First Reading

Uncovering and CoveringLectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth's vulnerability and its redemptive power.

A Migrant InvasionLectionary Date: November 3, 2024 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Rosy encourages us to preach the story of a migrant family facing discrimination, as these themes also swirl in our own political moment.

Peace in the Midst of Mysterious SufferingLectionary Date: October 27, 2024 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Paul and Rosy pick up our ongoing conversation in the book of Job this lectionary season. This week, Paul highlights Job's shift in tone after an overwhelming barrage of divine questions.

Party Episode! God's (Non)Answer to JobLectionary Date: October 20, 2024 [22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]In this party episode, all four First Reading hosts wrestle with God's enigmatic response to Job out of the whirlwind.

Honest to GodLectionary Date: October 13, 2024 [21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Rachel ventures cautiously into the book of Job. It's a tricky book, but Rachel discovers a model for being honest to God. We recorded this before Hurricane Helene—our prayers are with all who are suffering in the aftermath of the storm. Hopefully, this episode gives an opening for a kind of honest prayer in a context of disaster.

God's Finger-workLectionary Date: October 6, 2024 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]This week, Tim explores the context, language, and imagery of a classic psalm!

Rooted in the WordLectionary Date: September 22, 2024 [18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]We're back with a brand new episode! This week, Rachel walks us through "one of her favorite psalms"—for real this time... This psalm has accompanied her through some challenging times.

Recycled Episode: The Tongue of a LearnerLectionary Date: September 15, 2024 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]We'll be back with new material next week! In the meantime, Tim sets his face like flint to offer a nonviolent interpretation of this famous text!

Party Episode! A Place for God's Name Lectionary Date: August 25, 2024 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] All four hosts are back from Summer Break for a Party Episode looking at Solomon's temple dedication scene (as well as Psalm 84, a temple psalm).

Recycled Episode: A Listening Heart Lectionary Date: August 18, 2024 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] We're getting ready for a "Party Episode" next week, so this time around we're recycling a fascinating post from the FR vault: Tim's reflection on King Solomon's request for "wisdom"... or "a listening heart," from the last time this text came up in the lectionary (2021).

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 11, 2024 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy reflects on the sad story of the collapse of David's family and his failures as a parent.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 4, 2024 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Paul considers how David's abuse of power has parallels in today's world.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 28, 2024 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rachel takes a careful listen to Bathsheba's voice.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 21, 2024 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Tim explores the kind of "place" that King David's leadership makes.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 14, 2024 [8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy considers how we might embody a bit more joy in our worship this summer.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 7, 2024 [7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. But this week, Paul connects "praise" and "memory" in the lectionary psalm.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: June 30, 2024 [6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rachel takes us to the depths to find some hope for our "nefesh" in the Psalm. (Did you know that we have "nefesh" t-shirts???) Check out the video below (and subscribe on our YouTube channel)!

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: June 23, 2024 [5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Tim opens up the relatively unknown editorial history of one of the most famous stories in the Bible. Check out the video below (and subscribe on our YouTube channel)!

Morning and Evening Lectionary Date: June 16, 2024 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rachel soaks in the poetry of praise in the lectionary psalm for the week. If you are ELCA affiliated, and interested in touring "The Best of Egypt" with Rachel Wrenn, take a look at the trip details here: https://www.eliastours.com/tours/best-of-egypt-tour-with-elias-nawawieh-for-clergy. You might also enjoy the podcast series produced by Tim's students at Christian Theological Seminary! In solidarity with his students, Tim produced one of the episodes for the series (titled "Dining in the Dark").

Resist the Cursedness Lectionary Date: June 9, 2024 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Tim McNinch leads our reflection on the classic Genesis story, highlighting its expansiveness and modern resonance. Please check out the podcast series produced by Tim's students at Christian Theological Seminary! Today's episode (titled "Comfort Food") is produced by Francine Dash, who discusses Psalm 130 with our very own Rachel Wrenn! If you are ELCA affiliated, and interested in touring "The Best of Egypt" with Rachel Wrenn, take a look at the trip details here: https://www.eliastours.com/tours/best-of-egypt-tour-with-elias-nawawieh-for-clergy.