Bread for the World Preacher

	November 2013 www.bread.org
Dear Patty, Some days, I feel like standing outside Congress holding up a sign that says, "Isaiah 1:8." God’s invitation to a rebellious people is, "Come, let us argue it out." It's an invitation that affirms a lasting relationship and invites dialog, despite having "had enough." Such an attitude would go a long way toward ending the gridlock in Washington. As we begin the rapid rush through the holidays, many of the people in our pews are "arguing it out" with God. They are seeking to come to some agreement about faithfulness in a context of consumerism. Some understanding of "joy," "hope," and "peace" that surpasses hollow holiday pretense. Some comprehension of Jesus as both Christ child and ruler. Beginning with the Isaiah text on November 3, the month’s lectionary texts invite such a discussion with God. I pray that your preaching will help it happen. And I ask that your congregation prays for our members of Congress, that they might "argue it out" in a way that the result is good news for hungry and poor people. Grace and peace, Rev. Gary Cook Director of Church Relations Lectionary Reflections  The following excerpts from "Preaching God's Transforming Justice: Year C" are offered to Bread for the World with permission from Westminster John Knox Press. All other rights are reserved. Copies of the full lectionary resource may be purchased from the publisher. November 1, 2013 All Saint's Day What Luke hopes to offer is the assurance that God is on the side of the other in society. Christ speaks for the other that the world despises or rejects, and justice in the name of Christ calls us to receive the other among us.  Read more » November 3, 2013, Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost What is most incredible about God’s offer is that God is the one who has been hurt, yet God also finds the courage to put forth the offer. Starting the conversation ought not always rest on those who have been harmed. However, those who have been harmed are uniquely able to understand the wrong that has been done to them, in ways others cannot perceive. Read more » November 10, 2013, Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost Job speaks of his living redeemer as one coming in the future, a human who "at the last ... will stand upon the earth" (v. 25). Today, there is a critical need for fresh embodiments everywhere of Jesus' disciples ready to advocate for people in misery, showing them God’s defending, liberating, comforting Presence, rather than defending the status quo. Read more » November 17, 2013, Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost Praise is our best antidote to evil. If our minds are constantly praising God for the kind of divine power that operates on behalf of the poor and the disenfranchised, we will have less time for the temptations of selfishness and power-gathering for ourselves. Read more » November 24, 2013, Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost Jesus is a king, but not according to standards of power, influence, and privilege. Instead, Luke's account of Jesus emphasizes his ministry to the marginalized: the poor, the orphans, the women, and even sinners. This includes also his ministry to the rich, and his teaching that there be no chasm between the two. Jesus' ministry is about the reign of God, whose mercy knows no boundaries. Read more » Praying Together Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it: a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor; a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them; a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect; a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Resources for Your Ministry Development Works: Myths and Realities is a collection of 7 essays that explore questions about U.S. poverty-focused development assistance. The essays tell stories, address misconceptions, and offer helpful facts about the role U.S. assistance plays in overcoming global hunger. Use it for adult study groups or as a source of inspiration for preaching about our nation’s role in the world. Order a free copy from the Bread Store. During the government shutdown, members of the Circle of Protection held a "Faithful Filibuster." Standing across from the Capitol, each day we read the 2,200 verses of scripture that relate to poverty and justice. We read from the American Bible Society’s Poverty and Justice Bible, which you can order from Amazon or the ABS site. Mary's Story is an Advent resource that explores the relationship between Mary and Jesus. It highlights the movement to improve nutrition for women and children in the 1,000 days window between pregnancy and a child's second birthday. Order a free copy at the Bread Store.