amcaudill27

Worth the Cost

Luke 14:25-33 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” It’s not the only time Jesus says something like this in the Gospels, but it is maybe the most direct. I once led a Bible Study withContinue reading “Worth the Cost”

Practicing Freedom & Rest

Luke 13:10-17 In our Bible Study this past Wednesday, we reflected on the fact that our mainstream Christian culture has become far removed from anything resembling the practice of Sabbath. Some of you reflected that you’ve seen the shift in your own lifetime, recalling a time not too long ago that stores were closed onContinue reading “Practicing Freedom & Rest”

Surrounded by Hope

Hebrews 11:29-12:2 A dear friend and colleague of mine often recounts the story of a beloved parish elder, a matriarch that has been a part of his congregation for her entire long life. They were speaking about the vastness of the church they both love, a large downtown parish that could comfortably hold our entireContinue reading “Surrounded by Hope”

Delight

Luke 12:32-40 As I’ve shared with some of you over the past few months, I am trying my hand at gardening. I know that my efforts are quaint; a small four by four raised bed in my backyard has nothing on the beautiful farms and gardens so many of you keep. My little garden doesContinue reading “Delight”

What Will Happen If I Don’t?

Luke 10:25-37 Two weeks ago, two members of St Mark’s sat in the hot sun for two hours to pick up food from the Candlelight Ministries Mobile Food Pantry on behalf of a community member in need who first came to us through the ministry of the Episcopal Thrift Store. Through a coordinated effort ofContinue reading “What Will Happen If I Don’t?”

Travel Lightly

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 I have a confession to make. I am not a light traveler. Whether it’s an overnight trip or a move to a new place, I always bring more than any reasonable person would think is necessary. My siblings and I are notorious in our family for keeping our cars full- full ofContinue reading “Travel Lightly”

You won’t need that where we’re going.

Luke 9:51-62 The Jesus we meet this morning has a difficult teaching for us, one that triggers disbelief, defensiveness, and disagreement in most hearers. He’s rebuking his friends for trying to stick up for him, he’s answering confessions of faith by comparing himself to wild animals, and he’s challenging those who give seemingly valid reasonsContinue reading “You won’t need that where we’re going.”

What I Understand About the Trinity- Alternatively Titled “Heresy? Probably.”

John 16:12-15 The readings for Trinity Sunday can be found here, although you’ll find this to be an occasional sermon, meaning I focus on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Trinity rather than any one text There are lots of jokes among preachers that this is “curate Sunday” or “associate Sunday” or “seminarianContinue reading “What I Understand About the Trinity- Alternatively Titled “Heresy? Probably.””

The Reversal of Babel

Acts 2:1-21 In the parish where I grew up, there was a practice for many years on Pentecost, a dramatic demonstration that echoed the liturgical reliving of Holy Week’s journey from the betrayal to the resurrection. For the reading of the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the lesson we heard today, theContinue reading “The Reversal of Babel”

Come, Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 I have included in the spoken version of my sermon a reading of Amanda Gorman’s most recent published poem, which she shared on her social media platforms in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde. In the interest of supporting her in her work and directing web traffic to theContinue reading “Come, Lord Jesus.”