2017 Backstory Preaching Publications

Transcription

1 BACKSTORY Preaching PREACHER'S PLANNER: ADVENT & CHRISTMAS YEAR B, RCL, 0 LISA CRESSMAN & MEREDITH HOLT CRIGLER

2 0 Backstory Preaching Publications No part of this publication may be reproduced or shared in any print, digital, or other form without the express permission of Backstory Preaching Publications. To obtain permission, please write to: Backstory Preaching Publications Highway, Suite 0 # Missouri City, TX or backstorypreachingpublications@gmail.com Backstory Preaching is a full-time ministry. These tools and products provide the financial support that allow us to support you, the preacher, to spread the Word of God. Without this financial support, we cannot continue to do this work. With that understanding, we kindly ask that you do not distribute this resource. If you have found it valuable, we ask instead that you spread the word about us, "like" us on Facebook, and direct your colleagues to our website: Thank you. B e g o o d n e w s t o p r e a c h g o o d n e w s.

3 WELCOME Congratulations! You are about to experience the first planner designed especially for sermon preparation! We looked everywhere for a planner that meets the particular preaching and spiritual needs of preachers and couldn t find one, so we designed one for ourselves. As preachers, we want to make sure we stay focused on the most important aspect of our vocation: to be formed into the Good News we preach even in the midst of our duties and responsibilities. What makes this planner special for preachers? It includes the season s Revised Common Lectionary so that you can see the whole preaching season at a glance with room for notes. It is planned on a Monday-Sunday orientation because preachers look ahead to next Sunday s sermon. It helps you pray your way through your sermon prep so that a message emerges rather than having to be hunted down. And most importantly, it keeps your focus always on your relationship with God. This planner is based on Backstory Preaching principles of praying our sermons into being through Lectio Divina. If you re not sure what that is, or want to know what we mean by "Belief Statement," "Hope Statement" and "Human Condition," we recommend our independent learning courses: our ecourse Craft an Effective Sermon by Friday and its accompanying video course Craft an Effective Sermon by Friday: The -Day Video Roadmap for Busy Preachers, found at our website: If you haven t taken our courses, this Planner is still for you. We've included an intro to the process that will allow you to put this rhythm into practice today. This Preacher s Planner is designed to help you prepare for preaching the seasons of Advent and Christmas. For the 0-0 liturgical year, planners will be released one season in advance. B e g o o d n e w s t o p r e a c h g o o d n e w s.

4 HOW TO USE THIS PLANNER A Look Ahead On the first pages - "A Look Ahead" - are the lectionary bible passages laid out week by week with a place for notes. We suggest you take a half or full day away from the office to read all the lessons and take in the entire season in order to notice themes, trends, and common threads throughout. Your notes might even generate a sermon series, suggest hymns or offer a liturgical emphasis in the life of your ministry context. Seasonal 'Monthly' Calendar The next section continues with monthly calendar pages to highlight the events you re planning toward. On the left margin you ll see Season Intentions as a place to prayerfully discern your spiritual or educational intentions for the season. What is God calling you to focus on now? Plus, there is a place to reflect on the season afterwards. What worked well in your preaching? What do you want to change next time? Weekly Calendar Now we narrow focus to the days of the week with "Today's Priorities" at the top of each day. As most of us can only focus on a few important goals each day, intentionally there is only room for three. Below is a place to write your schedule for each day and the week s task list on the right side. Even if you keep a digital calendar, this analog planner is important because the act of writing down our goals, schedules, and priorities makes us more likely to fulfill them. Getting those tasks out of your head and onto the page in a "brain dump" will also decrease your stress, allowing you to focus on what s most important. Heart of the Preacher's Planner: Backstory Preaching's -day process We recommend spreading out your sermon preparation throughout the week, preferably on a five-day schedule (adjusting the schedule to suit when you take your Sabbath): Monday: Lectio. Tuesday and Wednesday: Meditatio. Thursday: Oratio. Friday: Polish. We hope you join us in spreading out your sermon preparation in order to ensure plenty of Contemplatio (rest) after each stage. Creating breathing room in our spirit gives space for the creativity of the Spirit. Make a practice of listening to your previous sermon a few days after you preached so that you have a little time and distance. In the space provided, note what worked, what didn t, and what you want to do in your preaching as you go forward. And don t forget your sermon prep itself in your reflections, too! What worked and didn t work in your process?

5 Lectio invites us to notice what is in the text itself. Read it out loud. Tell its story. Record yourself. Rewrite the text in your own words. Soak in the scripture as often as possible. What do you notice? What questions arise? What makes you curious? This is the "micro" view of the text. Meditatio is akin to traditional exegesis, but is done with a different perspective: the goal is to discern meaning in the text with an attitude of willingness to be changed by the Good News we encounter. The practice of Meditatio can transform us by the Spirit into the Good News we preach. Follow annotations, read commentaries, look at the whole book of which the text is a part, discover the culture and read other languages. How does the text cause you to turn around? What Good News did you discover? What Good News are you becoming in Christ? Meditatio is the "macro" view of the text. Oratio is the expression of our prayer and study with the goal of making meaning for others. How will you make the message known for others? What stories, anecdotes, outlines, and introductions will convey this Good News? As we encounter the Good News in the text and our ministries, we are given gifts for which we want to give thanks to God: write them in the Gratitudes space on the right side. What Stumbling Blocks arose and where did you encounter God s Grace? Take note of these, too. You will also find a column for your personal Examen. Are you praying and reading Scripture for your own sake, unrelated to preaching and ministry? Are you working towards crafting ever-more Effective Sermons? What else does God call you towards on a regular basis that ought not to be forgotten? Perhaps it is exercise or playfulness? Write those down in the blank spaces. These are all things that help re-create us to be more Christ-like and share that Good News in all we do and all we are. The last pages are for notes or dot-journaling and/or drawing out a Story Board. Sketch the story in the Story Board no artistry required and stick figures are great! Drawing the story and noticing the physical surroundings, the order of dialogue, and the relation of one character to another may help you see and encounter the text in new ways. Print as many of these pages as you need. We hope this Preacher s Planner supports you as you practice your vocation. Print it out, hole punch it, put it in a binder, use it, save it, and revisit it and add new pages every three years. Please give us your feedback and suggestions at support@backstorypreaching.com with the subject line Planner Suggestions. We'd love for this resource to become your go-to Planner to help you preach effectively and Be Good News to Preach Good News.

6 Advent: Dec. rd The Preacher's Planner: A Look Ahead Advent Year B, RCL, Episcopal, 0 Ahead of the season, claim time (such as half a day) to spend with all of the readings for the season in order to listen from the balcony to what the Spirit might be saying for your preaching and your ministry context. Invite scripture to speak into the whole of the season. Save brief reflections here. Hebrew Bible Isaiah :- Psalm/ Canticle Psalm 0:-,- New Testament Corinthians :- Gospel Mark :- Notes Advent: Dec. 0th Isaiah 0:- Psalm :-,- Peter :-a Mark :- Advent: Dec. th Isaiah :-,- Psalm / Canticle Thess. :- John :-,- Advent: Dec. th Samuel :-, Ps. : -, - / Canticle or Romans :- Luke :- 0 Backstory Preaching

7 Christmas Day: Selection Hebrew Bible The Preacher's Planner: A Look Ahead Christmas All Years, RCL, Episcopal, 0 Ahead of the season, claim time (such as half a day) to spend with all of the readings for the season in order to listen from the balcony to what the Spirit might be saying for your preaching and your ministry context. Invite scripture to speak into the whole of the season. Isaiah :- Save brief reflections here. Psalm New Gospel Testament Psalm Titus :- Luke :-(-0) Notes Christmas Day: Selection Isaiah :- Psalm Titus :- Luke :(-)-0 Christmas Day: Selection Isaiah :-0 Psalm Hebrews :- (-) John :- Isaiah :0-: Psalm / :- Galatians :-; :- John :- Christmas: Dec. st 0 Backstory Preaching

8 Season: Advent & Christmas Monday Tuesday Wednesday BE GOOD NEWS TO PREACH GOOD NEWS Season Intentions: 0 Season Review: Celebrations: Learnings: 0 Backstory Preaching

9 Come Lord Jesus Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Backstory Preaching

10 November th - December rd Tuesday Nov. th Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Wednesday Nov. th Thursday Nov. 0th Monday Nov. th Schedule Schedule Schedule Schedule Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

11 "... Christ came to visit us in great humility..." ~ The Collect Friday Dec. st Saturday Dec. nd Sunday Dec. rd Tasks Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Schedule Schedule Schedule 0 0 Awe, Wonder & Curiosity: Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

12 Preparation for December, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Isaiah :- Psalm 0:-,- Corinthians :- Mark :- First Sunday of ADVENT Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

13 "... Christ came to visit us in great humility..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

14 December th - December 0th Tuesday Dec. th Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Wednesday Dec. th Thursday Dec. th Monday Dec. th Schedule Schedule Schedule Schedule Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

15 "... preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation..." ~ The Collect Friday Dec. th Saturday Dec. th Sunday Dec. 0th Tasks Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Schedule Schedule Schedule 0 0 Awe, Wonder & Curiosity: Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

16 Preparation for December 0, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Isaiah 0:- Psalm :-,- Peter :-a Mark :- Second Sunday of ADVENT Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

17 "... preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

18 December th - December th Tuesday Dec. th Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Wednesday Dec. th Thursday Dec. th Monday Dec. th Schedule Schedule Schedule Schedule Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

19 "Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us..." ~ The Collect Friday Dec. th Saturday Dec. th Sunday Dec. th Tasks Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Schedule Schedule Schedule 0 0 Awe, Wonder & Curiosity: Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

20 Preparation for December, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Isaiah :-,- Psalm / Canticle Thess. :- John :-,- Third Sunday of ADVENT Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

21 "Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

22 December th - December th Tuesday Dec. th Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Wednesday Dec. 0th Thursday Dec. st Monday Dec. th Schedule Schedule Schedule Schedule Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

23 "Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation..." ~ The Collect Friday Dec. nd Saturday Dec. rd Sunday Dec. th Tasks Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Schedule Schedule Schedule 0 0 Awe, Wonder & Curiosity: Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

24 Preparation for December, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Samuel :-, Psalm :-,-/ Canticle or Romans :- Luke :- Fourth Sunday of ADVENT Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

25 "Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

26 Preparation for Christmas, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Isaiah :- Psalm Titus :- Luke :-(-0) CHRISTMAS DAY Selection One Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

27 "... joyfully receive him as our Redeemer..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

28 Preparation for Christmas, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Isaiah :- Psalm Titus :- Luke :(-)-0 CHRISTMAS DAY Selection Two Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

29 "... this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

30 Preparation for Christmas, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Isaiah :-0 Psalm Hebrews :-(-) John :- CHRISTMAS DAY Selection Three Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

31 "... made your children by adoption and grace..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

32 December th - December st Tuesday Dec. th Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Wednesday Dec. th Thursday Dec. th Monday Dec. th Schedule Schedule Schedule Schedule Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

33 "Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us..." ~ The Collect Friday Dec. th Saturday Dec. 0th Sunday Dec. st Tasks Today's Priorities Today's Priorities Today's Priorities 0 Schedule Schedule Schedule 0 0 Awe, Wonder & Curiosity: Prayers 0 Backstory Preaching

34 Preparation for December, 0 Reflect on Previous Sermon What worked? What didn't? What do I intend to do going forward? Isaiah :0-: Psalm / Psalm :- Galatians :-;:- John :- First Sunday after CHRISTMAS Lectio (What does the text say?) Meditatio (Make meaning of the text through prayerful exegesis.) 0 Backstory Preaching

35 "Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us..." ~ The Collect Oratio (Help your listeners make meaning from the text.) Gratitudes: Stumbling Blocks: Grace: Examen Daily Prayer Connection Sabbath Rule of Life Lectio Meditatio Oratio Revision / Practice Effective Sermon BELIEF STATEMENT: HOPE STATEMENT: HUMAN CONDITION: 0 Backstory Preaching

36 The Preacher's Planner: Storyboard How Would You Show the Story? Scripture lends itself to storytelling. As if you were creating a comic strip, using drawings with few (if any) words, how would depict the story? Use this page as a template for your visual story. Scripture: Date: 0 Backstory Preaching

37 The Preacher's Planner: Notes 0 Backstory Preaching