I have a few things to do this morning that will take all my attention. Who knew? Is there really such a thing? It would seem so.
Sermon 1: The ABC/MC (American Baptist Churches-Metro Chicago) meeting is at Community Church this weekend. I have already prepared the worship bulletin. Now I need to work through the sermon. The text I have chosen is Mark 9:14-29. It is a powerful text. And preaching to a room full of preachers will be an adventure. Oy. Follow the extended link for the worship service.
Sermon 2: This Sunday at Community Church is the annual Boy Scout Sunday. We have Scouts here. Yessir! So, the boys and I crafted a liturgy using Scout resourses. They chose the hymns. It should be fun. There will be some Jewish Scouts with us, so I'll compose a letter of welcome and explanation for families about how we worship. The sermon text is Isaiah 6:1-13 and Luke 5:1-11. I am going to try to say something about the Scouts in the sermon, but I am not sure how that will work. It may be a stretch. Much to do.
Sermon 3: I am preaching at Reconciler. I think that I may have to tweak the morning sermon a bit more than usual this time. The Scouts change up the context a little.
As an aside, I have been musing over this quotation from Brother Lawrence. It is from The Practice of the Presense of God.
Pray remember what I have recommended to you, which is to think often of God, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. God is always near you and with you; leave God not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone who came to visit you: why then must God be neglected? Do not then forget God, but think of God often, adore God continually, live and ide with God; this is the glorious employment of a Christian; if we do not know it we must learn it.So, there you go...more than enough to keep me busy today.
In other news, I had an amazing time last night with The Sons of Susan. They are an old timey band here in Chicago. The bass player with One of the Girls, Roger, plays with them as well. It would seem that their mandolinist is going to be out of town for a few months and they need someone to step in and play. I was honored to be asked. And last night's rehearsal was awesome...absolute joy playing two-step and swing. Wow. Not jigs. Swing!!! Hotchachacha!!! That I finally crawled into bed at 1:00am is another issue entirely. Oy!
So, come on and hear us play.
February, 9 2007 at Duke's
6920 N. Glenwood, Chicago, Illinois
I'll get the time to you as soon as I have it.
Morning Word and Table
I wait for you, O God, my soul waits and in your word I hope. My soul waits for you, O God, more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. - Ps. 130:5-6
Preparatory Silence
Opening Prayer
L: O God, come to our assistance.
P: O God, Make haste to help us.
Here a prayer is read aloud.
All: Amen.
K Hymn: Sweet Hour of Prayer (see insert)
Gospel: Mark 9:14-29
Sermon: "The Prayin'est People"
Silence and Shared Reflections
K Hymn: #339 Be Thou My Vision
K Intercessions (Stand, sit or kneel as you feel led or are able)
L: O God, you summon the day to dawn,
you teach the morning to waken the earth.
P: Great is your name. Great is your Love.
L: Among the poor, the proud, the persecuted, the
privileged,
P: Great is your name. Great is your Love.
L: For you the valleys shall sing for joy,
the trees and field shall clap their hands.
P: Great is your name. Great is your love.
L: Your love and mercy shall last forever,
fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise.
P: Great is your name. Great is your love.
L: Let us pray for the whole people of God, for all those in
need.
Prayers are offered, concluding with the words...
Great is your name. Great is your love.
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord's Prayer
The Peace
K Table Hymn: #478 Praise, My Soul , the King of Heaven
Lord's Supper
Invitation
Words of Institution
Thanksgiving
Blessing
Sharing the Bread and the Cup
K Hymn: #438 Blest Be the Tie That Binds (verse 1)
K Benediction:
(K Please stand as you are able.)
Posted by tripp at February 1, 2007 09:06 AMThat's quite a preaching load!
Do you ever aim to create one sermon that will serve CCW and Reconciler in one fell swoop? Or is that not possible because of differences in theology between the two congregations, differences in the lectionary, etc.?
Posted by: Megan at February 1, 2007 11:36 AMWith Reconciler and CCW, it is typical that I can use the same sermon. I have to tweak some specifics from time to time, but seldom anything signnt. However, if it is a sermon for an occasion then I have to write two.
The lectionary is always the same...or has been thus far.
The theologies are different, but that does not change my sermon as much as it changes the way the people hear it. It has been an interesting exercise to be certain!
Posted by: Tripp at February 1, 2007 11:53 AMI sympathize.... I'm preaching tonight for the Feast of St. Brigid at Seabury, and then again on Sunday for the nth week after Epiphany (I've lost count). Here's hoping that I survive tonight's sermon (which is a bit gut-wrenching) with enough left to crank out something decent for Sunday!
Posted by: beth at February 1, 2007 01:21 PM