Have we ever been more acutely aware of the danger of an unbridled tongue? In this day, in this age, everywhere we turn, someone is standing on their soapbox loudly proclaiming every thought that goes through their head... and some of them are Christians. Mother Lisa explores James's teaching about the dangers of the tongue. (Proper 19, Track 2; 9/12/21).

Lessons:

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 116:1-8

James 3:1-12

Mark 8:27-38

James says "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." But what's more important, Faith or Works? Mtr. Lisa dives into this centuries-old controversy about how to live a Christian life. (Proper 18, Track 2; 9/5/2021).

Lessons:

Isaiah 35:4-7a

Psalm 146

James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17

Mark 7:24-37

Sometimes rule following isn't all its cracked up to be. Mtr. Lisa delves into what Jesus is saying about the difference between law and intent. (Proper 17, Track 2; 8/29/21).

Lessons:

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9

Psalm 15

James 1:17-27

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

The "Bread of Life" discourse in John's gospel has confused and repelled many people, in the disciples' day and in our own. Understanding it is indeed difficult, but accepting it is even more difficult, yet far more important, in the life of a Christian. Guest preacher Fr. Chris invites us to explore how accepting this mystery can deepen our appreciation for the Holy Eucharist and transform our perspective of the world. (Proper 16, Track 2; 8/22/21).

Lessons:

Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18

Psalm 34:15-22

Ephesians 6:10-20

John 6:56-69

Jesus shocks the Jews by telling them to eat his flesh and drink his blood, but what is he really going on about? Mtr. Lisa discusses the value of consuming the body and blood of Christ, and how our understanding of Cellular Biology has opened up this metaphor to an even deeper meaning. (Proper 15, Track 2; 8/15/21).

Lessons:

Proverbs 9:1-6

Psalm 34:9-14

Ephesians 5:15-20

John 6:51-58

Jesus tells us more about this "Bread of Life" and Deacon Mike explores what bread can teach us about our spiritual life. (Proper 14, Tr 2; 8/8/21).

Lessons:

1 Kings 19:4-8

Psalm 34:1-8

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

Our world is starving, but our hunger is not something bread can ever fill. Mtr. Lisa analyzes the hunger that we feel and the bread of life that can meet all our needs. (Proper 13, Track 2; 8/1/21).

Lessons:

Exodus 16:2-4,9-15

Psalm 78:23-29

Ephesians 4:1-16

John 6:24-35

Elisha feeds 100, Jesus feeds 5,000, and yet we still don't know what to think about miracles. Mtr. Lisa explores these miracles and what they tell us about God. (Proper 12 T2; 7/25/21).

Lessons:

2 Kings 4:42-44

Psalm 145:10-19

Ephesians 3:14-21

John 6:1-21

Jesus may be able to give out of his exhaustion, but we aren't Jesus- and he seems to know that! Mother Lisa explores the Christian need for rest and spiritual self-care. (Proper 11 Track 2; 7/18/21).

Lessons:

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm 23

Ephesians 2:11-22

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

The prophet Amos tells us God will hold a plumb line among his people- but are we the prophet or the people? And what's a plumb line anyway? Mtr. Lisa explores the words of Amos and the story of Herod's prophet problem. (Proper 10, Track 2; 7/11/21).

Lessons:

Amos 7:7-15

Psalm 85:8-13

Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:14-29