11th Hour Preacher Party: "We Wish to See Jesus" (Now, Please!) Edition

Can you see me now?

Welcome to the 11th Hour Preacher Party for the 5th Sunday of Lent!

I invite you to take a moment to marvel at the technology that is probably within your reach at this moment.  Just 20 years ago, composing sermons meant writing in pen on a yellow legal pad (or, heaven help us, using a typewriter!), spending hours at the seminary library, and stocking the bookshelf with commentaries.

Today, there is no need for an 11th hour preacher to leave her/his home.  We can wear comfy clothes or stay in flannel and fuzzy slippers.  We are fully resourced with our computers and tablets, search engines, TextWeek, LiturgyLink, and Kindles and Nooks and digital books. And, wonder of all wonders, we can be in the company of many brilliant colleagues -- all of you! -- connected and communicating on a world wide web. That's progress!

That same technology also brings us news stories that reveal the progress we haven't made. In 2012 --  unbelievably -- women's rights and civil rights are not yet already-settled, taken-for-granted, all-for-one-and-one-for-all human rights.

Wishing to see Jesus?  Yes, please!  And sooner, not later!
Where is Jesus in the stories of Trayvon Martin's tragic death and Susan Fluke's testimony profaned?

Will you address either of these this week?
Or are there other church or community issues you will tackle?
How can we help you &/or pray for you today?

I am so grateful for the really wonderful RevGal blog posts this week in response to the death of Trayvon Martin.  Here are a few that I gathered up for your inspiration:

Skittles and Iced Tea at Presbydestrian (Kathleen M. Sheets)
Should Not Happen at Rev Momma (Beth Spencer Anderson)
Remember Trayvon at Faith Grace and Hope (Pastor Julia)
The Politics of Fear at Faith and Water (Rachel Hackenberg)
By Heart at Reflectionary (Martha Spong)

If you know of other RevGal blog posts or other articles that you would like to highlight today, please post them in the comments.  If possible, I will add them to the list.

As always, the coffee is hot, the welcome is extravagant, and the snack table is ready for your delicious offerings.

Welcome, everyone!

Tuesday Lectionary Leanings: "Child of the Light" Edition

This Sunday's lessons can be found here .

I want to live as a child of the light
I want to be like Jesus...

That hymn was going through my mind as I read the lessons for this coming Sunday.

What do the texts suggest that being a "child of the light" looks and feels like?

Any other insights into the Scriptures as you weave them into your sermons and worship planning this week? Or are you finding light in other texts? As always, let us know.