Revised Common Lectionary, Reign of Christ, Year A. This vision focuses on service. In your congregation, how might you love and serve Christ as you love and serve your neighbors in need — living into the Matthew 25 vision of eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality? Reader: Becky Purcell. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Revised Common Lectionary, Proper 28, Year A. This parable focuses on treasure. In your congregation, how can you be good stewards of the gifts of God as you await Christ’s return— sharing in the Matthew 25 vision of eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality? Reader: Derek Wadlington. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 27, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. This parable focuses on time. In your congregation, how will you use the resource of time as you watch for the coming of God’s realm — advancing the Matthew 25 vision of eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality? Reader: Kelly Abraham. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 26, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In the realm of God, the humble are exalted. The “five books” of Matthew’s Gospel begin (Matthew 5:1–12) and end (Matthew 25:31–46) with an emphasis on humble service in Jesus’ name. Why is this kind of leadership so important for building congregational vitality? Readers: Derek Wadlington and Kim Wadlington. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 25, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] In the realm of God, we live by love. Jesus teaches that all of Scripture can be summarized in two commandments: loving God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and loving neighbors (Leviticus 19:18). How does this “rule of love” support and stand behind the work of dismantling racism? Reader: Andy James. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 24, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In the realm of God, we honor God’s image. The coin used to pay the tax was marked with the likeness of the emperor; each human being is made in the image of God. Jesus’ words in this parable present us with a critical decision: What or whom do we value most? Reader: Phillip Morgan. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 23, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In the realm of God, a table is set. Many are called to the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (see Revelation 19:9). God’s gracious invitation upsets our expectations, overturning the tables of power and privilege and disrupting the systems that perpetuate poverty. Reader: Barry Ensign-George. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 22, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] In the realm of God, the crucified one is the cornerstone. Structural racism is built on hatred and fear. But the beloved community is built on God’s beloved Son—the very one who was betrayed, denied, rejected, despised, and put to death on a cross. Reader: Nikki Collins. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 21, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In the realm of God, Jesus is Lord. Jesus asks us only “one question” (Matthew 21:24): Will you follow me? We respond by doing God’s will. A vital congregation must answer to Jesus’ authority and seek to follow him faithfully, trusting in his transforming power. Reader: Becky Purcell. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 20, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In the realm of God, the last will be first. God’s grace is extended to all. This is the scandal of the gospel—that by the grace of God, we don’t just get what we deserve. How might this view of God’s grace influence our work to eradicate systemic poverty? Reader: Lisa Schrott. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 19, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In the realm of God, debts are forgiven. In this parable, Jesus uses astronomical numbers—seventy-seven, ten thousand—to underscore the imperative of forgiving others as God forgives us. Why is forgiveness so important for building congregational vitality? Reader: Martha Moore-Keish. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 18, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] In the realm of God, all will be reconciled. The work of dismantling structural racism begins with confessing sin, lamenting evil, and seeking justice; only then can right relationships be restored. This will require the participation of the whole people of God. Reader: Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 17, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] Jesus again presents the paradox of “God’s economy." Those who seek to save their own lives will lose them. Those who want to acquire the world will lose what truly matters. How does this challenge conventional wisdom about wealth and poverty? Reader: Carlton David Johnson. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 16, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] Jesus gives Simon a new name and identity: Peter, the rock on whom the church is built. Similarly, the challenge of building congregational vitality depends on our confession of who Jesus is. What difference does it make that Jesus is the Messiah, Son of God? Reader: Rachel Sutphin. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 15, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] A courageous and persistent Canaanite woman speaks out with great faith to challenge the ethnic divisions and purity restrictions of Jesus’ time. Where do we find similar situations in our society? How does our faith call us to confront these problems? Reader: Barry Ensign-George. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 14, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In Christian imagination, the symbol of a boat has been an important metaphor for the church. How is your congregation like a boat? What storms have you weathered? What tempests are you experiencing now? How is Jesus challenging you to step out in faith? Reader: Linda Lovins. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 13, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In “God’s economy,” abundance comes from sharing. The story of Jesus feeding the multitude is a perfect illustration. How might this insight inform our ministry with people who are poor? How might it challenge our anxieties and encourage our generosity? Reader: Carlton David Johnson. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 12, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] Small moments and subtle actions sometimes make a big difference in the struggle to challenge structural racism and white supremacy. Can you think of people who have been a mustard seed, a measure of leaven, a hidden treasure, or a pearl of great price? Reader: Kim Long. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 11, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] This parable may be applied to the hidden dimensions of racism—secret prejudice, implicit bias, and unconscious patterns of privilege. One challenge of dismantling structural racism is learning to recognize these “weeds,” yet continuing to love and serve all. Reader: Derek Wadlington. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223

Proper 10, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] The parable of the sower and the seeds illustrates God’s extravagant generosity, scattering out grace and truth in abundance. But this parable also challenges us to be good soil, so that God’s will for the world—and care for the poor—may flourish among us. Reader: Kim Wadlington. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223