Collaborative Preaching Isaiah 2:1-5

"Collaborative preaching" 

Sunday, November 27 

Isaiah 2:1-5, First Sunday of Advent

The Prophet Isaiah used the image of a potter working clay in her hands as a way of speaking about how God shaped the people of Israel. In the United Church of Christ we talk about Faith practices.  Prayer, study, and works of love help us to return to the love of God and neighbor.  

I have grown in appreciation for the amount of practice actors and musicians put into each performance.  What would it be like if the musicians and actors never practiced before the performance?  Faith is exactly like that.  We need to practice our faith!

As our lives change and new technologies become available nearly every day, we need to use new ways to help people practice their faith.  There was a good response to the previous three months Collaborative preaching assignments and many people shared their questions and reflections toward an upcoming Sunday service.  On that Sunday, I recognize the people who respond and contribute to the discussion about the scripture. 

Please read the scripture and let me know what you think for November 27!

Thanks,

Kevan

Docksf@aol.com 

330-264-9250

www.kevansfranklin.blogspot.com  

 Isaiah 2:1-5  New Century Version (NCV)

2: 1 Isaiah son of Amoz saw this message about Judah and Jerusalem:

 ² In the last days the mountain on which the Lord’s Temple stands
    will become the most important of all mountains.
It will be raised above the hills,
    and people from all nations will come streaming to it.

³ Many nations will come and say,
    “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the Temple of the God of Jacob.
Then God will teach us his ways,
    and we will obey his teachings.”
His teachings will go out from Jerusalem;
    the message of the Lord will go out from Jerusalem.

⁴ He will settle arguments among the nations
    and will make decisions for many nations.
Then they will make their swords into plows
    and their spears into hooks for trimming trees.
Nations will no longer fight other nations,
    nor will they train for war anymore.

⁵ Come, family of Jacob,
    and let us follow the way of the Lord.

Please share your thoughts on this scripture after you read it.

What questions do you have?

What would be a good sermon title for this passage?

What do you think about the Scripture for September? The Rich man and Lazarus.

Friends,

Thank you for contributing to worship on September 25^th by offering your impressions and thoughts about this Scripture from Luke 16:19-31.  Please read the scripture and let me know what you think!

On that Sunday, I’ll recognize the people who responded and contributed to the discussion.  This is a beta experiment in "Collaborative preaching".

Here are just a few prompt questions to get you started;  What were your reactions to this scripture after you read it?  What did you think about after reading it?  What questions do you have? What would be a good sermon title for this passage?  Etc. Think outside the box with your reflections please.

Email is preferred;  Docksf@aol.com

Or Phone; 330-264-9250-leave a message on voicemail if you don’t reach me in the office, but I’d be more satisfied to listen to your thoughts firsthand. 

Or comment on my ongoing Blog at  www.kevansfranklin.blogspot.com 

Facebook friends can respond on my post!!

Thank you to those who contributed to the August 28 service!

-Kevan

Scripture for September 25, 2016

Luke 16:19-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. ²⁰ And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, ²¹ who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. ²² The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ ²⁵ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. ²⁶ Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ ²⁷ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— ²⁸ for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ ²⁹ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ ³⁰ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’³¹ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

What do you think about the Scripture for September? The Rich man and Lazarus.

Friends,

Thank you for contributing to worship on September 25^th by offering your impressions and thoughts about this Scripture from Luke 16:19-31.  Please read the scripture and let me know what you think!

On that Sunday, I’ll recognize the people who responded and contributed to the discussion.  This is a beta experiment in "Collaborative preaching".

Here are just a few prompt questions to get you started;  What were your reactions to this scripture after you read it?  What did you think about after reading it?  What questions do you have? What would be a good sermon title for this passage?  Etc. Think outside the box with your reflections please.

Email is preferred;  Docksf@aol.com

Or Phone; 330-264-9250-leave a message on voicemail if you don’t reach me in the office, but I’d be more satisfied to listen to your thoughts firsthand. 

Or comment on my ongoing Blog at  www.kevansfranklin.blogspot.com 

Facebook friends can respond on my post!!

Thank you to those who contributed to the August 28 service!

-Kevan

Scripture for September 25, 2016

Luke 16:19-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. ²⁰ And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, ²¹ who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. ²² The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ ²⁵ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. ²⁶ Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ ²⁷ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— ²⁸ for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ ²⁹ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ ³⁰ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’³¹ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Invitation to share thoughts on Sunday August 28 Scripture

Friends,

The Prophet Isaiah used the image of a potter working clay in her hands as a way of speaking about how God shaped the people of Israel. In the United Church of Christ we talk about Faith practices.  Prayer, study, and works of love help us to return to the love of God and neighbor. 

Last month, I told a story about my days playing baseball and how important practice with the rest of team was.  We have enjoyed Ohio Light Opera musicians throughout this summer and I have grown in appreciation for the amount of practice actors and musicians put into each performance for no less than six different shows!  Can you imagine what it would be like if the musicians and actors never practiced before the performance?!?!  Faith is exactly like that.  We need to practice far more than we preach!

As our lives change and new technologies become available nearly every day, we need to use the best ways we can to help people practice their faith.  There was a good response to last month’s newsletter article about an online reflection group to read scripture and share their questions and reflections on a piece of scripture that will be featured during an upcoming Sunday service.  On that Sunday, I’ll recognize the people who respond and contribute to the discussion about the scripture.  This is an experiment in "Collaborative preaching".  

This is a Beta test on the scripture for Sunday, August 28^th, Hebrews 13:1-8, 14-16.

Please read the scripture and let me know what you think!

Thanks,

Kevan

What were your reactions to this scripture after you read it?  What did you think about after reading it?

What questions do you have?

What would be a good sermon title for this passage?

Hebrews 13:1-8, 14-16   New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

13 Let mutual love continue. ² Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. ³ Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured.^[a] 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. ⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” ⁶ So we can say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper;
    I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?”

⁷ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

¹⁴ For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. ¹⁵ Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.¹⁶ Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life

For twelve weeks, Trinity Ucc is following Karen Armstrong's book and program, "Twelve steps to a Compassionate Life".

Your assignment this week as we begin the first step to a compassionate life is simply to; “Learn about compassion”

You can find last week's message on the Trinity Youtube channel; Trinityuccwooster.

https://www.youtube.com/user/trinityuccwooster

Jesus taught his disciples how to practice compassion in every parable and in every encounter along the Way; feeding people, welcoming children, healing and seeing with different eyes.
Compassion is not just a nice idea, it is an urgent global imperative essential for our survival. It is the only way to make the world a more just and peaceful place.

Compassion, says Armstrong, is like driving a car. You don’t learn to drive by reading the owner’s manual. You must get behind the wheel and get into traffic.

Sometimes people view "Organized Religion" in negative ways. That way of thinking often overlooks all of the good things that the church brings to individuals and to human life on earth. It’s more accurate to look at church as "Organized Compassion". Weddings, Baptisms, Memorials, Prayer, among other practices are all designed to help us practice compassion.

Meditation time will begin this Sunday with the assignment; "Learn About Compassion."
It's a simple step in the right direction. You may want to look into what Brain science has to say about neuro-plasticity and how practicing compassion actually does change us for the better.
Consider the lives of compassionate people. When have you witnessed a compassionate action? Take note of people who have made a difference in your life because they cared. The first step is to simply begin to learn about compassion.

On Sunday January 10 the second step is: "Look at your own world". Your assignment will be to choose a place in your own life where you can practice compassion. “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Frederick Buechner

Trinity United Church of Christ Post-Easter Devotional for Saturday, April 11, 2015 "God Still Speaks"

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)

.-By Nancy Boorman

Interpretation, perspective and life experience are all overlaid on scripture as we read and look for meaning within it. That isn't to say there isn't a wrong way to interpret a text, because there is,  but to say that each time we read scripture God reveals himself/herself in a new way. One could say ," to each his own meaning."  This process is revelation in motion. There is no period '.' at the end of the ancient text but merely a comma ',' that continues the Word of God today.  God is not stagnant,  or static  never to reveal the divine mystery again but alive, speaking in our contemporary culture. 

Revealing new meaning within life is an active part of the Spirit. All the Lord asks is for you to be open in heart, and spirit to what might be spoken out of scripture today, in this present time. We worship a limitless God . Don't box the Almighty into a space of your own creation.

Prayer: Lord,in your mercy forgive us when we place our own physical limits and boundaries upon you. When we form you from our own limited thoughts and understanding. Help us expand and break down the barrier to your revelation that we have built. Let us embrace further revelation even as it challenges us . In your Sons name. AMEN.

There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.”

Rumi

Trinity United Church of Christ Post-Easter Devotional for Friday, April 10, 2015 "Home"

 

John 10:27 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

 

Finding the way home

 

by Nancy Boorman

One would think that finding our way home is easy but what if it’s dark, your vision clouded, your mind  unsure, you have been turned upside down and sideways, well that makes it a bit more difficult. That’s how she felt. She was searching for healing and healing for her spirit and soul could only come from God. She was not ready yet though, at least that is what she told him; I’m still too raw, sore from the battle, and not willing to put myself out there yet.  But he called anyway, called over and over again. Then it happened, the place of healing was placed in front of her, practically on her lap. She entered in tentatively, then all at once. The church was non-denominational, filled with a flowing Spirit wrapped in a contemporary expression. No questions asked, just come.

 

So she did and the Lord washed over her. First in a gentle ebb and flow then in waves of grace and mercy. Her spirt and soul began to unfold again, her energy restore and her faith in all things begin to bloom again. She went form sitting, to walking, to running to soaring. She could still fly and that surprised her. She wasn’t sure when it happened but one day she felt whole again, renewed by the God who had called her and stronger this time. Months passed, 9 to be exact.

 

Then it came again; She could feel the calling again, soft then louder and stronger. She ignored it. She didn’t want to leave, she wanted to stay in this house of the Lord. “But,” he said, “I have others plans.” She still ignored the voice. One more months would pass. It was Easter.

As she entered worship that Sunday and sat in the chair, she could feel it, things were changing in her heart and her head. It was Easter Sunday, and as everyone rose to sing, arms raised, she remained seated, tears streaming down her face, knowing this would be her last time in this familiar space. She had no choice, he had spoken loud and clear it was time to go, to get back to the business at hand. To be about the Fathers work.  When she left that day she didn’t look back, only ahead to what God was calling her to. One month later she walked into a new church, and it was home.

Sometimes God speaks so clearly in the loud roaring din and not the still silence. God speaks to each of us, but it’s up to us to listen and accept the invitation. He will issue it over and over again if we decline, until we have no choice but to say “Yes Lord.”

God still is speaking…can you hear him?

 

 

 

 

Prayer: Prayer of Sir Francis Drake

 

Disturb us, Lord, when We are too well pleased with ourselves,

When our dreams have come true

Because we have dreamed too little,

When we arrived safely

Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possess

We have lost our thirst

For the waters of life;

Having fallen in love with life,

We have ceased to dream of eternity

And in our efforts to build a new earth,

We have allowed our vision

Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

To venture on wider seas

Where storms will show your mastery;

Where losing sight of land,

We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back

The horizons of our hopes;

And to push into the future

In strength, courage, hope, and love. AMEN.

 

“We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”

 

C.S. Lewis