Rev. Meg Jenista Kuykendall lives in Philadelphia, PA and is an ordained minister in the Reformed tradition. She earned her M.Div at Calvin Theological Seminary (2008) and her ThM, also at CTS (2019). She spent 15 years pastoring churches in Kalamazoo, MI, and Washington DC. Currently, Meg is studying for her PhD in public theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, with a particular focus on the intersection of political discipleship and pulpit ministry. She balances out her PhD research by reading Sandra Boynton and Mo Willems books with her young son, cooking with her husband, and exploring their new home of Philadelphia.
Acts 11:1-18
Commentary
Easter 5C
Illustration/Worship Idea: To start the sermon this week, consider making a big announcement that, effective immediately, all of people’s beloved traditions and favorite programs are canceled. Worship, Music, small groups, Sunday school, service projects. Every church has their own canon of beloved things. Name them and announce you are canceling them. That’s not how we…
Acts 9:36-43
Commentary
Easter 4C
Last week we heard the story of Saul’s conversion. Then, in the next part of the story (which the Lectionary omits) Saul travels to Jerusalem, with a stop in Damascus where, according to verse 20, “At once he began to preach…” Before moving on to Peter in this morning’s text, let’s spare a thought for…
Acts 9:1-20
Commentary
Easter 3C
The reliable Jewish world of the 1st century is showing unfamiliar cracks. It has always had a tenuous relationship with Rome and there were always pipsqueaks on a soapbox teaching this or that quirky take on the Torah. But the seismic activity rippling out from the teaching and death of Jesus has got the establishment…
Acts 5:27-32
Commentary
Easter 2C
Note:Reviewing old sermon notes, I realized I last preached this text for my congregation in Washington DC in 2019. Thereis a lot of contextualization having to do with Christians working as civil servants for the United States federal government. I am going to leave that in place since, six years later, it sadly seems all…
Acts 10:34-43
Commentary
Easter Day C
A lot happens preceding Peter’s conclusion voiced in verses 34-43. Beginning in verse 9 of Acts chapter 10, we are told the incredible story of an afternoon siesta on the roof. Peter dreams of a great white sheet being lowered from heaven. It descends until Peter is at last able to peer over its hem. …
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Commentary
Palm Sunday C
As we enter into Holy Week, the Lectionary offers us two paths, a choose-your-own-adventure of sorts. We can preach the palms or the passion. However, I note that, outside the psalms, there is only one Hebrew Scripture text and that belongs to the passion. Woke Although Lent is a season of fasting, in many ways…
Isaiah 43:16-21
Commentary
Lent 5C
But you just said.. This week’s lectionary in Hebrew Scripture is replete with images and metaphors from the history of God’s people. A path through the sea recalls the people’s journey through the Red Sea, away from enslavement into the hope of the Promised Land. The destruction of the chariots and horses recalls that the…
Joshua 5:9-12
Commentary
Lent 4C
Emerging from the Wilderness The book of Joshua begins with a season of transition among God’s people. Their leader, Moses has just died. Joshua has been installed as their new leader. His job will be to direct the people into the promised land. They cross the Jordan and are now ready to enter the land. …
Isaiah 55:1-9
Commentary
Lent 3C
Illustration “It’s not always going to be like this” You know that feeling of early friendship or love? When that other person — the object of your affection — knows you perfectly? Laughs at all your jokes? Finds you endlessly fascinating or attractive? Or maybe it’s the first time you hold that baby — a…
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Commentary
Lent 2C
A Tribal Leader without a Tribe This text invites us to enter into Abram’s story between promise and fulfillment. Genesis 12 lays out God’s plan: to take Abram and make a great nation and a great name by which all people will be blessed. However, a lot of life has been lived between chapter 12…
About Meg Jenista