Back to preaching after vacation

Hi all, back for a wonderful vacation.
Back to preaching, sermon prep, research, prayers and hope.

This Sunday is Easter 6A

Well here we go with this Sunday's sermon lectionary passages;

Acts 17:22-31 Verse 22Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. Paul engages a pluralistic culture preoccupied with novelty (the preceding verse defines their itching to hear “something new”). Perhaps there are some tings that cn be passed onto our church members who live in a pluralistic society or there are somethings here for even us as Pastors.

You may find the Christian Century's Blogging toward Sunday helpful on the Acts passage. Its written this time by Nanette Sawyer, founding pastor of Wicker Park Grace, a spiritual community on the west side of Chicago, and the author of Hospitality: The Sacred Art—Discovering the Hidden Spiritual Power of Invitation and Welcome (Skylight Paths).

Also take a look at The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself Reflections By Dan Clendenin Essay on The Areopagus then and now.

1 Peter 3:13-22 verse 15-16a but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;yet do it with gentleness and reverence

Our Bishop has two sermons posted at Duke Chapel on the 1 Peter passage, you might want to check out. Here is the first and the second.

But also check out what Sheryl Watkins has to say about the gentleness and reverence part also.

John 14:15-21

14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.

In this brief but powerful passage that is part of Jesus' good bye thoughts to the disciples, Jesus reminds them about love. He also promises the Holy Spirit. Finally, Jesus emphasizes the intimate unity of Jesus, God, the Spirit, and the believer.

Barbara Lundblad has a sermon on this passage for Day One.

This will get a started even though its a late start. I'll be preaching on the John passage with a focus on "the Advocate."

clip art at at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration.