"Just the Headlines"
Yonce Shelton, Westmoreland UCC
August 31, 2025
I had such a good vacation in August that I almost forgot about this place. But not totally. I mean, how could I forget about you?! But, I actually did forget the door codes. Thank goodness for back-up systems.
Today, I want to share something I did think about – and tried to forget, at the same time.
When on a long vacation, I try to disengage from normal rhythms. I don’t read a lot of news stories. I resist the urge to keep up on things. I do skim headlines, but resist the need to know everything, partly because: I know what will follow in the story; or it will change in coming days; or it really doesn't matter to me; or it will only disrupt my peace while I can’t do anything about it. I’m protecting my mind and spirit. Sabbath is important, and each of us has to learn what that means to us.
This week, as I reengaged the world and looked at the lectionary passages for this Sunday (scriptures that are prescribed for each Sunday), what grabbed me most was the “headlines.” In the lectionary resource I use, right after the scripture titles, are one line summaries of the passage that follows. Moreover, this week’s lectionary seemed to offer more "alternate" readings than normal to choose from (so a preacher has more choice). The number of passages and headlines came to seven. Almost like the newsfeeds we consult with religious fervor.
As I read each headline, I found myself remembering what comes next in some cases, having no clue in others, and exploring what I think might come next – or should come next – for some. There was some familiar terrain about justice, judgment, and other religious concepts. It probably wouldn’t have been too hard to craft a decent message from those given our current climate. But, what spoke to me more was a curiosity about what I didn't know; what might draw me in; shape me; help me with focus at this time when news headlines are so many and so overwhelming. Where might a headline lead me –and why?
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How do you treat news headlines? Which matter most? How deep do you go into stories? What do they prompt you to do? What do you think - or hope - will come next?
What about biblical headlines? Ever think about those? Do you even know what I’m talking about? What do you do with those? How about the ones from today? You heard them a few minutes ago in our responsive reading. Here they are again:
Israel forsakes the Lord (Jeremiah 2:4-13). Honey from the rock (Psalm 81:1, 10-16). Judgment upon the proud (Sirach 10:12-18). Do not put yourself forward (Proverbs 25:6-7). The righteous are merciful (Psalm 112). God is with us (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16). Invite the poor to your banquet (Luke 14:1, 7-14).
Well, let's find out. In a few minutes, I’ll randomly give each table one of the “headlines.” As a group, you get to do whatever you want with it. Discuss the headline; pull up the whole passage and discuss it – without checking your news feed; use the bibles on your table; write your own passage based on the headline; wonder about some of the tough messages; wonder what they mean for you now; whatever. There is no wrong or right way to engage these headlines.
You’ll have some time – but it will go fast. We won’t share out. And don’t look at me – I only have headlines. It's up to you to go deeper – or not.
TABLE DISCUSSION
I leave you with these three questions:
1) What do we know – politically, culturally, socially – that needs less attention and obsession?
2) What do we know – spiritually, emotionally, in the realm of meaning-making – could benefit from that energy instead?
3) How does all this affect your relationship with God, self, and others?
Amen.
