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”
Category Archives: ordinary time
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.””
In the Valley, Do Not Lose Heart.
Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] This is a difficult time to write a sermon. The legal and social services systems are being weaponized against trans youth and their families. War and violence are very real and very present for the people of Ukraine and Russia, and the ways this conflict is being discussed in the media areContinue reading “In the Valley, Do Not Lose Heart.”
What Love lives like.
Luke 6:27-38 As some of you may know, there has been a recent addition to the campus of Grace Episcopal Church in Massies Mill. If you happen to be driving down Crabtree Falls Highway toward the mountains, you’ll be greeted by an installation made up of apple crates, a tractor wheel, a bent fender, andContinue reading “What Love lives like.”
Called to Sainthood
Luke 6:17-26 This sermon was written for the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Year C, which in 2022 falls on the feast day of Absalom Jones, Priest. For the readings and collects assigned to Rev. Jones’ feast day, click here. The biographical information included here comes primarily from Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018 beginning on pageContinue reading “Called to Sainthood”
It’s Not About the Nets.
Luke 5:1-11 Last weekend I had the great privilege of celebrating the Eucharist for the Youth at Convention event, a gathering of over 50 youth in middle and high school that took place alongside our Diocesan Convention. I knew that there were going to be young people running around the Hotel Roanoke, and I knewContinue reading “It’s Not About the Nets.”
Will You Take the Stand?
John 18:33-37 This morning, we are in a courtroom. The accused has been brought forward to be interrogated by a judge, and not just any judge. Pilate represents the might of Empire, his position a reminder to the occupied nation that their lands, their wealth, even their bodies were not their own. Pilate holds theContinue reading “Will You Take the Stand?”
Mother A Writes 