Sermons On The Second Readings
Series I, Cycle A
James L. Killen, Jr., Richard W. Ferris, William G. Carter, Jeff Wedge, and Richard C. Brand

This superb collection of biblically sound sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary covers every Sunday and major celebration of the church year. Five outstanding preachers from diverse denominations combine imaginative insights into the New Testament epistle texts with fresh, inspiring illustrations that enlighten the mind and warm the heart. By reliving the journey of Jesus through the prism of the early church's practical and moral concerns, these messages offer valuable lessons for Christian living in the modern world.

This essential resource is useful for:
* Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
* Preaching illustrations
* Understanding scripture passages
* Adult study and discussion groups
* Personal devotions and Bible study

James L. Killen, Jr. has pastored a variety of congregations during a 45-year career in the ministry, ranging from a small open country parish in northeast Texas to Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas, a 2,000-member church with a television ministry serving all of southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Houston and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Killen's work has appeared in several publications, including Preaching, Pulpit Digest, Circuit Rider, The Upper Room, and the Abingdon Preaching Annual. He is the author of What Does The Lord Require? (CSS).

Richard W. Ferris pastors two Disciples of Christ congregations in the Akron, Ohio, area, Barberton Christian Church and Firestone Park Christian Church, and has served other congregations in Ohio, Michigan, and North Dakota. He spent several years in a tentmaker ministry, working in such places as Junior Achievement, a mental health agency, and a rehabilitation hospital to support his church work. Ferris received his B.A. degree in journalism from Ohio State University and his M.Div. degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary (now known as Trinity Seminary).

William G. Carter, the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, has received national recognition for his preaching and writing. He is the author of four books published by CSS, and his sermons and articles have appeared in numerous outlets, including Journal for Preachers, Presbyterian Survey, Preaching, and Lectionary Homiletics. Carter's preaching has been featured on The Protestant Hour, an international radio ministry reaching over two million listeners each week. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and the State University of New York at Binghamton (B.A.), Rev. Carter is also a highly regarded jazz pianist, composer, and arranger who has studied and performed with such noted artists as Dave Brubeck, Phil Woods, and Bob Brookmeyer. He is the pianist and leader of the Presbybop Quartet (www.presbybop.com), which has recorded four CDs of original material plus jazz versions of favorite hymns. Carter has traveled widely presenting contemporary worship services and frequently weaves his music into his ministry.

Jeff Wedge, a freelance writer of magazine articles and contract technical work with over 200 appearances in print, is the founder and corporate officer of a company for development and delivery of training. He is an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he serves as a Lay Assisting Minister and Lay Preacher. A former parish pastor, Wedge holds an M.Div. degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He is the author of the CSS titles A Bucket Full Of Miracles and Mrs. Johnson's Rummage Sale.

Rick Brand is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Henderson, North Carolina, and has served other congregations in North Carolina, Texas, and Pennsylvania for over 35 years. He has also served as General Assembly Commissioner in 2000 and with the Presbytery Commission on Ministry. Brand's sermons have appeared in several publications, including Preaching Magazine, Homiletics, Pulpit Digest, and Emphasis. He is a graduate of Davidson College and Princeton Theological Seminary.