Written by George Hartwell, 'Creative Closings' provide the preacher and liturgist with a way to lead the congregation to a deeper experience of the message of the selected Revised Common Lectionary text or texts for the day. 'Creative Closings' follow the sermon or homily and most often pick up on the theme of one of the sermons provided on the 'Sermons & Sermon - Lectionary Resources' site (as referenced in the 'the thematic background'). Each Creative Closing can also stand on it's own and might be used as well in a devotional or bible study session.
If this Creative Closing is of use to you please fell free to utilize it, but reproduction electronically or in print requires the author's authorization. George Hartwell would also like to hear your response to this resource. You may see George's web site at www.HealMyLife.com or write him at GHartwell@HealMyLife.com
THEMATIC BACKGROUND from: Unto Caesar READING: Matthew 22:15-22 THEMATIC MATERIAL (from: Unto Caesar): "Because Jesus did not fit their image of who the Messiah would be, or what a truly Holy person would say and do, they rejected him, so missed out on a great spiritual adventure." PRINCIPLE: To respond to what God wants to do in our hearts we must not be stuck in black and white categories, or judge people by externals, like religious language, or box God in to our own narrow conception, but be open hearted toward God – to really listen. For one cannot love without listening. RESPONSE: This sermon triggers self-examination and pleads for an open mind and an open heart to God CREATIVE CLOSING A simple Creative Closing to this sermon could simply ask the listener to take a few minutes to listen to the Word of God and meditate upon it in one’s heart. “In our time of silence meditate in your heart upon today’s word.” Alternatively one could add more content to the Creative Closing leading in to a time of quiet meditation: “In our time of silence make note of the ways that you have put God in a box, look at the ways you categorize too quickly your fellow Christian believer, tell God that you want to open your mind to news ways of thinking and your heart to listen to Him. Let us reflect in silence on today’s readings and today’s sermon.” copyright - George Hartwell, 2002 Page by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild 2002 - 2005 please acknowledge the appropriate author if citing these resources.
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