8 September 2024 – Proper 18/Ordinary 23-Year B
Lectionary Texts: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37
Below, you will find a story, a shorter version (less than 300 words) that could be used as a reflection in newsletters, and some sermon topics and ideas based on the Sunday lectionary readings.
The story will be based on one of the topics, which will be identified, and my sermon topic will also be identified.
The Value of a Good Name
In the bustling city of Everspring, where skyscrapers kissed the sky, and the streets buzzed with life, there stood a small grocery store called Carmichael’s Grocers. It wasn’t much to look at—just a modest, red-brick building with a charming striped awning. But for the people of Everspring, it was a beloved neighbourhood gem. Henry Carmichael, the owner, was a kind-hearted man who knew all his customers by name, remembered their birthdays, and always had a kind word or a joke ready.
On the opposite side of the city was another grocery store, but this one was part of a large chain called Fox’s Foods, known for its sleek aisles, automated checkouts, and buy-one-get-one deals. The owner, David Sinclair, was a sharp businessman with an eye for expansion. In fact, if you squinted hard enough, you could almost imagine him as a character straight out of a romantic comedy, like that guy from You’ve Got Mail—only with fewer charming bookstore encounters and more spreadsheets.
One rainy afternoon, as Henry was stacking cans of soup on the shelves, the door to Carmichael’s Grocers swung open, and in walked Sinclair, looking every bit the part of a corporate mogul, from his polished shoes to his slicked-back hair. Henry couldn’t help but think that all Sinclair needed was a bouquet of sharpened pencils to complete the look.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Carmichael,” Sinclair said, offering a smile that was as smooth as his designer suit. “David Sinclair, of Fox’s Foods. I’ve heard a lot about you and your store.”
Henry wiped his hands on his apron and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Sinclair. What can I do for you today?”
“I’m here with an offer,” Sinclair said, cutting straight to the chase. “I’d like to buy your store. I’m prepared to offer you a very generous sum. You could retire comfortably, maybe open an online business, or perhaps start a blog about groceries—people love that sort of thing.”
Henry chuckled softly. “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Sinclair, but I’m not interested in selling. This store isn’t just about business for me; it’s about community. My parents started this place, and I plan to keep it going.”
Sinclair’s smile twitched ever so slightly. “I understand, Henry. I do. But think about it. The world is changing. Bigger stores, faster service—that’s the future. You could be a part of that future.”
Henry looked around his store. He saw Mrs. Jenkins, the elderly woman he delivered groceries to every Sunday, browsing the tea aisle. He saw little Tommy picking out a candy bar while his mother picked up milk. He saw Mr Rodriguez chatting with Mrs Kim about the latest neighbourhood news. Each face reminded him of why he loved his job.
“Mr. Sinclair,” Henry said, “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but a good name is worth more than great riches. The trust of my customers, the respect of my neighbors—that’s worth more to me than any offer you could make. I may not have a chain of stores or a fancy office, but I have something far better: a community that cares.”
Sinclair looked like he’d swallowed a lemon. “Well, Henry, if you change your mind, you know where to find me,” he said, handing Henry a business card. With that, he turned and walked out, his expensive shoes clicking on the pavement.
Weeks passed, and word of Henry’s encounter with Sinclair spread throughout Everspring. People admired Henry for standing up to the corporate giant, and his store became even more popular. One day, Henry received a letter from a local charity that ran a shelter for the homeless. They were struggling to feed the growing number of people in need and asked if he could help. Henry didn’t hesitate. He organized a food drive, reached out to his suppliers, and asked his customers to donate what they could.
The response was overwhelming. People came from all over the city, bringing bags of groceries, offering money, and volunteering their time. Henry’s store was filled to the brim with donations, and the shelter was able to feed hundreds of people. As Henry looked around his bustling store, he couldn’t help but smile. He may not have been a big-time businessman, but he had a big heart, and in the end, that’s what mattered most.
One evening, as Henry was closing up the store, he found a small envelope slipped under the door. Inside was a note from Sinclair: “Dear Henry, I hear the food drive was a success. Maybe there’s more to this community thing than I thought. I’m planning to start one at Fox’s Foods next month. Any tips? – David.”
Henry laughed out loud. Maybe life in Everspring wasn’t so different from a romantic comedy after all. And maybe, just maybe, even the biggest corporate giants had a little bit of a heart.
The Value of a Good Name
(shorter version)
In the bustling city of Everspring, Henry Carmichael runs a beloved neighborhood grocery store called Carmichael’s Grocers. Known for his kindness and personal touch, Henry is well-loved by his customers. One day, David Sinclair, the slick owner of the large grocery chain Fox’s Foods, visits Henry’s store with a business proposition. Sinclair offers to buy out Carmichael’s Grocers, promising Henry a generous sum of money. Sinclair believes that bigger stores and faster service are the future.
Henry, however, values his store for more than just business. It’s a place where he knows his customers personally, and he plays an essential role in the community. He politely declines Sinclair’s offer, explaining that the trust and respect of his neighbors are worth more than any financial gain.
Word of Henry’s decision spreads, and his store’s popularity grows. When a local charity shelter reaches out for help feeding the homeless, Henry organizes a food drive, which is hugely successful. His store fills with donations, and the shelter is able to feed hundreds of people.
One evening, Henry finds a note from Sinclair slipped under his door. In it, Sinclair acknowledges the success of the food drive and hints at starting one at his own store, Fox’s Foods. Henry laughs, realizing that even corporate giants can be influenced by the power of community and compassion.
The story highlights the importance of a good reputation, community values, and the impact of generosity over mere financial success, echoing the themes from Proverbs.
Sermon Topics and Ideas
The following sermon topics and ideas are for Proper 18/Ordinary 23 in Year B.
- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23: The Value of a Good Name†
- Topic: The importance of integrity, generosity, and justice.
- Ideas:
- Emphasize the idea that a good name and reputation, grounded in integrity and righteousness, are more valuable than wealth. Discuss how living justly and generously benefits both individuals and communities.
- Encourage congregants to reflect on their own actions and reputations. How can they embody integrity and justice in their daily interactions? Highlight practical ways to act generously and support the vulnerable.
- Challenge the congregation to consider how societal values often prioritise wealth and status over integrity and justice. Discuss how Christians are called to counteract this by valuing character and ethical behaviour.
- Psalm 125: Trusting in God’s Protection
- Topic: Trust in God’s steadfast presence and protection.
- Ideas:
- Focus on the imagery of God as a mountain, steadfast and immovable, offering protection to those who trust in God. Discuss how this assurance can bring peace and stability.
- Invite congregants to reflect on times when they felt God’s protective presence in their lives. Encourage them to place their trust in God during times of uncertainty and turmoil.
- Explore the idea of suffering and protection. What does it mean to trust in God’s protection when facing difficulties? How do we reconcile God’s protection with the reality of hardship and suffering?
- James 2:1-17: Faith Without Works Is Dead Expand
- Topic: The relationship between faith and action, emphasising the call to social justice.
- Ideas:
- Discuss how true faith is demonstrated through actions of love and compassion. Highlight James’ message that faith without works is lifeless and incomplete.
- Encourage the congregation to consider how they can live out their faith in tangible ways, such as through acts of kindness, advocacy for justice, and support for the marginalised.
- Address the tension between faith and works. What does it mean for salvation and spiritual life? Challenge the idea of faith as a purely internal, personal belief, emphasising the social and communal responsibilities of Christians.
- Mark 7:24-37: Expanding the Boundaries of God’s Mission‡
- Topic: Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman and the healing of the deaf and mute man as examples of inclusivity and breaking barriers.
- Ideas:
- Reflect on Jesus’ ministry as one that reaches beyond cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries. Highlight the significance of Jesus extending his mission to the Gentiles.
- Call the congregation to examine their own boundaries. Are there people or groups they have excluded, intentionally or unintentionally? How can they follow Jesus’ example of inclusive love?
- Explore the tension in the passage where Jesus initially resists the woman’s request. What does this say about the nature of his mission and how it developed? Discuss how this might inform our understanding of mission and inclusivity today.
- Bridging Proverbs and the Gospel: The Call to Justice and Inclusivity
- Topic: Combining the wisdom of Proverbs with the inclusivity demonstrated by Jesus in Mark.
- Ideas:
- Highlight the consistent biblical call to justice and righteousness, from the wisdom literature to Jesus’ actions. God’s desire for justice includes a call to be inclusive and welcoming.
- Encourage practical steps towards justice and inclusivity in the church and community. Suggest ways to advocate for those who are marginalised and ensure their voices are heard and respected.
- Challenge the congregation to reflect on systemic issues of injustice. Are there ways the church or society has excluded certain groups? What does a truly inclusive and just community look like?
† The story above is based on this Topic
‡ My sermon will be based on these Topics/ideas
Other Lectionary Resources
These resources are based on the lectionary readings.
- A Sermon for every Sunday – FREE lectionary-based video sermons by America’s best preachers for use in worship, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes, or for individual use. All you do is push the button.
- Laughing Bird – a gift to the wider Church from the South Yarra Community Baptist Church in Melbourne, Australia. Has several sermons, prayers and the lectionary bible readings.
- The Lutheran Church of Australia – A worship planning resource that includes many parts of the service, including song selections, sermons, visual arts, children’s resources, and others.
- Lectionary Liturgies – A full liturgy for each Sunday based on the lectionary readings for the week. These are liturgies that I prepare for the congregation I serve and make available to others.
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