So, our morning services were canceled yesterday here in arctic Waco. That means I have a free week.
My sermon and classes are, in effect, done. I am just delaying for a week what I would have done yesterday.
That gives me some time to plot out my summer preaching and teaching curriculum. I usually like to have this done by the first of the year. However, what we are studying right now is so labor-intensive for me, I have not had a chance.
So, the cancellation yesterday was a good thing for me.
The question is: What do I want to preach and teach on this summer?
We are in the midst of a 2 year series where we will look at a book of the bible each week. This school year we are doing the Old Testament. Beginning in the fall we will tackle the New. With that in mind, I don’t want to preach through a NT book in advance of next year’s study.
Here is what I am thinking so far:

Sunday A.M. Class—A Study on “The Jews in the Time of Jesus.” This study would help us to understand what has transpired in the 400 years between the end of the OT and the arrival of John the Baptist. It would help us to understand the culture and environment in which Jesus lived. It would shed light on the mind-set of the Jews as the Messiah appeared among them. This would segue nicely into our fall study.
Sunday P.M. Class–A Study on “Hot Issues Facing the Church Today.” This would be a series of different issues that are swirling around today and trying to grapple with them under the light of Scripture. Topics would include: Stem Cells, The Da Vinci Code (in expectation of its summer movie release), Torture, Just War, Homosexuality, etc.
Wednesday Sermon Series–This would continue to be a short motivational/encouraging talk from Scripture.

Sunday Sermon Series–Not sure. Maybe looking over some major themes of the OT and how they connect to the NT.

The reason I post this is to get your feedback.
What do you think of these suggestions?
Anything you would like to see tackled in a sermon/class series (the two of you from my church who actually read this blog, I value your input)?
Sermon Series Suggestions?
Any thoughts would be helpful.