On Ash Wednesday, we begin a forty-day journey toward Easter with Christians around the world. Today is a day of fasting, repentance, and the imposition of ashes, reminding us that we will all die and return to the earth. As a fitting repentance, Joel reminds us, “rend your hearts, and not your garments.” We are […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Transfiguration of Our Lord
In today’s gospel, Jesus is transfigured revealing him as the very image and light of God. Jesus Christ is the image of God whose light shines in the darkness of the world. The disciples, Peter, James and John, also hear the words, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” When we open our […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
In Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick to health and service. Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
View the Sermon (PDF)Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God, and the Psalmist writes that God’s righteousness endures forever. In Jesus’ actions and words people sensed the enduring righteousness and love of God that continues to release humanity from the unclean spirits of our own age, freeing us to […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Third Sunday after Epiphany
As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of Jesus’ call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptism and response, following Christ on our journey in this world. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus begins his ministry proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance immediately after John the Baptist has been arrested […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Sunday after Epiphany
All the baptized have a calling and vocation. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also each of us. God begins to call us in our youth, like Samuel, and God continues to call us throughout our lives. Jesus called Nathanael, saying, “Follow me.” Nathanael initially dismissed Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. Yet […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Epiphany Sunday
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Sunday of Christmas
The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Christmas Eve
In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good tidings for all people. His birth as the long-awaited Messiah is the one that Isaiah wrote of who will bring endless peace, establishing justice forever. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fourth Sunday of Advent
The angel Gabriel says to Mary, “Behold, favored one!” On the fourth Sunday of Advent we behold the promise of the eternal mystery of God revealed through Mary, the servant of the Lord, in the promised birth of Jesus the Messiah. With Mary, we say “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it […]
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