Preaching in Ordinary Time

>For the second summer in a row, I am departing from the lectionary to preach a sermon series. To continue to give my congregation a balanced diet of Scripture, I have discovered that one of the great joys of doing this is in creating a lectionary to follow the theme of the series. I especially relish selecting Scriptures that are little used or not particularly obvious given a specific theme. This does not always work (I do often go with familiar passages), but it does allow me to do some deeper reflection on how the canon holds together in ways that go beyond the three year cycle I have been preaching from for over 14 years.

This summer’s series is Creo / I Believe: What Christians Believe and Why it Matters. It is an exploration of faith using the clauses of the Apostles’ Creed. The lectionary for this series is not yet complete, so if any want to chime in on possibilities for the upcoming weeks – feel free – it could make for some interesting Bible discussion.

I believe in God the Father
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Psalm 14
2 Timothy 1:11-14
John 14:1-14

Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth
Job 38:4-18
Psalm 8
Colossians 1:15-20
John 1:1-5

And in Jesus Christ His Only Son Our Lord
Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 145:8-21
Philippians 2:5-11
John 10:22-26, 31-42 (or vs. 22-42)

(Series Interlude: with renewal of marriage vows as Response to the Word)
When God orders Your Relationships:
A Biblical perspective on Christian Love and Friendship
Ruth 1:6-17
Psalm 25:4-21
Colossians 3:12-17
Matthew 7:21-28

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the virgin Mary
Isaiah 9:2-11
Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat)
Colossians 2:8-12
Luke 1: 26-38

Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was Crucified, Dead and Buried
Isaiah 53:1-6
Psalm 70
Acts 3:12-16
Matthew 27:11-26

He Descended to the Dead
Lamentations 3:31-40
Psalm 69
I Peter 3:18-4:6
John 5:24-30

(Series interlude) Lections for 8^th Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Psalm 14
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21

On the Third Day He Rose Again
He Ascended into Heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father
I Samuel 2:1-10
Psalm 49:1-15
Acts 13:26-35
Mark 8:32-9:1

And will come again to judge the living and the dead
Daniel 12:1-10

Revelation 11:15-19

I believe in the Holy Spirit

The Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints
Exodus 19:1-14
Psalm 84
Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 or Ephesians 2:11-22 or I Peter 2:1-10
John 17:6-21 or Matthew 16:13-20

The forgiveness of sins

The Resurrection of the Body, and the Life Everlasting
Job 19:20-27
Psalm 16
I Corinthians 15:35-57
Matthew 22:23-33