For each Sunday in Cycle C, the writers and editors of "Charting the Course," an integral part of Emphasis: A Lectionary Preaching Journal from CSS Publishing Company, delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you, the pastor with in-depth lectionary-based commentary; relating several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. The team of Navigating the Sermon looks for overall topics for the entire Cycle C church year that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the theme and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single application for each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, Navigating the Sermon in most cases suggests several ideas, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
This book is like having a dedicated, thoroughly versed sermon research and sermon resource team right in your own study to help you create riveting sermons that are truly yours and that speak powerfully to your audience.
Michael L. Sherer is the author of twelve published titles, both fiction and ministry-related, including the CSS Publishing titles, A Treasure Hidden (1985) and Growing in Grace (1986), and has served as pastor of ELCA churches all over the state of Iowa, including Redeemer Lutheran Church (Washburn, Iowa), First Lutheran Church (Maquoketa, Iowa) and St. John Lutheran Church (Luana, Iowa). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and his Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He also did graduate study at Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio); the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, Iowa) and the Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa). Mike has served as editor for various publishers, including Augsburg Publishing House (Minneapolis, Minnesota), the Metro Lutheran Newspaper (Minneapolis, Minnesota), as well as CSS Publishing Company (Lima, Ohio). He also served as Communication Director for the Northwest Ohio Synod ELCA (Findlay, Ohio, ). Reverend Sherer is currently serving a four-year term as city council member in Waverly, Iowa. He is married and has two adult daughters.
