PASTOR’S PEN
Reading on the 4th
This week I am in Claremont with Karla as she takes classes at the School of Theology in the Course of Studies Program for Local Pastors.
I walked in the college book store today and picked up my 4th of July reading. Sometimes I read the Declaration of Independence on the 4th and sometimes something else that helps me to reflect on our democracy. Last year it was John Meacham’s book on the American presidency.
This year I’m going to read Madeleine Albright’s 2018 book called “Fascism: A Warning.” Albright was the first woman to serve as Secretary of State under President Clinton. This is a personal and urgent examination of fascism in the 20th century and how it’s legacy shapes today’s world. (More later)
Happy 4th. Do some praying and soul searching for our country and world.
Steve
I walked in the college book store today and picked up my 4th of July reading. Sometimes I read the Declaration of Independence on the 4th and sometimes something else that helps me to reflect on our democracy. Last year it was John Meacham’s book on the American presidency.
This year I’m going to read Madeleine Albright’s 2018 book called “Fascism: A Warning.” Albright was the first woman to serve as Secretary of State under President Clinton. This is a personal and urgent examination of fascism in the 20th century and how it’s legacy shapes today’s world. (More later)
Happy 4th. Do some praying and soul searching for our country and world.
Steve
Revised Common Lectionary
One of the decisions that Pastors have is what direction to go each Sunday with the sermon or message. First of all what does one preach on? Well, preaching should open up a passage of scripture or scriptures and reflect on the meaning for today. How does one select the scripture for each Sunday? Many Pastors like myself use what is called the “Revised Common Lectionary.” This is a calendar and table of suggested scripture readings for a three-year cycle. There is a Old Testament, Epistle, Gospel reading and a Psalm assigned for each Sunday. I usually use the Psalm and two of the three readings. The Lectionary provides a systematic approach to the use of scripture in worship.
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