Gottesblog

The Roman Church is in the news again with many large dioceses publishing their full records concerning clergy sexual abuse charges. It's all so sad. And yet it is refreshing that they are finally just putting the records out there: at least people will know the reasons why Father X was suddenly no longer a priest.

Everybody needs a hobby. Chuck, what are your hobbies? Evangelism? Chuckie....that's the Synodical sport.

Father Surburg has a very thoughtful piece on his switch from the three-year to the one-year lectionary. I'll add one more reason why the one-year lectionary might be worth a try in your congregation: the new bulletin covers for the one-lectionary that feature solid Christian artwork based on the Gospel for the day.

The Presentation of our Lord and the Purification of Mary falls on a Sunday this year, so it is fitting to include the traditional Blessing of the Candles....hence the name Candlemas for February 2.

The discussions below on preaching, 3rd use of the Law, exhortation, etc., have also served to reinforce the connection in my mind between these issues and the need to do a lot of teaching from the pulpit.