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Progressive Christian

2017-12-16T20:14:40-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

25, 2017

Last updated on: December 16, 2017 at 8:14 pm By Bruce Epperly

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Isaiah 9:2-7 ;Psalm 96 ;Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14 On Christmas Eve at South Congregational Church, UCC in Centerville, MA on Cape Cod, we typically do an informal, family-oriented version of lessons and carols, with lots of music aimed at an intergenerational congregation, many of whom are visiting relatives and at worship for the first time since last Christmas as well as others whom, frankly, would rather be home playing video games or enjoying Christmas cheer.... Read more

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2017-12-14T10:29:02-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 24, 2017

Last updated on: December 14, 2017 at 10:29 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 24. 2017 Luke 1:26-55 This year, the Fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve. There is a temptation this year to ditch the “annunciation” and get to the baby’s birth. At my congregation’s morning service, we will do both the announcement and birth as part of our pageant, and then move to the full-blown lessons and carols at the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Like many preachers, my remarks... Read more

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2017-12-06T17:46:24-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Third Sunday of Advent – December 17, 2017

Last updated on: December 6, 2017 at 5:46 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Third Sunday of Advent – December 17, 2017 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 Luke 1:46b-55 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 On this Advent Sunday of joy, we proclaim that despite appearances to the contrary, good news is coming! After death comes resurrection; after destruction, rebuilding; after war peace. The world is being transformed by God’s “impossible possibilities.” God’s way is emerging in a troubled world. God’s Spirit is upon all people and the vulnerable,... Read more

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2017-12-01T08:25:45-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Second Sunday of Advent – December 10, 2017

Last updated on: December 1, 2017 at 8:25 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Second Sunday of Advent – December 10, 2017 Psalm 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 One of my favorite songs from “Godspell” is “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” Since my youth, I have clapped and danced to the tune, and love to hear it in church. Something is happening, a new world is on the horizon. Make haste! A way is being made where there was no way! The Holy... Read more

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2017-11-23T09:37:58-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventurous Lectionary – The First Sunday of Advent – December 3, 2017

Last updated on: November 23, 2017 at 9:37 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The First Sunday of Advent – December 3, 2017 Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 I Corinthians 1:1-9 Mark 13:24-37 Advent Prelude: Advent is a season of awe and wonder. It is a time of waiting, not just for Jesus’ birth, but for the transformation of our lives and the world. Something is being born in us and we are waiting for its arrival. Advent reflects the unfinished nature of creation, the horizon that recedes with each... Read more

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2017-11-16T19:23:58-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventurous Lectionary – November 26, 2017 – The Reign of Christ

Last updated on: November 16, 2017 at 7:23 pm By Bruce Epperly

Adventurous Lectionary – November 26, 2107 – The Reign of Christ Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46 We often use words descriptive of royalty to speak of God – “Lord,” “Sovereign,” “Ruler,” “King.” These words describe divine power and sovereignty, and power is important when we speak of divinity. Although we may want to ditch hierarchical language, it is important – and quite salutary – to remember that God is God, the wise and providential creature of... Read more

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2017-11-09T14:24:24-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventurous Lectionary – Pentecost 24 – November 19, 2017

Last updated on: November 9, 2017 at 2:24 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost – November 19, 2017 Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm 90:1-12 I Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30 Today’s passages are challenging and also inspirational. There is risk and there is also promise. For those who turn to God, who practice justice and take risks for a greater good, the world is alive with possibility. For those who live by scarcity and injustice, hording rather than sharing their financial resources at the expense of the poor,... Read more

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2017-11-03T10:09:27-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventurous Lectionary – November 12, 2017 – Pentecost 23

Last updated on: November 3, 2017 at 10:09 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – November 12, 2017 – Pentecost 23 Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Psalm 78:1-7 I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13 What does it mean to be a monotheist? What are the practical implications of following the One True God rather than the many deities of our own creation. The objects of our faith, what Paul Tillich describes as our “ultimate concern,” shape our character and relationships with others. Believing in God isn’t enough; the type of God who commands our... Read more

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2017-11-02T08:23:59-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“Goodbye Christopher Robin” and the Healing Power of Imagination

Last updated on: November 2, 2017 at 8:23 am By Bruce Epperly

“Goodbye Christopher Robin” is a difficult movie for Winnie the Pooh aficionados. In contrast to the peaceable kingdom of the 100 Aker Wood, it portrays dysfunctional family dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorder, wartime violence, and the emotional distance characteristic of early 20th century upper middle class British parent-child relationships. Emotional pain and neglect abound in the book, along with bullying and loneliness. Yet, there are a few bright moments within this well-done film, most particularly its portrayal of the healing power... Read more

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2017-10-25T15:54:21-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Adventuruous Lectionary – Pentecost 22 – November 5, 2017

Last updated on: October 25, 2017 at 3:54 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – November 5, 2017 – Pentecost 22 Joshua 3:7-17 Psalm 1071-7, 33-37 I Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12 Today’s scriptures paint a variety of pictures of God’s involvement in the raising up of leaders and in our institutional and corporate decision-making. Does our image of God include or exclude those who differ from us, or create the possibility of persecution and genocide or institutional healing and transformation? Does our vision of God shape our vision of leadership in... Read more

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