Dear Sarah,
What a wonderful idea to experiment with a lectionary blog. Previous to reading your project, it had come up recently in a class that prior to preaching one might want to engage in a text study with others in the congregation. I have seen pastors in a community often do this, but I was pleased to hear the suggestion of one engaging with members of a congregation to prepare to preach. It not only seemed like a great way to dive into scripture together, to hear from various voices and how God may speak to them through the text, but also a way to truly have preaching be a form of pastoral care coming out of the needs and voices of the community. However, I wondered if communities would be interested in this sort of study or if it would be an intimidating atmosphere.
Your experiment with this- using the platform of blogging- sounded like a creative and approachable way to do this with anonymity. The time commitment and knowledge of use are valid concerns. You seemed to adequately address the usability factor by suggesting teaching opportunities. It also seems like time would be a benefit to blogging- as one can post at any hour of the day they are able. Lastly, I affirm your promise that the replies would be read by the preacher for the week.
I am curious and would love to hear more about what your findings were and whether or not you decided to implement this lectionary blogging or not in the congregation. Was the blog public? Are there any who would be isolated from this opportunity?
Thank you for your contribution.