Emphasis Preaching Journal

Note: Originally published in 2003.

Contents
“Speaking Tender” by John Sumwalt
“The Tables are Turned” by Frank Ramirez


Speaking Tender
by John Sumwalt
Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20

If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck, and you were thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:42)

Object: A saltshaker, a stone, glue, salt, and a knife to scrape the stone. For the salt stone, I used a stone about the size of an apple, but you can use any size large enough to show. Many of the original ones would have been bigger. To make our salt stone, cover the stone with glue and then roll it in a pan of salt. Repeat that a few times until there is a visible coating of salt over at least part of the stone, and let it dry.

* * *

Praxis, the pixie who changed colour according to his feelings, was a bright and healthy pink. He looked so good and so happy with himself that everyone who saw him couldn't help smiling. The fact was, he'd been chosen for a very important job.

Mark 9:38-50

On a cold and dark March night during my first year at Princeton as assistant dean of the chapel, I left our little home on the edge of the campus to go back to my office. I had a lot of things to accomplish and imagined that the quiet and solitude of the office would be the best place to work. As I approached our office building, Murray-Dodge Hall, I was surprised to see that it was all lit up and I began to hear the sounds of a ruckus. I came through the door and into a lobby to the middle of an astonishing party, a celebration of some sort or another.

Call To Worship
Leader: Let all who would proclaim God's word gather now for worship!
People: For we live in a hostile world with many who would silence the Gospel.
Leader: And thus it has always been, as Satan would keep us from God's love.
People: But the Lord will not be defeated, and God's word will be heard.
Leader: Then let us commit our lives to proclaiming God's mercy and love.
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect