My sermons have gotten too "sprawly." Preaching three Sundays in a row pressed this still-seminarian, not-yet-priest a bit and by last Sunday that showed. J.D. says pick one thing - one phrase, one idea - that speaks and preach it. So, J.D. - how does one juggle "Team Awesome" (12 teenagers seeking education), "Spirituality for Living" (7 adults seeking direction), 1 Field Ed seminar, 1 small group seminar, 1 discussion of Song of Solomon and a sermon? Oh will this get easier!? And, if not, will I at least keep having fun?!
Next Wednesday's Spirituality for Living class is focusing on the discipline of Simplicity - perhaps I can practice what I teach and my preaching (and my life) will regain some balance.
Next Wednesday's Spirituality for Living class is focusing on the discipline of Simplicity - perhaps I can practice what I teach and my preaching (and my life) will regain some balance.
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But, of course (and you really know this), you don't have to cover it all, or even most of it. I agree with J. D.: say what you can say well - usually, what the lessons say clearly to you - and leave it at that. God will indeed take care of the rest.
In the mid-1980's I was active at St. Nicholas. Chuck Hensel was vicar then, and I was pursuing a CPE residency at Lutheran General in Park Ridge. Those were tumultuous times for me (and the CPE was the least of that!), and St. Nicholas was wonderfully supportive.