Matthew 11:28-30 This sermon was given on the occasion of Blue Christmas, also known as Longest Night, an observance intended to name and offer comfort for the pain and grief that the holidays bring for many. In the context in which this sermon was given, the congregation were given the opportunity to receive the layingContinue reading “Ringing”
Category Archives: advent
Power & Protection
Matthew 1:18-25 I have always felt a tenderness toward Mary’s husband. I find it fascinating that history remembers his name and his occupation, but none of his words. Joseph, the patriarch of the Holy Family, does not have a single line of dialogue in the Bible. Like Zechariah, who was silenced by God for nineContinue reading “Power & Protection”
The Doubting Prophet
Matthew 11:2-11 John the Baptist leapt in his mother’s womb in recognition of the miracle Mary carried. John the Baptist left behind his comfortable birthright for a short life of locusts and wild honey and persecution. John the Baptist was the voice crying out in the wilderness even when his voice grew hoarse and theContinue reading “The Doubting Prophet”
Wake Up!
This sermon was given at St Peter Baptist Church in Clifford, VA, by invitation of their board of deacons. The people of St Mark’s Episcopal Church worship with the people of St Peter four times a year as we have done for over a decade. “You know what time it is, how it is nowContinue reading “Wake Up!”
The First Christian Liturgy
Luke 1:39-45(46-55) What is depicted in our Gospel passage today is the first Christian worship service in history, a gathering of two faithful people celebrating Jesus, Immanuel, the Christ, before he has even come into the world. The presence of the Word incarnate is so powerful that Elizabeth’s unborn son leaps for joy, alerting hisContinue reading “The First Christian Liturgy”
I Just Pray for Peace
I recently had the great privilege to hear in person a song that has carried me through some really hard times. The singer-songwriter Spencer LaJoye is a nonbinary Queer artist with a Masters in Divinity and an incredible gift for telling the beautiful truth. When introducing this song at their concert in Roanoke last week,Continue reading “I Just Pray for Peace”
Winnowing
Luke 3:7-18 There’s nothing like getting called a brood of vipers to really get you in the holiday spirit! The lectionary keeps reminding us that yes, the birth of the Christ Child is just around the corner, but there’s more to the preparations than decorating trees and baking treats. John, the miraculous child of twoContinue reading “Winnowing”
Remembering the Past, Blessing the Future
The Song of Zechariah, Canticle 16, found on page 92 of the Book of Common Prayer or alternatively Luke 1:68-79 You, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.Continue reading “Remembering the Past, Blessing the Future”
The Promised After
Luke 21:25-36 In this sermon, I reference the destruction in Nelson County VA caused by Hurricane Camille in 1969. One of the two parishes I serve is located in Massies Mill, one of the communities most impacted by that storm. Grace Episcopal Church in Massies Mill is one of very few buildings built pre-1969 thatContinue reading “The Promised After”
Living Jubilee
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Today’s Isaiah passage might be familiar to some of you. Jesus read from this part of Isaiah in the synagogue of his hometown, then told all who were listening that this scripture had been fulfilled in their hearing. This particular passage was important enough that Jesus was run out of his hometownContinue reading “Living Jubilee”
Mother A Writes 