14th Sunday After Pentecost

Year B: August 26, 2018

First Reading: 1 Kings 8: (1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43

And God Created Squash by Martha Whitmore Hickman

(Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: Today’s reading invites us to remember the vastness of God. While the Israelites are dedicating a new temple, there are reminders that God is bigger than the temple. And God Created Squash is one of my favorite books. While it is about the creation story, it points to the vastness of the God of Creation. The God who created the mountains, also created squash. And, created you and me. How big is God? Big enough to create!

Second Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton

(Written for ages 2-5)

Comment: Each page of this little book shows characters getting dressed. Everyone is doing great but the turkey. Each piece of clothing the turkey consistently puts on incorrectly. Until the end, when the turkey is fully dressed correctly, only to jump into the pool. This is a great, and funny, reminder that we have to dressed appropriately for the tasks we are setting out for. The Ephesians writer welcomes us to put on the whole armor of God. Without this armor we are not appropriately dressed for divine battle.

Third Reading: John 6:56-69

Somewhere in the World Right Now by Stacey Schuett

(Written for ages 5-8)

Comment: Jesus continues his “I am the bread” discourse in today’s Gospel reading. Even though some walk away because they do not understand or do not like what Jesus is saying, it does not change the importance and emphasis on community. The act of blessing, breaking, sharing, and receiving bread is a powerful act of community. Somewhere in the World Right Now reminds us that no matter where we are in the world, we are part of a larger community – or tribe – called humanity. In a 24 hour period, that begins and ends with nighttime, we are introduced to different practices. All to show what we hold in common. Jesus’ teachings were for Jew and Gentile. It was an inclusive word to foster community.

This review is written by Rev. Jason C. Stanley, 2007 graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary. Jason is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, currently serving as the Coordinator for Church Revitalization on the Elizabeth River District in the Virginia Conference. He is husband to Rev. Megan Saucier and dad to Jayne Carter. He blogs at jasoncstanley.com.

Lectionary Links (RCL): August 26, 2018 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.