Year C, Reign of Christ, 2019 – The Crown

More Than Hearing

Hey everyone! We’re at the end! Thank you for sticking with us through another Lectionary year and another Year C cycle. We tried something different by emphasizing only two smarts per week, and while we think it was a worthwhile endeavor, we are going to go back to finding illustrations and special effects for any of the eight intelligences in each passage for the next year. I think we trained our brains to look for the smarts, but now we want to allow for more creativity.

For this Sunday three years ago, we included a prayer for preachers stepping into pulpits for the first time after the 2016 General Election. Was that really only three years ago? It seems like a lot longer. It is still relevant, unfortunately. Download the worksheets for ideas for all eight intelligences.

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Smarts for the Week [01:58]

For the last time, we will concentrate on only two of the eight intelligences. This week, we finish up with BODY and SELF smart. We describe them a bit in the podcast, and if you have not yet clicked the link on the top right corner of the page to read more about Dr. Howard Gardner’s theory, go do it!

BODY smart – [03:46]Download

SELF smart – [04:46]Download

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Texts for the Week

Jeremiah 23:1-6 – [05:57]

This passage is difficult to read and to hear, especially for those of us who are charged as shepherds of flocks. The kings of Judah were more interested in their crowns than in the people they ruled. If we are honest, we hear a rebuke about our own shortcomings and errors in ministry. We also hear God’s promise that no matter how badly we’ve scattered our sheep, God will find them and bring them home. For a lighter image in BODY smart, consider God as a professional wrestler getting ready to take care of things. Using a broad definition of sheep, for SELF smart consider the identity of the scattered ones. I also have some ideas for WORD, NATURE, and PEOPLE smart.

• BODY smart – [07:46]
• SELF smart – [11:16]
  • commentary by Lori Niles, A Plain Account
  • Bonus NATURE and PEOPLE smart ideas on the worksheet!!

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Psalm 46 – [13:45]

This psalm is a hymn to God’s rule for the people – He is the Good Shepherd King. This psalm has lovely images throughout, but verse 10 is the one that ends up on people’s walls. “Be still and know that I am God.” For SELF smart, take the psalm at its word and allow time for people to simply sit in stillness. If that might be too much for some, include some EYE and MUSIC smart elements. Being still may be a challenge for BODY smart people, so make certain to include opportunities to experience how being still feels in the body. David read my mind for an EYE smart idea and has some thoughts for NATURE smart.

• SELF smart – [15:09]
  • Bonus MUSIC and EYE smart ideas!
• BODY smart – [17:45]
  • Bonus EYE and NATURE

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Colossians 1:11-20 – [21:47]

Paul emphasizes that Jesus is first and worthy of the crown. There have been others who have been worthy of crowns; kings, queens, even athletes. David points out in BODY smart, some athletes can come in first place even though they finish a race in second place. Click on the link below to read about some of them. For SELF smart, try a guided meditation that includes a large dollop of BODY smart; a guided meditation about being an “embodied soul” and an “ensouled body.” If you choose to do this, I recommend starting at verse 15 to the end and then going back to the beginning of the selection.

• BODY smart – [23:17]
  • Christ is before ALL things – contrast this with Ashton Eaton and other Olympic decathlon winners
  • Bonus EYE smart idea – you know what to do.
• SELF smart – [27:24]

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Luke 23:33-43 – [30:48]

People may be a little shaken to hear this bit of the crucifixion read the week before Thanksgiving. Yet, if we are looking at themes through the four passages, the idea of crowns and glory are on full display with this passage. Who is our King? For SELF smart, use the two quotes from the commentary listed below and ask people to answer the question David Lose asks, “What kind of King do you want?” For BODY smart, invite people to stand and assume the posture of Jesus on the cross. Or, use the Reader’s Theatre script linked below.

• SELF smart – [32:00]
  • commentary by Scott Hoezee, Center for Excellence in Preaching
  • commentary by David Lose, ….In the Meantime
• BODY smart – [35:37]
  • Bonus MUSIC Behold the Lamb of God; an instrumental version from Quincy Jones’ Soulful Celebration
  • also, a version from Handel’s Messiah
  • Bonus PEOPLE smart – READERS THEATRE

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Photo Copyright : Allan Swart. Used by permission via 123RF

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