when I get into The Writing Zone. I'm aiming for early afternoon, as I have some commitments this morning (Weight Watchers meeting, walk the dog, get out of the way of Domestic Goddess).
Carrot Soup? Sounds great.
Vicar, I'm trying to come around to the cross, with some sort of angle about being named so I can tag that on at the end--how well God knows us already, or something. Check back later, after more coffee.
Diane, sounds like a very busy day for you.
Wow, Liz! Great sermon with a story I'm going to save for another time. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on giving up our lives so we can gain them. That said, I'll be interested to see where you go with the names, Songbird.
It's been a while since I sang the name game. Thanks for the idea, it definitely fits with my personality and style to think about putting it in if it fits the general theme of my sermon. :)
ReplyDeleteI woke up after several hours of sleep and was "awake" so blogged about some recent thoughts & experience about names & identity here:
Names and Identity
I did a good amount of commentary pondering & sermon prep Thursday night. Energy on both the OT and names/identity as well as Gospel and what it means to follow Jesus and bear a cross.
Will Willimon in his Pulpit Resource had some interesting thoughts related to being light bearers (lucifer) as well as cross bearers (crucifer). And tells the story of taking a tour of a newly built church with a large new organ and the person giving him the tour comments that he may notice that there is no cross, because after they got the organ in there wasn't room. So he connects that to whether there's room for the cross in our lives.
That made me think about one of the things that drew me at the beginning to my seminary. The cross behind the altar is not actually behind the altar, there are clear glass windows behind the altar and you see the cross outside on the lawn. The symbolism is that the church (or perhaps spin off as cross?) is not meant to be kept inside the building but to go out/be out in the world.
Whew - longer comment than I'd planned. :) Since I was up early I think I'll go nap, but will probably pop back in later.
Hi there. The significance of names is a gift, thankyou! Why - well we have just taken delivery of 6 hens (sorry Sally - you will be bored by me going on about this everywhere!). We have chosen what names to give them and they are all named after women that Sandy, the kids and I have found inspirational. They are Rosa (as in Parks), CJ (West Wing), Audrey (Hepburn), Ellen (McArthur), Dibley (fictional funny woman vicar), Maya (Angelou).
ReplyDeleteSo I must be able to link this to my sermon somehow! I'll be focussing on Sarai/Sarah as an inspiration - but also, like Abraham, someone who was very flawed and human - yet called by God. So pretty good role models then!
Now off to gaze at my new friends as a whole new way to avoid actually writing the sermon. With huge mug of coffee and a choccy biccy in hand!
My clergy group on wednesday had some energy around names as well. We discussed the different names that grandparents get, and how sometimes a grandparent will try to choose their own name, but often the child is the one who ends up deciding what they will call that grandparent. That sometimes what the grandparent gets called is related to affection or relationship with that grandparent.
ReplyDeleteWe also talked about our own names or nicknames. How people in our family or who knew us at certain ages may have names for us, that we allow them to use, but only certain people call us by those names. Some names we may not even necessarily like anymore, but we will give certain family permission to use it (sometimes permission or not you can't stop them from using it), but with new people we meet we prefer a different name.
Diane, wow, you have a full day ahead of you! I hope everything goes well today.
ReplyDeleteVicar - I like the comment about the "fake easy" ones to preach on. It's so true! Sometimes you think it's going to be easy, but then the statement ends up sounding so self-explanatory that then I don't know what else to say.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the actual act of taking up the cross is "fake easy." It may sound easy enough... you've got the two who want to be seated next to Jesus and he asks "can you drink the cup I drink" and they say yes, yes, sure we can do it... without understanding what it really means.
Somewhere (pulpit resources?) I read about how a church had been successful at attracting folks but after about a year attendance would dwindle. One thought around this was that people get "lured" thinking with God everything will be hearts and flowers (either in their own mind, or perhaps some Christians have painted a rosy picture). But then they may realize that trying to be intentional about a Christian life is not easy, and it doesn't mean that we are without suffering or difficulties.
Oh, I am so behind! I've been at an icon-writing workshop all week (and absolutely amazing journey) and have barely looked at the text. In less than an hour I'm headed to a Pampered Chef show, so it will be the middle of the afternoon before I have a chance to settle a bit and think about tomorrow. I know that I will find wonderful inspiration here when that time comes.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime it's a joy to share some coffee with you. It's been an on-the-run week, so the best I have to offer to the feast is some bananas. At least they're just right in ripeness!
Looking forward to catching up later...
I have a blank page and no ideas readily bubbling to the surface. (That always bodes well for the quality of my sermon... sigh.)
ReplyDeleteNames/identity/calling are the most obvious directions, so I guess I'll ponder those a bit.
You'd think that since we are simply re-doing last week's cancelled service I would know exactly waht I intend to say about stewardship of creation.
ReplyDeleteIF so, you'd be wrong.
But I have some good starting ideas. And since there is a report from the PResbytery meeting and communion it can be short.
I was able to get my "first page" done on Thursday, so I'm less panicky today than some Saturdays.
ReplyDeleteVicar, your story made me laugh, and I think your SportsQueen is very, very smart!
I have a meeting with a potential wedding couple, who I suspect are out-of-towner Lookey Loos who will bolt once they figure out that I'm not just a wedding "rent-a-preach" who happens to have a really cute building to offer.
Then spouse's Semi Professional Chorus concert tonight, so I have to wax brilliantly (or not) between the hours of noon and 4:00.
Off to shower and dress, after I pour that first cup. It is rainy and dreary here so we are all heachachey and moving slowly...
Gord - hope you're able to jog your memory about where you were planning to go with your thoughts on the stewardship of creation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention that due to certain service elements your sermon can be short. You reminded me we will be doing the Great Litany tomorrow (couldn't last week because of Bishop's visit/Receptions), so it's really like our first Sunday to worship in a more lenten style. The litany will add time onto the service... so maybe I ought to aim for briefer this week.
Hmmm and making use of this worship option is something that is part of our worship tradtion and identity... so a tie back into that if I want to mention it.
I offer some of my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for those looking for breakfast. :)
ReplyDeleteThis has nothing whatever to do with y'alls sermons - or maybe everything -- but I would love it if, when you have time (Monday? Tuesday?) you'd weigh in on my post on Search the Sea today (which, now that I've hit "Publish," I realize contains the seeds of at least three different topics).
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I will just enjoy the sermon discussion. Next week I start my Homiletics course, so it will feel a little more pressing!
Oh, I forgot to mention that we have pancakes to spare since the girls decided to not be hungry this morning.
ReplyDeleteANd later today we will have fresh buns (extra from the bread that is being made -created- for communion on this stewardship of creation Sunday -- there has to be a sermon hook in there somewhere)
I'm not preaching this week or next. Why did I give up the pulpit for two weeks in Lent? Oh well. I get to have a day doing yoga, walking dogs, and thinking about bringing order to chaos - but that's a long story.
ReplyDeleteOh, and as I do those things, I will be thinking about you all and hoping that the Spirit gives you the words your people need to hear.
ReplyDeletei have #@$* for a sermon so far... yesterday was the type of day when there was "counseling opportunity" one after another... all of which made the plot lines on "Desperate Housewives" look like child's play...
ReplyDeleteso here i am headachey and moving slowly as well... b/c we have fog. icy rain. falling temps. thank God the coffee is made...
no idea where the sermon is heading... just did 'names' not too long ago... so gotta head in another direction.
Hi Vicar! Your daughter understands sermon-craft already. I like the idea of tying "fake-easy" into the sermon, too. . .
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I'm not preaching tomorrow so I figured I'd take the opportunity to invite a few parishoners over for lunch after church. These are two older couples and a middle-aged woman who've recently started attending our church. For some reason, I got it into my head that I needed to make a pot roast. I've never made a pot roast in my life. And I'm young and single and feel like I have something to prove. So today is a mad dash of cleaning my apartment and preparing the roast for the crock-pot. Argh!
I had a bit of an "issue" pop up near the end of the week that resulted in taking some time away from sermon prep Thurs & my working pretty much a full day on my sabbath yesterday (I may blog about it later or in the next few days).
ReplyDeleteSo I still have to finish figuring out my sermon and really 1 other project I should try to complete for tomorrow too. I feeling a bit cranky and a little resentful & aware that most of that is coming from drizzly weather & needing a real day offj.
Definitely not happy at losing an hour. I may just change all the clocks soon so I don't forget. Heh!
I am getting a late start but I have some awesome fruit and cheese coffee cake we got when we went to hear Joan Baez last night.
ReplyDeleteI am centering all my lenten sermons on the baptismal covenant this year. Sunday's theme is "to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper."
The covenant of Abram and Sarai changes their lives, their names. So does our baptism--gives us names. It brings worship into our lives and a willingness to open ourselves to how God works in our lives.
It's a work in progress for me right now. I think I'm going with the opposites in the gospel: save life/lose life, gain/forfeit, shame/glory. And it seems to me that I will use Jesus' rebuke of Peter as a way of understanding how to live this radically, counter-cultural life of the cross--"For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."
ReplyDeleteI have coffee and English muffins to share.
Hey, I'm back from my Weight Watchers meeting, which we jokingly call Saturday Morning Church, 3.6 pounds lighter. Now it's time to walk my great big dog, Sam, and then I'll be home to work on my sermon.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, the hospitality of the house is yours: more coffee, plentiful clementines and apples, and for lunch, Broccoli Craisin salad!
mmmm clementines!
ReplyDeleteI'm still at church, waiting for the rain to settle so I can drive home and begin writing.
ReplyDeleteThe wedding couple was delightful! You know how you can just get a "feeling" about certain people and can tell you are going to get along famously? It was like that.
And now I'm craving broccoli raisin salad. :)
Looks like I'm not the only lazy one around here today. Seems most folk are lumbering. Its been a constant drizzle outside and we're all bagging sofas and comforters and taking naps. Wondering what kind of food would give us all some energy. The clementines sound good - and are obviously good for WW. Well done Songbird.We have some lemon meringue pie that one of the cong saints keeps on bringing oblivious to weight loss ambition. And yes, I know I don't need to eat it - but... :)
ReplyDeleteHello everyone--like so many, I am dragging today. Not so much from the weather--I love the rain--but that it's been a long week with no day off and an extra sermon, and I didn't get quite enough sleep last night (although I did get to go contra dancing Friday!).
ReplyDeletePeople are here doing work on the parsonage (bless their hearts), but that makes it hard to work on the sermon while they're here. It just feel like they're doing "real" work and I'm not. So we'll see how this goes. I'm focusing on covenant and name as well, and bringing in the stars as a visual image from earlier in Abraham's story.
Keeping watch for the Spirit with you all today...
Way to go Songbird! And Muthah, how cool to hear Joan Baez in person.
ReplyDeleteI just got *Enter by the Gate*, by the wonderful Flora Slosson Wuellner. She has some awesome stuff about healthy and non-healthy ways to take up *your* cross, not anyone else's--i.e. your special mission in life, which will entail peace and birth-giving, not destructive suffering or general misery.
Getting ready for the healing prayer team meeting, then a busy afternoon. Study has to finally be completely clean and organized as someone from the apartment complex is coming for pastoral support-yayy. And we're going to to test out leaving the kids alone for an hour so we can walk or bike ride the beach. In the midst of that I need to work on my retreat handouts for two weeks from today.
work away gals... my sermon pulled together after a bowl of sugary cereal and much coffee consumption.
ReplyDeletehappy writing.
happy exercising.
happy lounging to you all...
need me? i've got a hot date with the steam cleaner, rubber gloves, and lemon pledge. dang... i need a housekeeper.
I postedhere earlier and now hopefully have my computer issues resolved--at least temporarily. I have managed to complete my sermon (I think anyway) and squeeze in a 1/2 hour nap.
ReplyDeleteStill reflecting on a children's time, but the theme of my sermon was promises, so I think I should be able to get something together.
Ooh, Sophia, I love that recasting of what it means to "take up your cross." I've been pondering how to link Abraham and Sarah with Jesus taking up his cross, and this may just be the key! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's lunchtime here and I'm just checking in. I have grilled cheese and turkey sausage/vegetable soup and diet Vernors for lunch. Your cheese choices are low fat jalapeno cheddar or horseradish cheddar. The weather is delightful, and so my plan is to write until 3 or so and take a walk. Spring may actually be coming!
ReplyDeletesermon? Um, yeah. something about Jesus?
Yay songbird!
ReplyDeleteI just enjoyed a yummy lunch of broccoli-raisin salad! MMMMmmmm.
ReplyDeleteI will be settling down to finish the sermon shortly.
I am not focusing on the "Take up the cross" idea, but several years ago I preached this text, and my approach was to ask what we are willing to put down, or give up, in order to accept the gift of salvation. Because frankly, it is hard to pick up any kind of cross with our hands so full. Maybe if we are willing to put down some of our own heavy load, grace will seem more like a gift and less like another thing we have to find hands and arms for.
Now...off to it!
Ahh, done. www.foraseason.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWell, not sermonizing but thinking along with you all about the texts for this week.
ReplyDeleteJust back from Costco, so I have MASS AMOUNTS of various foods for your consuming pleasure...turkey jerky, broccoli florets, coffee pods, microwave popcorn. What's your pleasure?
OK, women and men of the 11HPP, I have a question. It seems to me that a few years back I read somewhere about a specific interpretation of the "get behind me" part of what Jesus says to Peter, but... I plumb forgot what it means. Is this ringing a bell with anybody?
ReplyDeleteMy sermon is titled "Little Satans" about the things (and people?) who try to divert us from what God is calling us to be and do.
I'm still using Joy Jordan-Lake's "Why Jesus Makes Me Nervous" as a resource, using two of her "alarming words of faith" every week. This week's words are abundance and wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI managed to weave those into the texts, admittedly it was a bit of a stretch at some points, but I'm happy with it.
For the children's story, I'm going totally off the lessons for the day. I'm going to do the baking soda/vinegar thing and ask about experiments they might have seen/done at school.
All this is to remind them and the congregation as a whole that our little church was once viewed as an experiment (we were a church growth project in the 60s). Sometimes trying out an experiment is a bit like faith - you don't know how it might turn out, but you do know that you will all learn something along the way.
This will work for our little church in transition. At least I hope so!
Also, I'm getting hungry. I want broccoly craisin/ raisin salad. But a salad with chicken and an apple are on the menu.
ReplyDeleteAnd Oh! This sermon path was definitely inspired by Songbird's reflection on the text early in the week. Thanks Songbird!
ReplyDeleteLurker, Lurker Bo Burker? ROFLOL!
ReplyDeleteI am working today on a "farewell adress to the flock." Ha. I don't know when I'll be chiming in at the Preacher's Party again, though I will visit.
I am not really preaching a sermon. I am sharing some memories and some hopes for their future, and using Phillipians 2 as a place to do it.
"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion..." etc.
I see five essentials mentioned in the passage: unity, humility, remembering that the Church (and church) belong to God, not us, a positive attitude, and holding tightly to the Word of Life.
Man, I could make a five-week series out of that!
I won't be using notes. Anyway, how to say what needs to be said in few words? That is the challenge.
Lurker, Lurker Bo Burker? ROFLOL!
ReplyDeleteI am working today on a "farewell adress to the flock." Ha. I don't know when I'll be chiming in at the Preacher's Party again, though I will visit.
I am not really preaching a sermon. I am sharing some memories and some hopes for their future, and using Phillipians 2 as a place to do it.
"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion..." etc.
I see five essentials mentioned in the passage: unity, humility, remembering that the Church (and church) belong to God, not us, a positive attitude, and holding tightly to the Word of Life.
Man, I could make a five-week series out of that!
I won't be using notes. Anyway, how to say what needs to be said in few words? That is the challenge.
Mags, glad to be of help!
ReplyDeleteSinging Owl, saying goodbye is SO hard. It sounds like you have a good handle on the tone you want to use, and that's the most important thing, in my experience.
I've got two pets with upset stomachs, so I have been a bit distracted. Can a cat and a dog both catch a virus? Weird.
Hi all! I have come to love this site and care for all who are apart. I know this might sound dumb to some or as if I am behind the times. But I started my first blog today and even edited my profile Blessings to each and every one of you!
ReplyDeleteOkay. Done with a few hours to spare before the concert tonight.
ReplyDeleteI tell you, working on Thursday to get an introduction written is really helping my Saturdays! My title is "The Part the Lectionary Left Out" and I am including in the Genesis 17 reading the verses about circumcision. Yes, I will read the word "foreskin" in church!
This is my focus paragraph:
What God asks of these embodied new creatures is that they carry with them a permanent sign to the whole world that they have accepted and believed and given themselves over to the covenant that God has made with them. God took an already existing ritual and gave it completely new meaning: that the covenant is permanent, irreversible, and involves the whole person to whom God offers it, body and soul. The giving up of the flesh would be a lasting reminder of the promise. The sacrifice that Abraham and his male heirs were being asked to make would mark them with a new outside to match the new inside God had initiated. What was sacrificed would not grow back; neither would God take back the promise. The sign of the covenant invaded the most private of spaces; there is no part of us that we can hide from God.
cheese, I am mulling over your idea of what we are willing to put down. Because as busy and overwhelmed as folks are, picking up a cross seems to be an impossible request.
ReplyDeleteHmmm.... must ponder some more, which may look a little like baking.
Back in a bit
After talking about a lenten liturgy issue my friend is faced with, and then sharing some about my week and getting encouragement from same friend, I still felt myself carrying stuff getting in the way of what I planned for my day. I blogged/vented/processed. Now it's sandwich time, and then maybe that nap I never took to get rid of the mild headache. Maybe I will have more energy and and a refreshment of attitude.
ReplyDeleteI was just researching the stories of the folks Kit referenced in the Tuesday LL --how fruitful that was! I found the stories of Clarence Jordan, the village of LeChambon, France and Greg Mortenson both inspiring and useful.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate what Cheesehead shared about circumcision too, for my own personal benefit, not sermon prep [at least this week.] It helps me to articulate why I have tattoos and why I have the tattoos I have ...
Sue, along your experiment lines, I'm thinking of the quote by Edison (?) that he hadn't failed in however many experiments; he'd learned X number of ways you can't make a light bulb. And one of the priests I worked with said his Spanish teacher had told him you have to make 10,000 mistakes before you gain fluency in a language, so he might as well get started! Anyway, both of those along the lines of what you are describing, which is an attitude I think is great.
ReplyDeleteSongbird, WTG on the WW.
Cheesehead, I really like that take on how even grace can seem like a burden if it's "one more thing" instead of a gift we receive into empty (or emptier) hands.
No sermon at all for me tomorrow, and I am enjoying the break! Younger son fixed me a lovely breakfast this morning, and he and I took an exploratory trip to the 99 Cent Store. I've been outside in the sun weeding and planting (will really old veggie seeds sprout? stay tuned...). Going later to fix dinner for SIL, home today from knee replacement surgery. I plan to make some pumpkin bread, so will set that out for you hard workers later :-)
Cheese & Knittin, I was also drawn by the idea of having to put something down to pick something up.
ReplyDeleteIt reminded of some thoughts shared by a bishop when I heard bishops speak on "deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me." I found a summary I had typed up. Since I should try to run shorter tomorrow anyway, maybe I'll skip the name & identity thing that was drawing me and offer different ways to consider & approach the cross and share some of these bishop's thoughts. You can find it here:
bishops reflect on cross
Singing Owl: I think your approach in your leave-taking sermon sounds lovely. I hope you are all able to both celebrate your time together and do some of the necessary "goodbye" stuff. Blessings tomorrow!
Love the video. It made me smile from ear to ear and I needed that today.
ReplyDeleteI brought some doritoes for a snack, would anyone like some.
Peace and love,
After a number of family distractions (via phone and chat and in person), I have totally lost my train of thought, which had something to do with changes of name and the perceptions that go with them, including the growing understanding of the disciples that allowed Jesus to be Christ in their eyes and our own embracing of the name Christian for ourselves. It starts with a great story about a gal I used to work with who had the best.name.ever., a name that suited her so well I commented on it, only to discover she had changed from her birth name to one she liked better!
ReplyDeleteThere almost feels no point to writing this sermon down, that I know enough of what I want to say that outlining it and getting the order in my mind would be a better use of my time.
But you know me, that sounds risky to Miss Writey McWriterson!
I'm wondering how Meg's First Potroast is coming along. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd whether it will come with Yorkshire pudding?
ReplyDeleteI am on the newly named couple and the bouncing baby that will soon be on the way to them (at 99 and 90).
ReplyDeleteNot sure where to go yet, but it is still early.
Oh and way early tomorrow, DST starts.
Songbird: "writey mcwriterson". You're funny. :)
ReplyDeleteAnything else good for dinner? I'm having spaghetti squash (already baked) sauteed with red onion and topped with marinara, with ricotta on the side.
ReplyDelete(Also, I wrote some stuff, but I still may not write it all. Or use it.)
(Though I would not take a bet on this if I were you.)
songbird, I defrosted a steak to have with some beans, but am not really feeling like it now. Maybe by the time I get this thing done I will.
ReplyDeleteIs it Diet Coke time yet?
It was fish pie for supper with friends, then three puddings to choose from, only the fruit salad felt anything like true Lenten fare! The chickens seem to be settling in well - though we had to chase one around the garden for a bit.
ReplyDeleteAs for the sermon - well, percolating would be an accurate description. Still focussed on names and hoping that there will be enough in there - connecting what we have to leave behind in order to take a risk and answer God's call - it may even be our identity, we are made new in Christ.
I've really enjoyed the posts today. This is a good party to be at!
Oh, heavens, yes, kp! Have a Diet Coke, they're cold from my fridge.
ReplyDeleteMicky, glad you're with us! It's all pudding, all the time here the past couple of days.
Hey, y'all y'all enjoy dinner. Its 11pm here, I'm just finishing off a beer and then calling it a day. Been watching reruns of the vicar of dibley tonight. I've enjoyed this lazy day but it just doesn't feel like a Saturday. Its not normal. No doubt next week I'll be back in frantic party mode. Look forward to checking in tomorrow and hearing how the party ended - and catching up with some of the results. Songbird, thanks again for hosting. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI've got funeral dinner leftovers to share. It's great homemade comfort food, if that's that what you're needing: meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, and rolls.
ReplyDeleteAfter dinner I'll be joining you all in the preacher party fun. Got most of the sermon outlined and done this morning in anticipation of funeral this afternoon. Now to just finish it all up.
Hoping the Holy Spirit is free tonight ...
Hi friends, Just checking in to bring some cheese and crackers, some sparkling french berry lemonade, and some tea!
ReplyDeleteNot preaching this week, only doing children's time and receiving new members. I'm thinking of using one of those name books for children's time, provided I can find one. If not, perhaps I'll use the handy-dandy wireless internet we have in our sanctuary....anyway, this seems like a good time to talk about what our names mean and what it means that God gives us names.
Songbird, I actually preached that sermon about Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Peter/Satan, and us/Christian three years ago. I was living in Egypt, and the version that was posted was different than what was preached (since it was preached in 4 different congregations/contexts), but just in case it would be at all useful to anyone in any way, here it is. I was a little rusty on the sermon writing, so it's not the best-written thing ever, but there you go.
Enjoy the party, preacher friends! I miss you guys!
I just remembered that I have delicious pasta leftovers in the garage fridge from a church event last night; I'm sure I could find a good wine to go with them if anyone wants some.
ReplyDeleteSO, many prayers to you for tomorrow's service. May you all feel the Spirit surrounding and uplifting you, wiping away some tears, adding joy to your laughter, and guiding you in your farewell.
Thanks, Teri! It's coming along, slowly. This day has had three barfing pets, one heartbroken son "celebrating" his birthday, another having anxiety about hearing from colleges and a 13-year-old with a wardrobe crisis. I'm here on my own for about three more hours, so I have to get this done before the next family matter intervenes.
ReplyDeleteJust here to offer broccoli potato cheese chowder or black and white chicken chili for a soup dinner for those who are interested ... with garlic bread.
ReplyDeleteWell the bread is made. ANd I made a couble batch so that the girls could have half to shape as they saw fit. Unfortunately no pictures were taken of that process.
ReplyDeleteANd I re-read some aritcles on the sermon topic. NOw off to a birthday party for a bit. Be back later
I'm done. I think. Feedback would be appreciated. Thanks to Cheesehead for some of her comments about what she preached before that got my brain moving.
ReplyDeletewhat do you think?
Ok, so I messed up the link.
ReplyDeleteLet's try again.
Let's try again.
and just in case:
http://knittinpreacher.wordpress.com/2009/03/07/take-up-your-cross
WordPress is not my friend. Maybe third time is the charm?
ReplyDeletehopefully this works. If not I give up.
http://knittinpreacher.wordpress.com/2009/03/07/follow-me/
I have now returned from walking a restless dog, only to have the cats start propelling themselves around the living room as if with wings. Where are the human beings in my life?!?!!
ReplyDeleteAnd will things settle down long enough for me to finish the sermon I am, as predicted, writing?
Finally back home after a two day Presbytery meeting and a 2.5 hour drive each way. Phew.
ReplyDeleteNeed to refresh myself on the sermon I sketched out on Thursday. It was about the "rebuking" that Peter and Jesus are doing to each other. What do we need to rebuke in order to pick up the cross, etc.
No idea about a rebuking children's time, however. Maybe it should be an off-topic day at our place. We will have one of two kids: Mr. Talker or Miss Silent. Hard to plan for both of them!
I will definitely take some of the good suppers that have been prepared--thanks!
After reading a sermon by Pastor Edward F. Markquart... I did a lot of thinking about thorns... burdens... and crosses. I'm pretty sure... that I'm living with all three... and that's a good thing... it means I'm human... and I'm a disciple. I posted the sermon at my place.
ReplyDeleteSince we are "springing forward" tonight... I'm offering homemade pizza... and chocolate covered pretzels... for you late night folks. I'm going to finish up my council report and go to bed!
I love Gannet Girl... she spelled y'all right!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I've got something: What's in a Name? Now it's time to pick up my daughter, who has been contra dancing. I'll try not to think about the time change until I get home again!!!
ReplyDeleteSpringing forward or no, I am fried. The Presbytery meeting was pretty intense, I spent the night with a friend, and we might have stayed up too late talking, and my behind is tired of sitting.
ReplyDeleteSermon is decent, and the children's time will just have to wait till morning. Here's hoping the baby didn't get the memo about springing forward and will sleep a little "later" than usual.
oh, and blessings to all you who are managing to stay awake and keep proclaiming.
ReplyDeleteIt's 10:30 on the East Coast, which is like 11:30, so I'm going to hit the sack. Please party on, preachers, and I'll put on a fresh pot of coffee in the a.m. Good night!
ReplyDeleteI interrupt your sermon writing to apologize for the aroma of Chciken Divan you are smelling. It is for Sunday lunch with my family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, it is not for now. I do have fresh pineapple and some frozen blueberries for a snack. Also a tiny bit of lemonade from the world day of prayer service refreshments.
It has ginger ale, so look out for the kick.
As you were.
oh, let's shoot for 100 by midnight (regular time, 1 DST).
Today: 2 hours working at Mission Forum. 2 hours waiting to watch manBoy run hurdles for 50 seconds. A little time on sermon. 4 hours volunteering at track meet our team hosted. A little more time on sermon. 2 NCIS episodes w/out commercials with family - brain dead already. Sermon outlined and typed except closing. Going to bed. Will get up early - very early and do closing when I'm fresh. Don't forget to spring clocks forward.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read all of the comments above. Prayers for those who have finished and those who are still at it.
I dutifully applied sunscreen before going to watch softball games, however, my face was not protected from the sustained winds sweeping across the softball field carrying sandy dirt. No sun burn. Yes wind burn.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping my sermon prep holds up better than my softball game prep did.
I think I'm finished...at least until I read it again in the morning (minus the hour we'll be losing soon, grumble, grumble).
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for the ideas shared here today as it really helped me clarify where I was going with this weighty gospel passage.
Thanks to NPR for hawking the upcoming 70th anniversary release of Disney's Pinocchio. They played the clip where Pinocchio is headed for his first day of school when he meets Honest John Fox. HJF convinces him that there is an easier way to go. I found the clip on youtube (Pinocchio Part 4) and will play the first 1:25 of the clip.
Any ideas for the children's message? I guess I could show the clip then...
Off to bed -- blessing on your proclamations tomorrow!
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ReplyDeleteThank you for the thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI gave up, and I just put the passage of scripture on a piece of paper. The Holy Spirit really better be with me tomorrow!
We are supposed to be under a "winter storm warning" just about the time we are due to begin a dinner...mix of snow and ice and rain! ack!
I'm toast. I gotta go to bed now. blessings on your Sunday
ReplyDeleteHmm...it looks like I might be up at the right time to make sure all the automatic clocks go forward when they're supposed to. I'm just barely started and that's not good.
ReplyDeleteSinging Owl, blessings to you tomorrow.
Anybody else still out there working?
I'm here with you Semfem and pondering the sex life of Abe and Sarah.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the week that Sherev is gone, but I can't remember.
Anyhow, it is slow going today, but I have procrastnated out the wazoo once again.
I may decice that the choir anthem is so pretty that we need to hear it twice.
If you need distracftions,the M*A*S*H marathon is on TVland
1-4 Grace--good thing I don't have TV Land, then. I seem to have already seized on every other possible thing to procrastinate with.
ReplyDeleteWe did World Day of Prayer too, and I preached, so I think that was my one sermon for the week. Squeezing another one out is proving to be difficult!
I keep checking my word count and hoping to hit 1500 soon! My usual is 1600 or little more, but maybe I can repeat a lot or go really s-l-o-w!
ReplyDeleteI have to get some rest. If you need a snack help yourself to fresh pineapple or a cookie.
Well, I verified that my computer and cell phone moved ahead automatically! I hope everyone else remembered to make the changes where necessary...
ReplyDeleteI'm finally started, and now at 812 words. Just hope I can keep the momentum going before I fall asleep.
anyone?...Bueller?
Uff. I'm exhausted and off to catch forty winks before I get up to polish this sermon. It's finished, but I think I seriously lost my way somewhere. I don't think it makes sense, so I'm going to catch a quick nap and come back to it at 6 am. Let's hope that works.
ReplyDeleteBlessings on all pondering, preaching, and proclamation this day.
I put the finishing touches on mine last night. My husband acts as the congregation and helps me tweak it. Blessings to all in your proclamation!
ReplyDeleteI totally skipped out yesterday because I had family at my place all day.
ReplyDeleteI had an outline from earlier in the week and now it just needs some filling out. I'm talking all about dares and taking the path that leads to life...
and the pinoccio clip might work wonders for my children's sermon! I have this piece in my message about the "Easy" way and the "Necessary" way - both from Obama's speech to congress and Jon Stewart's follow up where he said that as american's we NEVER take the necessary way - we always do what looks easy.
Hey, y'all. I have a pot of Casi Cielo (my favorite at Star$$) and English Muffins available. Anyone still wrapping things up? I feel I have Daylight Savings Jet Lag, but will make it to church somehow!
ReplyDeleteMugsy, the brilliant kitty, will blog later this week about how cat's know what time it is even during DST and even when the stoopid atmoic clock does not!
ReplyDeleteI am up, about 25 min behind schedule, but here jsut the same.
Coffee anyone?
DST is TDE(too d*mn early!)
Thanks SB, muffin to go please. :0
ReplyDeleteWould you like strawberry jam with that?
ReplyDeleteHow, oh, how can it be nearly 8 a.m. already?
Well, I changed the ending so it made sense (I think), but it's still kind of a dog. I'm off to walk it proud, I suppose. HS, be with me now!
ReplyDeleteyes, jam please. Time for a print out and I need to get dressed too. I dont think my flowered jammies would go over well.
ReplyDeleteOne of our conference's suggestions for getting people to show up due to DST was actually to have a "pajama" Sunday. lol... maybe somewhere today flowered jammies would work just fine!
ReplyDeleteLurker chiming in late here - I'm responsible for children's sermons only in my current appointment. We talked this morning about promises rather than name changes. I gave each child a snack size zip bag with a freesia bulb and four o'clock seeds. They understood right away about waiting and how God is with us even if we can't see God. I also had three tulips just starting to peep out, in a forcing vase, to make the point about roots growing even if you can't see them.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to you all here at RGBP. You may not realize, but you've been a life line for me many times.
Shalom.