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Lectionary Stories for Preaching and Teaching, Cycle a - Lent / Easter Edition

Author : Publishing Co Css

Publisher :

Page : 68 pages

File Size : 32,26 MB

Release : 2014-01-01

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9780788027482

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Book Description

Everyone loves a good story. Storytellers who excel at their craft have the ability to draw readers or listeners into the worlds they create, using characters and situations to entertain and enlighten us. Jesus, the Master Storyteller, often spoke using parables -- short stories that conveyed a spiritual truth. By drawing his listeners into his story, he unlocked their minds and hearts to hear the truth he was trying to relate to them. This compilation of stories for the Lent and Easter Seasons taken from StorySharefollows in that same tradition. StoryShare, a part of SermonSuite.com, is written by various authors brought together to meditate on scriptures in the Revised Common Lectionary for Cycle A and create stories that flesh out these passages, allowing readers to see these words in a new way. These stories can be whimsical and light-hearted or poignant and reflective, even tragic. But they all strive to bring us to a deeper understanding of the scriptures and the God who inspired them.Some of the stories are even based on actual events experienced by the authors, events that influenced their perspective on Christianity. Useful as sermon illustrations, stand alone sermons, teaching aides, personal devotions, or even just for entertaining reading, "Stories for Teaching and Preaching "will draw you into new worlds with vibrant and engaging images, deepening your relationship with God in the process.



Whispering the Lyrics

Author : Thomas G. Long

Publisher : CSS Publishing

Page : 138 pages

File Size : 17,56 MB

Release : 1995

Category : Religion

ISBN : 0788004921

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Book Description

Based on texts from the Revised Common and Catholic lectionaries, Thomas Long provides inspirational messages to motivate and help preachers through their most difficult preaching time of the year, the seasons of Lent and Easter. The road to Easter takes us through the most sacred stretch of the gospel story, and the narratives simply overwhelm us... Congregations who blithely assume that their pastor eagerly relishes the chance to preach the passion and resurrection of Jesus are, for the most part, mistaken. To be sure the pews are more crowded as Easter approaches, the choirs are well-rehearsed and in full voice, and an electric charge courses through the sanctuary, but the preacher stands there with the obligation to proclaim the truths of Jesus' death and resurrection, and it seems, at one and the same time, to be a set of claims too little to go on in a secular and cynical age and a range of mysteries too profound to speak. -- from author's foreword Thomas Long is Francis Landey Patton Professor of Preaching and Worship at Princeton Theological Seminary and is one of the most well-known teachers of preachers in America. This is his second book published by CSS.



Lectionary Preaching Workbook, Cycle a - Lent / Easter Edition

Author : Mark Ellingsen

Publisher :

Page : 164 pages

File Size : 19,70 MB

Release : 2014-01-01

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9780788027420

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Book Description

When it comes to preaching from a lectionary, it can often be a daunting task to create new ways of preaching about a passage that has been around for thousands of years. It would seem that, after a while, there would be no new ways of looking at a scripture passage. A different perspective, however, can be most beneficial in finding a new way to help your congregation see each of the readings. This is the inspiration behind the "Lectionary Preaching Workbook "series and this special edition for Lent and Easter. By providing new insights into each of the readings in the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal Lectionaries, Mark Ellingsen has given pastors everywhere the tools they need to effectively relate the heart of the scriptures to their congregations, combining the best of scholarly techniques with pastoral experience. Each of these illustrations and thematic explorations provide the perfect jumping point for pastors to take a text and create thought-provoking, inspirational messages. Its easy-to-use format and illuminating commentary make the "Lectionary Preaching Workbook"an essential addition to any pastor's library. Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored eighteen books. He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.



Restoring the Future

Author : Robert J. Elder

Publisher : CSS Publishing

Page : 106 pages

File Size : 39,55 MB

Release : 2001

Category : Religion

ISBN : 0788018183

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Book Description

Restoring The Future challenges readers to a deeper Easter faith by opening unexpected treasures in the first lesson lectionary passages from Genesis, Exodus, Samuel, the prophets, and the book of Acts. Drawing upon thoughtfully mined biblical insights and his alert attention to contemporary culture, Rob Elder has crafted sermons that not only disclose some unexpected angles of vision on Lent and Easter, but also serve as models for preaching on neglected and overlooked texts.... These are not the usual texts and these are not the expected words for the seasons of Lent and Easter, but it is sometimes what we do not expect to see and hear that delights us the most. Thomas G. Long Bandy Professor of Preaching Candler School of Theology, Emory University Some of the best sermons I have heard are from preachers who are not widely known. It is grand to have the opportunity to hear from one of those faithful servants, who year in and year out feed their parishioners with God's word. Diogenes Allen Princeton Theological Seminary This is the kind of preaching that nourishes the church! In this volume, Rob Elder serves up a full meal of appetizing stories, hearty reflections on scripture, serious theological convictions, and delicious good humor. Rob's passion for the Bread of Life is matched only by his quick wit and engaging style. Don't miss this great collection of sermons by a fine preacher! William G. Carter Pastor, First Presbyterian Church Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania Robert J. Elder is currently the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Salem, Oregon. He is a graduate of Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Drew University Theological School (D.Min.). Prior to his arrival in Salem, Elder served parishes in Amarillo, Texas; Port Arthur, Texas; and Corvallis, Oregon. He has been active in his denomination, including a term as the moderator of the Cascades Presbytery. Elder's sermons have also been widely published in preaching periodicals, including Lectionary Homiletics, where he served for four years on the editorial team.



Navigating the Sermon

Author : Css Publishing Company

Publisher : CSS Publishing Company

Page : 88 pages

File Size : 15,83 MB

Release : 2012-06-01

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9780788027147

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Book Description

In this special edition for the Sundays in Lent and Easter of Cycle C, the writers and editors of "Charting the Course," an integral part of Emphasis: A Lectionary Preaching Journal from CSS Publishing Company, delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you, the pastor with in-depth lectionary-based commentary; relating several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. The team of writers looks for overall topics for the seasons of Lent and Easter in the Cycle C church year that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the theme and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single application for each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, "Navigating the Sermon" in most cases suggests several ideas, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs. This book is like having a dedicated, thoroughly versed sermon research and sermon resource team right in your own study to help you create riveting sermons that are truly yours and that speak powerfully to your audience.



Imaging the Gospels

Author : Timothy Ayers

Publisher : CSS Publishing Company

Page : 98 pages

File Size : 15,7 MB

Release : 2017

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9780788029103

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Book Description

Imagining the Gospels: Cycle B Sermons for Lent and Easter Based on the Gospel Texts is the latest from Rev. Timothy W. Ayers. As a pastor who writes his messages while also writing novels, children's books, and short dramas, Rev. Ayers found himself working hard to visually create the picture of what was hap-pening in the gospel accounts. Why? These were people lis-tening to Jesus. They would have had emotions about the topics. They would have had little things they recognized when Jesus spoke about lambs, shepherds, and vines. Much like our congregants, there would be nods of recognition toward experiences in their lives. His goal was to get the listener to imagine themselves, with their feelings, and their rea-sons for being in church, to better use their cognitive skills, inside the stories. At other times, Ayers sought to take them on a week by week journey through the Easter season. He didn't assume they have a relationship with Christ. He didn't assume they are vibrant, serving members of the congregation. He only assumed that the listener is seeking something they do not have. He was attempting to take them one step further on a journey from week to week. At times Rev. Ayers brings humor to the scene in order to lighten the mood of the listener. The body relaxes when we laugh and that helps us to hear the message. Imagining the Gospels hopefully will achieve this. This book will make life easier for any busy pastor during the Lent and Easter season, by providing a sermon for each and every Sunday, when attendance is likely to be at its highest. This book has several intended uses: Sermon ideas Inspirational reading Bible study with individuals or groups Some Sermon Titles Include: Beginning The Lenten Journey (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21) Tearing The Sky To Get To You (Mark 1:9-15) Did I Say That Out Loud? (Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-9) The Road To The Passover (John 2:13-22) A Nod Of Recognition (John 3:14-21) Rev. Timothy W. Ayers recently pastored a small church in western New York. It was his first time working with a smaller body of Christians. After planting churches and working with several larger congregations, he felt the call to minister in a completely different setting. He learned a lot about the limitations of a small congregation. Tim merged two of his past literary mediums of short plays for contemporary churches and children's literature. He combined the styles of his short plays, Living Parables, written to illustrate the Sunday service messages (published by CSS Publishing), and his middle reader series, Spinechillers Mysteries. From these two loves came Five Little Christmas Dramas for Today's Kids. It is Ayers' desire that churches around the world can tell this marvelous story of the birth of our Savior through relevant, fun, and easy-to-produce holiday plays.



Preaching the New Common Lectionary

Author : Fred B. Craddock

Publisher :

Page : 264 pages

File Size : 27,24 MB

Release : 1986

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9780687338528

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Book Description

Contains background material for sermons on Bible texts in the order of the three-year cycle of weekly readings agreed upon by several denominations. Sunday of Pentecost is included in the Lent, Holy Week, Easter volumes. Does not contain text of Bible lessons.



What, Then, Would You Be?

Author : Ronald H. Love

Publisher :

Page : 136 pages

File Size : 14,36 MB

Release : 2019-09-18

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9780788028793

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Book Description

The season of Lent prepares us to be disciples by leading us in a disciplined spiritual life. The season of Easter and the message of the Resurrection inform us as to the meaning of Christianity. The season of Eastertide guides us in the daily living of a Christian life. Ron Love's latest book, What, Then, Would You Be? Second Lesson Sermons for Lent and Easter, Cycle A covers the seasons of Lent, Easter, and Eastertide, actually tracing what it means to be a Christian. This series of sermons is based on the Lectionary readings from the Epistles. The Epistles stand as the most informative biblical passages on being a Christian. The first sermon asks the question "What, then, would you be?" with the remaining sermons wrestling with the answer. Dr. Ronald H. Love has a cosmopolitan work experience having been employed in the church, education, public service, and business. This has exposed him to multiple facets of the human condition, fostering sensitivity and awareness. In his quest for knowledge he has acquired six degrees which include: Bachelor of Arts, Slippery Rock State College; Master of Arts, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Master of Library and Information Science, University of Pittsburgh; Master of Education, Duquesne University; Master of Divinity, Wesley Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Love was called to be a theologian from a career as a Virginia State Trooper. This transition has been the litmus test for all his theological writings, for it made him mindful that biblical interpretation and theological positions must parallel what people experience in daily living. Therefore, his guide is that his theology must be able to dwell on the streets of Page County, where he was assigned as a state trooper, for this is where people live; this is reality. If a theological treatise that he composes cannot live on the streets of Page County then the theology is misguided, for the streets are real. Dr. Love has written for CSS Publishing in Charting the Course, Emphasis, and The Immediate Word.



Redemption to Transformation

Author : Richard Gribble

Publisher : CSS Publishing Company

Page : 116 pages

File Size : 26,25 MB

Release : 2017

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9780788028878

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Book Description

If the Lenten journey is traversed successfully, then we can fully enter into the celebratory time of Easter. Yet, even as we observe these events we must acknowledge that the challenges of the Christian life are ever present. We should never forget British writer G.K. Chesterton's admonition in What's Wrong with the World (1910), "The Christian life has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." The Easter season reminds us that despite the triumph of Christ there will always be challenges to our belief. We seemingly cannot believe unless we see; yet we know that faith often is beyond proof and, thus, beyond sight as well. We are also challenged to discover ways of transforming problematic situations and what appears to be defeat into triumph through the grace of God. Additionally, this great season of grace teaches us that we must continually evaluate what we do and keep our eyes fixed on Christ and his mission and message. Finally, as Jesus ascends to the Father, we come to realize that the Lord's work in not complete and, therefore, each day presents us with the opportunity to do something to complete the master's work. The cycle B second lesson sermons of Reverend Richard Gribble's Redemption to Transformation: The Journey of Lent and Easter represent an understanding of the challenges presented us through this highly significant and very special journey. The church in its wisdom gives us this opportunity annually to review where we are and, after ascertaining our present position, the challenge to move to higher realms that are more consistent with our common Christian call to holiness. It is hoped that these reflections will be helpful to you as together we travel the path from Lent to Easter, and eventually to Christ and eternal life. Redemption to Transformation: The Journey of Lent and Easter provides a second lesson sermon for every Sunday of cycle B, which will provide the following advantages: To give busy pastors ideas for their sermon creation To make the day-to-day life of being a pastor easier To free up time for counseling, visitation, or just your own leisure Some Sermon Titles Include: Suffering Leads to Victory (1 Peter 3:18-21) Enduring the Trails of Faith (Romans 4:13-25) The Cost of Discipleship (Philippians 2:5-11) Sacrifice Leads to Life (Hebrews 10:16-25) Rising to New Life (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) Richard Gribble, CSC, is a Catholic priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross. He has served at St. John Vianney in Goodyear, Arizona, and as the acting superior at Moreau Seminary at the University of Notre Dame. Father Gribble earned his Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America, and has also earned degrees from the United States Naval Academy, the University of Southern California, and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. He is the author of several books and over 100 articles.



A "new and Improved" Jesus?

Author : Barbara Brokhoff

Publisher : CSS Publishing Company

Page : 142 pages

File Size : 44,4 MB

Release : 1991

Category : Religion

ISBN : 9781556733185

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Book Description

Christ would like to so possess us, and cleanse us, and remake us, that everyone who sees us would say we are "new and improved." -- from the sermon for Lent 5 Beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing through Pentecost, Barbara Brokhoff challenges Christians to consider a holy fast for the soul. Using Scriptures from the Old Testament books and the New Testament book of Acts, this book provides seventeen sermons for use in the Common Lectionary. Sermon titles include: Fasting in a Fast-food World (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17a) Healing For The Past (Joshua 5:9-12) Fresh Bread and New Wine (Jeremiah 31:31-34) Obedience is an Ugly Word! (Acts 5:27-32) Barbara Brokhoff is an approved evangelist for the United Methodist Church, Florida Conference. She has served as a United Methodist pastor for fifteen years and presently travels across the United States preaching at camp meetings, conferences, and pastors' schools. This is her seventh book published by CSS.