Lectionary for May 14, 2023 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 Our church family had a bit of an accidental quiz recently as we discussed congregational space and usage. Someone asked why there was a special chair with a basin in front of it. A new member excitedly […]
Focal verse “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people’” (Luke 2:10). Reflection The best things seem always to come from telling stories. Last summer vacation, while browsing a local bookstore, I found a book about hosting family book […]
Focal verse “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Reflection As soon as I woke my son to get him ready for school, I knew we were in for a rough morning. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I whispered, “Good morning.” His eyes opened […]
Focal verse “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). Reflection Most days, as I drop off my children at school, I repeat the same words to them: “I love you. Have […]
Focal verse “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27). Reflection Every fall, our town of Cole Camp, Mo., is transformed for an annual fair. Over three days, the fair brings together the youngest to the oldest neighbors, new residents to […]
Focal verse “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34). Reflection We’re thick in the middle of summer. Our mornings don’t have us rushing out the door, and our days are spent at the pool. One afternoon at the library, my soon-to-be-fifth […]
Focal verse “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Reflection I often can’t keep myself from scrolling online and catching up on the latest news—violence in […]
Focal verse “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Reflection Most summers, when we plant our garden, the same pattern emerges: we work the ground and soil, we weed and […]
