Well, here we are friends: Holy Week is upon us, and RevGalBlogPals will see this thing through together, as always! And for many of us, the central text will be the one Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice placed indelibly in our hearts via the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar." Or maybe that's just me...
For many of us, the question at the heart of our preaching tomorrow will be: Is it the Palms or the Passion that will be the focus of the sermon and the service? Does your church do a cantata? (Raising my hand...) Or will you choose instead to focus on Paul's gorgeous hymn in Philippians? Or perhaps Isaiah's moving "suffering servant" text?
Whatever your theme, whatever the shape of your service, however you are planning to proceed... feel free to pull up a chair. I have some Greek yogurt, pineapple, and fresh granola on offer... plus some vanilla-scented coffee, and a sleeping college girl home for spring break (see me happy-dancing?).
How about you? Where is the Spirit leading you and your people tomorrow, as we enter the most sacred week of the Christian year? We'd love to hear from you.
The texts (and lots and lots of commentary) can be found here....
I'll get us started... It is the long-standing tradition of my church (I mean, it literally precedes me by decades) to have a cantata on Palm Sunday and the third Sunday in Advent. Sometimes I rail (to myself), sometimes I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteThis year, for some reason, we are having a shorter than the average cantata, and so I'm doing a meditation. Following the Narrative Lectionary this year,and our reading goes through verse 44, including Jesus' lament over Jerusalem. And following on some of the commentary at the Working Preacher podcast, my meditation is on "the weeping king."
As mentioned, There Will Be Coffee. Off to make it now. I'll be checking in... Happy Holy Week all!
YAY! Pat! Thank you. We are in between schedules and I have no idea who was scheduled for today (if I count correctly, it was probably me, but it wasn't on my calendar duh!)...sigh. Clearly I am doing too much. So thank you. I will help as I am able.
ReplyDeleteIt's not you; it's me. My bad! It didn't occur to me that I might have two Saturdays in a row because of Holy Week, so having checked earlier to find out I was on Easter-Eve, I didn't even look at the schedule for today. I'll be around to help with comments and hosting!
DeleteModeling RevGal mutual ministry! So appropriate for this Holy Week. Thank you all!
DeleteMmmm! Thanks for the festal snacks!
ReplyDeleteThough I've helped out with Holy Week services for decades, this will be my first ever Solo Flight through the week. My wee congregation has no choir, so the logistical complexities are ratcheted down a bit, and our dear deacons have taken the Sunrise Service unto themselves, but I still have a lot on my plate. Oh, and here's where my bivocational life gets tricky, too, as the earth awakes and there are suddenly a hundred farm tasks that really can't be delayed, no matter what is happening in the liturgical year!
Still, I'm so excited for the week to unfold and so thankful to be in the midst of this ministry. And so--in between greenhouse repairs and a honey harvest from the beehive that didn't survive the winter--here I am, trying to write! I'm focusing on the Gospel narrative, involving the children with a procession of Holy Week symbols (chalice, basin & towel, crown of thorns, etc.) each with its own reading, then I'll do a short Palm/Passion meditation (leaning heavily on Borg's "The Last Week").
Oh, and here's a platter of freshly-poached eggs sprinkled with sea salt and parsley for y'all!
Whoa... I knew and didn't know. Talk about tent-making... but really, earth-nurturing. What a powerful dual vocation you have. Blessings on all of it!
DeleteThanks, Pat! It's a hard balance sometimes, but honestly--I sometimes wonder how people without farms come up with their sermons, because this life is constantly throwing sermon illustrations (and challenges of biblical proportions) in my face!
DeleteI'm that kid behind the curtain, moderating the comments. This morning, I am at church for *things* that are happening. I will check in from time to time.
ReplyDeleteHolding out my cup for some of that coffee, please!
Here you go... a fragrant cup. I'm on my second. Ahem.
DeleteSorry, Pat, and others who were waiting for the party! I knew I was on for Easter-Eve, so it never occurred to me to check and see if I was on for this week, too. Thanks for covering! Happy partying!
ReplyDeleteNo worries Stephanie! In that mysterious way of God, I was where I was supposed to be this morning-- online, and listening, and it was fun to jump in. Blessings!
DeleteI'll be spending most of the day on the computer grading papers. Since no one is throwing a grading party, I'll be crashing the preacher party. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI do have the Prayers of the People tomorrow, and need to write that at some point. Also debating whether I can spare a few hours to go over to the church for the annual folding of the Palm Crosses.
Pat, I've been working with the youth on the Palm texts for tomorrow, and all I can think of is Superstar. Thanks for the clip. The youth group is doing a reading in parts of the Palm texts, then silence and anthem, then one of the youth will read Philippians, the pastor will give a meditation, and another youth will follow with a short piece from the Passion Gospel. I'm hoping all the pieces fall into place. We haven't rehearsed in the sanctuary with sound, and some of the youth will be leaving their Spring Camp/Retreat thing in the mountains early to make it for the service (and rehearsal beforehand).
Lovely Wendy! Sounds like a powerful witness for and by the youth!
DeleteWe are having Palms and Passion - but no preaching as such! It is an "all-age" service which includes a multi-generational reading of the passion narrative. The children will be in the worship space, can listen if they want to - so my question is do you have any tips for how to talk about this with the children beforehand? There are several spaces they can be - with art supplies for the over 5s and toys and access to the art supplies for under 5s. I have usually talked about it as a story that has sad parts and scary parts, encouraged children to ask the questions they have and have focussed more on the "what happened" than the "why" or what it means. But all tips and suggestions welcome.
ReplyDeleteJemma, I think where you are going is perfect and age-appropriate and everything it needs to be. If you are looking for a way to give the young ones some sense of their role in all this, a brilliant friend of mine is actually 'commissioning' the children to bless the congregation's palms; she will gather them in a circle and say a prayer of commissioning, and then have them face the congregation with arms lifted to bless the people and their palms. I am totally stealing it.
DeleteTwo ideas I use as a chaplain with elementary children. First, I remind them that although we are stopping at a certain point that is sad, we know this story has a happy ending...we just aren't there yet. This reassurance seems to help keep it from being left on too scary a note. Second, I put the crucifixion and the events leading up to it in terms of people with power being scared and angered by Jesus's message that everyone is important and beloved in God's kingdom. This is a concept that most of them can get, and though it sidesteps the issues of redemption, it is still a sound and age-appropriate explanation...no needing to "undo" that message down the road.
DeleteThank you Pat and Betsy for your advice and encouragement. It is Sunday morning here in Beijing so we'll shortly be on our way to church. I love feeling part of a big global community as we do our small part here!
DeleteGood morning preachers! This is the first Saturday in what feels like eons that I have not had to be somewhere doing something other than sermon writing. So I have been procrastinating instead! Go figure...
ReplyDeleteWe are doing the pretty typical Episcopal thing tomorrow: starting with the liturgy of the palms and a palm procession (indoors this year b/c it is still pretty cold here) and then moving to the reading of the passion narrative. I've debated about *not* preaching, and having some silent time to reflect on the passion, but this congregation doesn't do silence well, and I"m not sure this is the best occasion to practice it. So I'm leaning towards a short homily, and I"m thinking about Judas and Peter. At my previous church I had some fascinating conversations with a parishioner who argued that Peter's betrayal of Jesus was actually worse than Judas.' Last week I held up Judas, Mary and Martha as examples of discipleship with the idea that we sometimes betray Jesus, and I'm thinking about extending that to Peter this week: how do we deny Jesus in our lives?
Of couse, I haven't written a word, so we'll see how that plays out ....
We're 22 hours into a 30 hour famine. Why do I do these things to myself!?! The kids have been pretty good, but its middle school so they're a bit energetic. We've got a nursing home visit and communion bread to make yet. Personally, I'm looking forward to my bed!!!
ReplyDeleteTomorrow is all scripture readings, so no sermon to write. I wish I have a head start on next week's sermons though!
All I have to offer the party is juice and crackers - and solidarity with those who daily hunger
I'm on Palms...figuring out what new thing to say about that. I'm most intrigued at the moment by the "tell them to stop cheering" business. My title is "cheerleaders and naysayers"...so something about how both cheerleaders and naysayers ultimately fall silent and the rocks alone are left to cry out. There is such deep irony in the Palm Sunday narrative--I'm hoping to reach for some of that.
ReplyDeleteBut first, I've gotten a haircut this morning, I'm having lunch with a friend, and have an appointment with my therapist early afternoon. I'll be back sometime before dinner. :-)
THinking about mobs today. What differentiates a mob from a crowd? Are both crowds in our Palm/Passion Story really mobs?
ReplyDeleteThen this evening I have a bittersweet baptism. Baptising a 4 month old in the hospital room (or possibly hospital chapel, depending) where his grandfather is on his death bed, with death fairly imminent.
We have a long procession (fortunately no rain!) and a passion reading. I have decided to use the shorter form and read it myself, punctuated with verses of "Were you there?" We are also singing it in the procession, but that's just too bad! A 5 min sermon is all they are getting out of me. I'm up to station 7 of the 14 stations for the Good Friday 3 hours so don't have time for much else -- and I have still to preach every day of the week!
ReplyDeleteWe'll all get there in the end. I have bought some hazlenut flavoured coffee if anyone would like?
Hello all, I would love some of that coffee Pat, thanks!
ReplyDeleteTrying to figure out how to pack too much into this day. I just banged out a short meditation, now I want to try and make it to the last servings of a pancake breakfast, then another meditation to write, then Messy Church, then hopefully a children's sermon and an early bedtime. Oh, and I'm supposed to make cookies in there somewhere too.
Looking forward to a Monday massage.
Can I come to that massage too?
DeleteCan I come to that massage too?
DeleteSomething Muthah+ said yesterday got me thinking. She talked about a Maundy Thursday custom of a meal with friends before the Maundy Thursday service. That got me wondering how one might break down Holy Week into it's core themes so that folks could weave the week into their busy lives. What would a Palm Sunday procession of God entering one's life look like? Monday of Holy Week--looking at places/parts of our lives not bearing fruit or turning over tables? Tuesday--for our diocese a renewal of vows but what about taking another look at baptismal vows? Wednesday perhaps a silent day at home? Thursday--Muthah+ has that one covered. Friday--focusing on places where Christ is being cruicifed today--maybe reading the paper in a new way or looking at Realpolitics or some other web news through new lenses? Saturday--a good day to focus on empty places. Then greeting Easter with all the bells and whistles and joy the day demands.
ReplyDeleteAs I'm writing this, I'm looking at what semfem just wrote, "Looking forward to a Monday massage." It sounds better than what I've just proposed.
I don't know about that--your idea sounds pretty fabulous! Perhaps we're talking about apples and oranges :)
DeleteRealized this morning that this is the first time in over 20 years that I have not had an active part in the planning and execution of Holy Week. As my Sabbatical time is coming to an end, I am grateful for this time set apart as well as the potential for new ministry in a new place. Holding you all in prayer that you will have opportunities to experience as well as proclaim the rich blessings of this holy time.
ReplyDelete"There is a time for every purpose under heaven..." Enjoy this time of sabbath. Like the ground that lies fallow in preparation for the planting time, so your soul is being readied for the next chapter of your journey. This is important time. Blessings!
DeleteI have nothing. Well, maybe I have something, but it is in such small and unrelated fragments that it adds up to nothing. I need a basket in which to gather them so that there is more than enough! I am seeing an old friend for lunch and then spending the afternoon in a (fabulous) class, so I am probably feeling the nothingness a bit more acutely because of the lack of time. However, that said, after reading through all of your comments here, and hearing your ideas and being reminded that I am not the only one with little time, I'm encouraged that something will come to me :-) So great to have others to go through this with...
ReplyDeleteThere are some lovely oranges on a tree outside, if a bit of vitamin C would brighten anyone's day!
When we were Anglicans, we never had a sermon on Palm Sunday; instead, we did a dramatised reading of the Passion. I don't tend to preach, instead, I do a series of meditations. Year C has very long readings; I have "cherry-picked" four of them, and we think of the entry into Jerusalem, Peter's betrayal, the scene before Pilate, and, finally, the scene on the Cross. And I expect I shall finish by saying "And if you want to know what happened next, come back next Sunday!"
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, we will finish by singing "The old rugged cross", which that church adores, so they will tell me they loved the service anyway! Cynical, moi?
Passion reading and no sermon here either tomorrow. Cynical or Smart?! You are giving them what they would like as they enter into the week, so it's a win-win.
DeleteWe are having Confirmation tomorrow as well, and I'm finding Holy Week/Confirmation to be harder bedfellows than I would have thought. Working on something on choosing the story for your life, and wrapping it in with choosing to be part of the Christ story... Here's hoping it smooths out on paper a bit more!
ReplyDeleteMy home congregation used to always do confirmation on Palm Sunday. Which then meant it included Communion. And since at that point we had clergy who failed to understand that sometimes you can preach a shorter sermon, it meant that the Palm Sunday Service was regularly a 2 hour service. Teaching Sunday School on that day was a real challenge.
DeleteI have a reflection on Palm Sunday and confirmation (subtle) over at www.sicutlocutusest, if that would be of any help.
DeleteI have a reflection on Palm Sunday and confirmation (subtle) over at www.sicutlocutusest, if that would be of any help.
DeleteThank you sicutlocutusest! I will check it out
DeleteGord--that's part of the challenge! With four hymns and some Confirming to do, trying to condense all the thoughts into something a bit less rambling... hmm... I don't think our CE person would forgive me at 2 hours!
DeleteI'm just thankful that Methodists don't mind two hours on occasion! I am fairly sure I'll be at least 90 minutes tomorrow, but they are used to that. There's an old boy in my so-called "home" church who always likes it when I am preaching - and never fails to tell me so - because I seldom go over the hour!
DeleteThe practice of donkey-riding sermon is finished -- I guess I'll post it soon -- it turns out that donkey riding, at least as Jesus did it, is about help and humility and hope.
ReplyDeleteI'm just back from a morning hosting our first church leadership retreat. Small church with 18 people on our council/session, of whom 8 showed up -- and not one of the other committee chairs or members I invited. This church has never done anything like this. And . . . it was GREAT! Such a good and potitive discussion, and such openness to learning to re-imagine the future in terms of what God might be calling us to. I'm absolutely amazed.
I have some crab salad to share and a walk to take.
It's up at B&T. I don't know why it's so hard to transfer a document from word to blogger.
ReplyDeleteYes, Isn't it? One has to copy and paste, and then check all the formatting. You would think there would be some kind of "import document" feature. My sermon - plus order of service - will be published tomorrow; I never publish in advance since one of my congregation said she'd looked to see if I had....
DeleteNo manuscript for me tomorrow. Maybe reflections on procession for the folks who worship at the Congregation of St. Martin's and who go on procession several times a day. But here's what I worked out for Holy Week. You'll find it here.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe here Or maybe you'll have to search the blog. Sorry. Had this problem earlier in the week too.
DeleteHave a productive afternoon.
Have had a busy day bunny hunting. But I've had a nap and some dinner, so now ready to sit down and work on Palm Sunday sermon (we did Passion last week) hoping to explore some donkey riding, thanks to Robins comments here last week.
ReplyDeleteI have lots of Easter candy to share!
Just home from two church meetings that were fun and interesting and more than I expected. The "Men's Breakfast Fellowship" invited me to go to that, and I stayed through breakfast and some of their "get organized" discussion, which was lively and good. I excused myself after I piped in and added my 2 cents at what I hope was an appropriate time. I figured that it was "mens" so let them be "men," ya know?
ReplyDeleteThen another committee meeting -- their organizational meeting -- and there was energy sparking around that room.
Now I want to rewrite the sermon based on what happened today and what I think it means for them as they begin their pastoral search (I'm the interim). So, I'm going to play with that new sermon for awhile.
I had some Thai for lunch and I saved y'all some!
Started the day with a cupcake waffle breakfast with a group of friends. Then home for some basketball and a nap.
ReplyDeleteI got permission from the bishop a few years ago to move the reading of the Passion to the end of the service so I'll preach on Luke 19:28-40. Craddock has some interesting insights, specifically that this is a multitude of disciples and not those who will should "crucify" in a few more days. So I think I will be talking about why we, who lay down our cloaks and quote psalms, must then take the part of those who willingly do the work of the priests and scribes. Like the parable of the Prodigal Son, I think both groups betray Jesus in their own way. Perhaps taking the latter role in the reading reminds us not to take it in the rest of life?
It's been fun working on this sermon with my godson by phone this week. We were thinking along the same lines and have bounced ideas off each other.
Okay, I do have two cupcakes to give away: white coconut or chocolate ganache?
Sunday morning and I am feeling a blah! this week I have written 3 mini reflections, which now seems a bit of a cop-out, as I am not sure I am saying anything. also looking at it today, it is very cut and paste of other people's ideas.
ReplyDeletebut it is Sunday morning [almost 8 am], so no time to change it now. see what happens during the service.
Hopefully I get my worship energy back soon. At least here we don't have services each day of Holy week. Only Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Messy Church this afternoon, and I also need to come up with a short talk for that.
forgot the linkhere
ReplyDeleteokay, I'm here. 5pm and still light out--pretty much the only saving grace of DST. My dad sent a whole bunch of Cadbury eggs, so help yourselves!
ReplyDeleteTime to come up with a beginning...because a beginning often leads to a middle, which hopefully leads to an end... :-)
I thought I had asked this earlier, but was having connection problems so it must not have posted:
ReplyDeleteSimple Children's Time ideas anyone?????????
Hey Gord - got one yet? I read a sermon the other day that I thought would make a good kids time. Riffing on "the stones would cry" Show a stone. See if they can hear it say anything. Then ask: why would Jesus say that? What would they say? And then, you can give them a little preview of next week if you want - something about the stone rolled away from the tomb.
DeleteNot very well thought out, but maybe will give you something?
We always act out the story. Much hilarity ensues with kids trying to ride on each other's backs, etc.
see if this goes in the right place this time:
DeleteThe person on children’s talk today looked at the way we make choices – tossing a coin, drawing the short straw, asking someone else…..
What choices do we make in following Jesus?
a friend is unexpectedly in town and wants to have dinner, so that provided great impetus to get down to work! I have a sermon: cheerleaders and naysayers. Would love some feedback!
ReplyDeleteI'll bring back some thai food. :)
I left you a comment after I enjoyed reading your sermon.
DeleteIs that thai for me? (hoping . . .)
Might someone be willing to read a draft?
ReplyDeleteOops, helps to leave a link! draft
ReplyDeleteHi there Lisa! Just visited your site and turns out we are neighbors - at least kind of. I am in Portland but did my Mdiv in Seattle so feel very connected there, still. So, hi! Anyway, I clicked the link but couldnt find the sermon. Would love to try again.
DeleteHi Jennifer! It does feel like a small Pacific Northwest--I'm still learning my way around out here. Third times the charm? Sermon Link
DeleteWorked that time - thanks. And what a lovely thing you have done. I wondered about making the confirmation connection, but it is masterful here. (I have also preached on Donald Millers thing about being the hero of your own story - i LOVE that! Did you see the movie? It didnt do very well, but I thought it was kind of wonderful.)
DeleteThanks for the feedback Jennifer--Wanted to check if it just had a connection in my head! I haven't seen the movie, but will need to add it to my list...hmmmm...
DeleteGood evening everyone. Wow, do I struggle with Palm Sunday - turns out trying to reframe 2000 years of atonement theology in one sermon might have been...a bit...um...ambitious. :b
ReplyDeleteSo, still at the thinking stage where I DO NOT like to be at this time of day, esp since I've been getting much better at at least getting to Saturday with some kind of draft.
Any other late nighters out there? Off to procrastinate more. I mean, read Rev Lisa's.
Gotta admire that ambition, Jennifer!
DeleteI'm still here and playing with an idea that is still far too embryonic.
Just glanced up at your reply to Lisa. My beloved grandchild lives in Portland, along with his dear parents. Also, an amazing thing to me: A young woman who was in our youth group back in the day is now an ordained UU minister in Seattle.
(Me? Procrastinate? I choose to call this making good connections!)
Sharon -Thanks for making the PDX connection - I sometimes feel on the far edges of the continent out here, so it's great to hear of them. That is great news about your student. love how those seeds we plant eventually grow into something, eh?
DeleteStill embroyonic here, too, but growing at least :)
Good to hear things are growing! It always seems to be a challenge on big days--finding piece small enough to dig into.
DeleteEXACTLY - and the challenge in my congregation is shooting down the middle so it doesnt bore the ones who have been there 1000 times, but also makes some kind of sense for a small but interested group of seekers and newcomers.
DeleteWorship held together much better than I expected, probably because so much was ad-libbed - thank you Holy Spirit. If I could remember what I said, I would repost :) Tweaked the first 2 reflections to ask the question, what does this tell us about Jesus?
ReplyDeleteOften Palm Sunday is much more celebration, this time was a more subdued Palm Sunday, focusing on Jesus rule of peace and hope; and if we have the mind of Christ what does this mean for us.
Now time to think about what I will say in Messy Church this afternoon. I wonder if I can get that done before lunch?
So, I was just starting to get somewhere when I had to leave for Messy Church--our last one of the year. Although the group agreed that we want to try expanding it to once a month starting in the fall--exciting!
ReplyDeleteI SHOULD start this reflection now, but I think I am actually going to chill a bit and watch the rest of this basketball game. It's almost 3/4 of the way over and my team is winning--I can't resist!
Never did make the cookies, but I do have some MnMs around here to share with the party, both milk and dark. MMMM.
The person on children’s talk today looked at the way we make choices – tossing a coin, drawing the short straw, asking someone else…..
ReplyDeleteWhat choices do we make in following Jesus?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletethis looks like spam to me
ReplyDeleteDeleted, pearl :)
ReplyDeleteThat spam filter has some big holes in it today.
DeleteWorking on something about how powerlessness in others threatens/disturbs us because it reminds us of our own. What Jesus' accusers hate in him, especially in his silence on trial, is a terrifying amplification of what they hate in themselves--vulnerability, etc. Just as they/we praise who they think Jesus is as he enters Jerusalem, they/we fear who they see Jesus to be as he refuses the chance to define and defend himself in the face of his trumped up trial. Pulling from Rowan Williams' Christ on Trial, the chapter on Luke.
ReplyDeleteI'm a frequent (silent) partier, though I've tried to comment a few times...my prehistoric computer and browser don't seem to play nicely with the comments feature. Anyway, thanks for having me!
So happy you could comment today, Ann.
DeleteI think you are onto something about what is so infuriating to his accusers about Jesus.
And I'm still working on mine about Jesus being a misunderstood king. It's not holding together as well as I would like. Yet. Back to it.
I'm looking over the details one more time before tomorrow. I've got a fuzzy pony (donkey look alike without the attitude!) coming for a procession in the neighborhood - except there is an 80% chance of snow, temps in the 20s, and wind gusts to 25 mph. Brrrrr~ It will be a cold procession!
ReplyDeleteThen worship is "The Cry of the Whole Congregation" - by Walt Wangerin. Dramatic passion narrative. We've had two rehearsals. I came home and took a nap and kept thinking, "Why did I do this?" It's easier to be in control when you are doing things yourself. But I liked' B&T's sermon about riding on the donkey and relinquishing control. I'm trying...
So lots of new things happening tomorrow... tympani, dancer, pony, readers in costume... bilingual prayers, one lesson in Spanish. So many details... I'm praying I've thought of everything that needs to be done. And then the youth moved their Easter breakfast to Palm Sunday pancake breakfast...
Sounds really wonderful, SW!
DeleteRemember (as Robin pointed out), even Jesus had to ask for help! Prayers that you will get everything you need at just the right time tomorrow.
Oh, good stuff, Ann. And welcome to the party!
ReplyDeleteHave you read Brene Brown's book on vulnerability?
Thanks! I haven't, but am glad for the recommendation. She's fabulous.
DeleteI love Brene' Brown's writing. She also has a blog. You can find it and links to her videos here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.brenebrown.com/
I have about 5 sentences and no motivation for any more. I am just plain ready for Lent to be over and Easter to be here, which is where I am starting; alas, as in life, we just have to live with/through the hard parts, unable to rush them, trying to trust that resurrection (which is a new life, not the old one back) will come eventually. I don't need to say much because of the length of the service already, but I need more than that!
ReplyDeleteI have some absolutely fabulous fresh-from-the-field strawberries that I got at my favorite stand today; help yourselves (and if anyone has ice cream to go with them, that would be even better...).
Vanilla bean ice cream here to go with those strawberries. Thank you, Betsy!
DeleteI really like the start of your sermon. It is authentic and that will get you down the road (so to speak).
I am thinking my family should just skip dinner and go straight to the ice cream with berries; I am sure my teen sons won't object!
DeleteThree RevGals are working on a series we are calling The Mary Passions - Kate Hennessy-Keimig, Anne Wolf Fraley, and I - have reimagined the Gospel for Palm Sunday through the lens of Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary of Bethany (for Maundy Thursday); and Mary Magdalene (Easter). Two of the three are posted here. It's been a great collaboration. If you want to use any of them just drop us an email mompriest at gmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteDone...reverendjoy.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteNot where I thought I'd go...but I did.
Anyone want some warm milk?
Another spam comment above Joy's post?
ReplyDeleteI removed another spam post. But my post above Joy's is definitely not spam :-)
ReplyDeleteback with mango sticky rice for anyone still needing dessert....mmmm, thai food. Had a wonderful time catching up with friends, and now need to look back over that sermon and see what I think. :-) Then I'm going to try to go to bed at a normal time tonight, I swear. My internal clock has been all messed up because I had a couple of late nights and now I can't seem to get back to normal...hoping today's the day. :-)
ReplyDeleteOk, I am done. Did not save the world from bad theology for all time (surprisingly!), but I think it will work.
ReplyDeletePrayers appreciated for DH (and, selfishly, for the pastor during holy week)- he has been in bed with something like flu for 5 days. Praying tomorrow he will turn a corner!
Not a good time for you to be worrying about the flu, his or the possibility of it becoming yours :-o Prayers offered...
DeleteUgh. My post just got eaten. The short version - - no sermon because of a reading of the Passion. I did spend the evening so far writing up the docket for our annual meeting tomorrow. Longer than usual because of the announcement of our transformation plans and ministry goals for the next several years. Off to bed at a strangely early hour for me. :) Peace to all still writing!
ReplyDeleteI gave up last night. But, an early start this morning has produced a sermon - not where I thought I was headed but, hopefully, where the Spirit wanted me to go? Donkey Riding King blessings on all your worship. And thanks for hosting, Pat.
ReplyDeleteI fell asleep last night, but then woke up and am now, thankfully, finished. Back to sleep (properly this time) for a few more hours and then up and at 'em!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on all pondering, preaching, and proclamation this day.