disclosing new worlds

commentary and reflections – pentecost 5B

Lawrence — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:46:44 +0000

2 Samuel 5: 1-5, 9-10 NRSV text Psalm 48 NRSV text 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 NRSV text Mark 6: 1-13 NRSV text Jesus’ second call to the disciples We’re at a key moment in Mark’s discipleship narrative. Mark doesn’t just have Jesus issue a single “call” at the outset of his ministry; there are three stages to it, and [...]

sermon for pentecost 5B

Lawrence — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:13:42 +0000

Mk 6: 1-13 Ezekiel 2:1-5 2 Cor 12:2-10 A prophet is not welcome at home Where is the transporter, the beam me up Scottie of Star Trek fame that can avoid congestion and CO2 emissions and move me from one place to another? Where are the brochures for holidays or moving to the moon on a colony in order [...]

hymn for pentecost 5B

Lawrence — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:42:42 +0000

Ezekiel 2.1–5 2 Corinthians 12.2–10 Mark 6.1–13 Long Metre Possible Tune Herongate – (H&P 224, R&S 425) The vision that God sends to us, Disturbs the things we thought we knew, This world that seemed so dull and safe, With signs of heaven is shot through. But vision is no cause to boast, It’s meant for all as God’s own gift, Whether their words are heard [...]

commentary and reflections – pentecost 4B

Lawrence — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:36:51 +0000

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 NRSV text Psalm 130 NRSV text 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 NRSV text Mark 5: 21-43 NRSV text Jesus – bringer of a new social order Two daughters, two healings … and class war! This week’s gospel passage recounts something more than just a story of two healings. You will recall from last week that [...]

sermon for pentecost 4B

Lawrence — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:53:59 +0000

Mark 5: 21-43 2 Samuel 1:1,17-27 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 Tears of Blood. Many years ago now I had in my mind a powerful image that would not go away. I had it incorporated into a stole that was designed for me. The image was of tears of blood that were leaves on a tree, gently falling to the [...]

hymn for pentecost 4B

Lawrence — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:19:37 +0000

Lamentations 3.22–33 2 Corinthians 8.7–15 Mark 5.21–43 Common Metre Possible Tune – Belmont (H&P 597, R&S 441) The lessons that we learn in youth Shape what we grow to be, They bind us fast in chains of shame, Or teach us to fly free. We’re meant to live abundant lives, And share with those in need, But often, fearing future loss, We grasp things in our greed. We’re [...]

sermon for pentecost 3B

Lawrence — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:59:11 +0000

Revd Dr Lance Stone, Minister, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Cambridge Mark 4: 35-41 More Frightening that the Storm? At first sight out passage from Mark 4 this morning is an easy enough ride for the preacher. It’s one of those passages where the preaching task seems to be more or less done for you and it’s not difficult [...]

commentary and reflections – pentecost 3B

Lawrence — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:04:39 +0000

1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 NRSV text Psalm 133 NRSV text 2 Corinthians 6: 1-13 NRSV text Mark 4: 35-41 NRSV text “Getting to know you…” “Who on earth is this guy?” That’s how the gospel passage ends (4:41), with Jesus’ closest friends – the ones who should have known him best – discovering more and [...]

hymn for pentecost 3B

Lawrence — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:27:29 +0000

Job 38.1–11 2 Corinthians 6.1–13 Mark 4.35–41 7.6.7.6.D. Possible Tune – Passion Chorale (H&P 176, R&S 140) To us, who read Job’s story, God’s trust is always clear, But Job lacks understanding, In bitterness and fear. And so he asks his question, “Are God’s hands stained with blood?” For earth knows nought of justice, Her storms strike bad and good. When Paul takes up the story God’s purpose is [...]

commentary and reflections – pentecost 2B

Lawrence — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:24:33 +0000

1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 NRSV text Psalm 20 NRSV text 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10 (11-13), 14-17 NRSV text Mark 4: 26-34 NRSV text Success, failure and faithfulness (cf Psalm 20) Our task is to be faithful, not successful. In a culture that is outcome-oriented and constantly devising measurable goals in order to quantify performance and achievement, the two parables [...]