Each week pastors craft a sermon from a biblical text to feed their congregations. For many churches following the Revised Common Lectionary, the text most often preached on is the Gospel reading. In this book, the author encourages pastors to explore other parts of the lectionary. During the summer in Cycle C the lectionary gives us an alternative Old Testament text, a semi-continuous journey through the Hebrew prophets. The prophets were not crystal ball gazers predicting a distant future. They were astute social commentators who spoke truth to power and called people to faithful covenant living.

A summer series with these Hebrew prophets can help build interest and continuity throughout the summer. They have a message that is still powerful and relevant for our world today.

Rolf Svanoe's commentary on the semi-continuous lectionary readings is a most welcome help to preachers! Recognizing the vital role that stories play in our lives, Svanoe guides preachers in bringing the narratives of Old Testament to life so that people can make these stories their own and thereby encounter the God to whom they witness. Biblical insight, narrative acumen, and a deep pastoral heart make this a valuable resource for any preacher who loves to tell the story.- Dr. David Lose, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN, Author of Making Sense Series, Augsburg Fortress

Rolf Svanoe is a retired Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastor living in Decorah, Iowa. During his career he served congregations in Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He is a graduate of California Lutheran Bible School and Augustana College. Rolf received his M.Div. degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul. Svanoe enrolled in Luther Seminary's Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Preaching program, where one of his projects became his first book, a Lenten worship series entitled, Bread for the Journey, published by CSS. His other books published by CSS are I Love to Preach the Story, Cycle A, I Love to Preach the Story, Cycle B, Advent and Lent in Narnia, and The Beast In The Pulpit.