Preachers must understand the teaching techniques of parable and hyperbole, not to mention having a good background in systematic theology, in order to understand what the Bible's writers really meant.... But our responsibility is also to reduce the complexities of Bible study to such simplicities that our many listeners, ranging from busy young professional people to aging men and women of failing health to youngsters facing a variety of new temptations, can take away a saving word. (from the Preface) E. Carver McGriff provides the tools preachers need for their daunting task with some of the most timely and thought-provoking research on the lectionary texts ever made available. Included for each scriptural lesson in the lectionary are: - A listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts. - A description of the Psalm of the day. - A prayer for the day. - Commentary that is more than academic exegesis -- McGriff brings to the forefront those points in the lessons that relate most poignantly to our contemporary reality. - Suggested sermon titles for each of the three texts for each Sunday. - Themes and suggested directions for preaching on each text. - Several additional illustrations to enliven your preaching. Known in the Indianapolis community as a preacher with extraordinary gifts, it is no surprise at all that this work by Carver McGriff brings remarkable insights to those who look for integrity in their preaching. Carver looks at the texts with a freshness that is sure to stimulate the thought process.... Careful use of these suggestions will bring serendipities to preacher and congregation. George H. Tooze Senior Minister, First Baptist Church Indianapolis, Indiana One of America's premiere preachers, E. Carver McGriff returned home after earning two Purple Hearts during World War II to earn a degree in business administration from Butler University. Following a career as a salesman and business owner, McGriff entered Garrett Theological Seminary, where he was voted Best Preacher by the faculty and graduated with distinction. During his 26-year ministry at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Indianapolis, McGriff spearheaded his congregation's remarkable growth in membership from 900 to 4,400, with average Sunday attendance increasing from 300 to over 1,850. McGriff received an honorary degree from the University of Indianapolis and the Outstanding Alumnus award from Butler University and was voted the Distinguished Alumnus of the year by Christian Theological Seminary. McGriff was also honored in 1993 by the Governor of Indiana with the "Sagamore of the Wabash." His sermons have been distributed nationwide by the United Methodist Publishing House.

I would like to enter a partnership with you, sharing what these assigned passages say to me, setting forth what I might do with each assigned text, hopefully igniting ideas in your busy and at times overburdened mind and spirit, so that together we may bring that word from the Lord. ... My hope is not to take the work entirely out of sermon preparation, but to generate a process whereby the busy -- sometimes overworked -- preacher can get off to a running start.

With these introductory words, E. Carver McGriff sets forth to provide some of the most timely and thought-provoking research on the lectionary texts ever made available. Included for each Sunday in the lectionary are: - A listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts. - Commentary that is more than academic exegesis -- McGriff brings to the forefront those points in the text that relate most poignantly to our contemporary reality. - Suggested sermon titles for each of the three texts for each Sunday. - Themes and suggested directions for preaching on each text. - Several additional illustrations to enliven your preaching. - A description of the Psalm of the day. - A prayer for the day. E. Carver McGriff is one of America's premiere preachers. His introduction details the personal tragedy he has suffered. But through it all Dr. McGriff was able to expand his congregation from 900 members to 4,400 members. Sunday attendance increased from 300 to over 1,850. As a teenager Carver McGriff was wounded and captured by a German SS parachute battalion during World War II. He received a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts and returned home to earn a degree in business administration from Butler University. Following a career as a salesman and business owner, McGriff entered Garrett Theological Seminary, where he was voted Best Preacher by the faculty and graduated with distinction. He was then appointed by the Bishop of Indiana to start a new congregation on the northeast side of Indianapolis. During his ministry at St. Luke's, McGriff received an honorary degree from the University of Indianapolis and the Outstanding Alumnus award from Butler University and was voted the Distinguished Alumnus of the year by Christian Theological Seminary. McGriff was also honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh. His sermons have been distributed nationwide by the Methodist Publishing Company.

Preachers get the best of lectionary and topical series preaching with this comprehensive manual of sermon series ideas based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Designed to frame consecutive weeks of lectionary texts into seasonal and short-term series, a diverse group of twelve preachers outline multiple thematic series plans for each lectionary year. Each series plan provides a series overview, chart that outlines each segment of the series, tips and ideas, scriptural references, and a brief sermon starter. The series honors holy days and seasons and responds to typical patterns of church attendance, maximizing visitor retention and member engagement. Pastors can honor their commitment to lectionary preaching while taking advantage of the benefits series preaching can offer with this truly unique resource. Contributors include: Theresa Cho, Pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, California Bob Dannals, Rector of St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas, Texas Magrey R. DeVega, Pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa, Florida Brian Erickson, Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama Mihee Kim-Kort, Presbyterian Minister and Campus Ministry Leader at University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana Jessica LaGrone, Dean of Chapel at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky Cleophus J. LaRue, Professor of Homiletics, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey Jacqueline J. Lewis, Senior Minister, Middle Collegiate Church, New York City, New York Katherine Willis Pershey, Pastor of First Congregational Church, Western Springs, Illinois Paul Rock, Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Kansas Martin Thielen, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Cookeville, Tennessee Winnie Varghese, Priest and Director of Community Outreach at Trinity Wall Street, New York, New York

Bigger, stronger, better! Russell Anderson has taken the most original and successful lectionary resource in history and improved on it. He has kept all of the traditional features that have made it a classic, such as: overviews of each liturgical season; commentaries compatible with the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionaries; an introduction to the featured gospel narrator (Luke, in Cycle C); theological reflections for exploring the relationships between the texts, and wide margins for note-taking. Instead of stopping there, he added: a 7"x10" one-size-fits-all format, a suggested sermon title for each week, a Sermon Angle briefly explicating the theological theme for the day (sometimes providing two or three), and two to four illustrative stories per chapter. Contained are crisp, tightly written lectionary helps that zero in on the critical themes of the texts, augmented with illustrative materials. The Prayer of the Day suggestions summarize and apply the themes in helpful language. The Reverend Dr. Dennis Anderson President, Trinity Lutheran Seminary Pastor Anderson's ability to relate eternal truths in the language of our 20th century society will enable those informed by his writings to communicate the TRUTH in a way that will gain attention and guide the living of life. The Reverend Dr. Reuben T. Swanson Former Bishop, Nebraska Synod, Lutheran Church in America Former Secretary, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Russell F. Anderson is pastor at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his master of divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and his doctor of ministry degree from McCormick Theological School in Chicago. He has published his own worship and homiletical resources under the banner "Worship Windows."

Delivering a fresh, timely reflection every week on assigned scripture passages is a formidable challenge for even the most resourceful preacher. So when you're short on time or need creative ideas to jump-start your sermon preparation, the newest edition of this classic CSS resource is just what the doctor ordered! Prominent pastor, former seminary president, and prolific author Jerry Schmalenberger draws on the experience of a lifetime in the ministry to help you prepare vital, incisive messages that are sure to connect with the people in your pews. The Lectionary Preaching Workbook explores a variety of approaches for Cycle C lectionary passages, providing you with plenty of practical aids for effectively proclaiming God's Word. Each chapter includes: - a listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts; - a theme for the day's service; - commentary on the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel lessons; - suggestions on preaching possibilities; - an outline of possible sermon moves; - a prayer for the day; and - additional illustrations to flesh out the message. The former president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, Jerry L. Schmalenberger served some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the United States during 29 years as a parish pastor. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), and received an honorary D.Div. degree from Wittenberg. He now preaches and teaches throughout the world as a Global Mission Volunteer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, appearing in such varied locations as Germany, Jamaica, Argentina, Uruguay, Suriname, Liberia, Indonesia, and China. Schmalenberger also serves as Visiting Professor of Practical Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong.

Ask yourself: What do you thank God for? How do you see his influence in your everyday life? Oftentimes, God works through normal people like you and me to perform extraordinary deeds. Although it may not always seem that God is present in our lives, all we must do is look for the signs. Lectionary Reflections, Cycle C is the third of a three-part series which offers a faith-filled experience for readers that sometimes question not only the world around them, but also their faith. The questions included at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and intriguing, bringing readers closer to God with each chapter. However insignificant they may seem at first glance, take the time to thoroughly read each question while reflecting on her commentary, and discover her dedication in bringing others closer to God, in mind and spirit. Jill Duffield has written these lectionary reflections to assist readers from all walks of faith to share God's word with others, carrying out his works in the world. This book is intended for preachers and lay persons alike, or even new converts who may have questions as they explore the Bible. If a passage or story seems unclear, Duffield has a detailed response on how to understand His word.