Since I am not preaching this week – thanks to Jim Moyer, Martha Davidson and our music program doing the homiletical heavy lifting via our Lessons and Carols service – I thought I’d offer a few brief thoughts from the grab bag.
Seven Minutes a Day: an excellent on-line resource. I’ve been really encouraged about our “Seven Minutes a Day” campaign – having heard from a fair number of you that you have taken up the challenge. For those unaware – this Advent we are encouraging every member of the congregation to take seven minutes a day to begin a spiritual discipline, if that is not already part of your life. Our suggested discipline is on our website, and there are some additional web resources at the bottom of that page.
One of our interns, Grier Booker Richards (spouse of our own Rich Richards, Youth and Young Adult Director) offered another excellent web-based daily devotional: Following the Star. I think this site is quite well done; I would highly commend it to you. It’s a project done by Tracy Hartman of Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. It guides you through an entire devotional time, with scripture, reflection, prayer, and even some really quite lovely music, if you want it – I imagine it takes about seven minutes. Hmm.
I realize that Advent is almost over – but never too late.
Anybody know of other on-line devotional guides out there like this – or unlike this – that span other liturgical seasons – or that run the entire year? Love to hear about it. Chime in!
Why Pay the Preacher? It was Monday, my day off, and this article from the Alban Institute (“Why Pay the Preacher?”) caught my eye. After reading it, I felt moved to respond. (Hey, my day off – what else have I got to do?)
Not to open up a can of worms, but I’ve never actually gotten this kind of scrutiny about my pastoral ministry, let alone my preaching – sad that some seem to have received it. Thoughts? Or…not?
Blessings one and all in this season of hope, peace, joy and love.
Jeff V.
