The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers

In her sermon, the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers discusses discomfort around the term "Christian" due to its association with Christian nationalism, a movement that seeks to impose Christian values on the United States and is tied to white supremacy, anti-immigrant views, and political violence. The Episcopal Church has opposed this ideology, promoting instead the Gospel’s values of love, justice, and peace. She reflects on Jesus’s call to "take up your cross," interpreting it as a call to embrace the challenges of fighting for justice, not passively accepting suffering. The sermon emphasizes the need to reclaim Christian identity as followers of Jesus’ way of love and service, rather than political dominion.

Michael Drell

Michael's sermon reflects on familiar yet uncomfortable themes from the Bible, focusing on Jesus' interaction with the Syrophoenician woman in Mark’s Gospel. Drawing from various interpretations, including feminist critiques, he explores how this story reveals Jesus as a human capable of growth and change. The woman’s persistence and cleverness challenge Jesus, leading to the expansion of his mission to include all people, even those outside his community. The sermon encourages reflection on personal transformation and the power of words to heal and bring change.

the Rev. Phil Brochard

The Rev. Phil Brochard recalls a conversation from 30 years ago about creating a "no rules" summer camp, where teenagers could learn to make ethical decisions without strict enforcement. He reflects on a biblical story where Jesus is confronted by Pharisees for his disciples' failure to follow hand-washing traditions, illustrating how righteousness should not be about outward observance of rules but about inner transformation and a genuine relationship with God. The sermon urges the audience to return to the root of their faith, focusing on what truly matters—living with a heart changed by compassion and justice.

the Rev. Emily Boring

Emily's sermon reflects on Jesus' declaration, "I am the bread of life," exploring its comforting and profound significance. It delves into the multifaceted symbolism of bread as nourishment, memory, and spiritual sustenance. The sermon also examines the varied responses to Jesus' message, focusing on Simon Peter's momentous declaration of faith. It concludes by emphasizing that Jesus' invitation to eternal life is not a demand but a gracious offering of fullness and connection with God.

The Rev. Marguerite Judson

In this sermon, the Rev. Marguerite Judson contrasts Solomon's politically-driven reign, marked by violence and idolatry, with Jesus' selfless offering of eternal life as the "bread of life." Solomon's actions, though wise by worldly standards, lead to spiritual downfall, while Jesus offers a transformative, present-tense eternal life to believers. The sermon emphasizes that this life is available now, inviting believers into the intimate love of the Trinity.

Harlowe Zefting, Seminarian

Harlowe’s sermon explores the dramatic Old Testament story about King David’s troubled family. She recounts the tragic events surrounding David’s children, including assault, murder, and rebellion, illustrating the consequences of David's inaction. The sermon challenges the congregation to confront injustice and evil rather than turning away, emphasizing that even in our darkest moments, God remains with us, and our faith journey continues.

the Rev. Dr. Mark Richardson

In this sermon, the Rev. Mark Richardson emphasizes the theme of unity as highlighted in the epistle from Ephesians, where "Oneness" is mentioned repeatedly to stress its importance in the church. He reflects on the challenges of achieving unity in the face of cultural divisions in contemporary society, urging the church to model unity by embracing diversity and practicing love through humility, gentleness, and patience. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God as an inexhaustible mystery beyond human comprehension, urging the congregation to build a community that reflects this divine unity and love.

the Rev. Emily Boring

The Rev. Emily Boring, a former marine-biologist-turned-priest draws from her ichthyology background to discuss the Gospel passages of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and walking on water. She emphasizes the significance of boundaries and human limitations, highlighting how these moments of scarcity and fear become transformative experiences of God's abundance and presence. The sermon encourages a humble curiosity and openness to going to the limits of human knowing and resources.

The Rev. Joseph Delgado

The sermon focuses on the importance of truly listening and responding to others, drawing from personal experiences and Mark 6. It emphasizes the need for faith and community in the face of overwhelming suffering and challenges, encouraging believers to be beacons of hope and love in the world. Personal anecdotes illustrate the power of faith and resilience, urging the congregation to trust in God's presence and embody Christ's love.

Emily Hansen Curran, Associate for Ministry Development

This week's sermon from Mark 6 discusses the story of King Herod beheading John the Baptist. Herod, drunk at his birthday party, promises his daughter Salome anything she wishes. Influenced by her mother Herodias, Salome asks for John the Baptist's head. Though grieved, Herod fulfills her request. The sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to prophetic voices that speak restorative truths, despite the cost. It challenges us to live with integrity and protect the vulnerable. Despite obstacles, Jesus' subsequent miracles affirm that God's truth will ultimately prevail.

the Rev. Mark Richardson

This sermon explores how preconceived notions and expectations can hinder one's ability to truly understand and accept Jesus. The preacher draws a parallel between high school reunions and Jesus’ return to his hometown. Jesus faced rejection and misunderstanding due to his community's fixed narrative about him, a theme echoed throughout his encounters with religious authorities and even his closest friends. The speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of our expectations to fully receive Jesus’ transformative power and follow his path of radical inclusivity and self-giving love. A personal story about the speaker’s son seeing Jesus in the faces of the marginalized underscores this message.

the Rev. Emily Boring

the Rev. Michael Lemaire

In this sermon, the Rev. Michael Lemaire explores the themes of faith, trust, and God's sovereignty through the stories of David and Goliath and Jesus calming the storm. He highlights that David's victory and Jesus' calming of the sea both demonstrate God's power and presence with us amid any circumstances. The sermon challenges listeners to shift their perspective from seeing themselves as the main characters in their lives to recognizing God as the central figure. It also addresses the issue of modern idols and the need for a continuous reevaluation of our understanding of God. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of confronting our mortality to deepen our connection with God and live out our faith more fully.

the Rev. Dr. Mark Richardson

The sermon, prepared by the Reverend Mark Richardson and delivered in his absence, explores the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of faith in navigating it. Using the parable of the planter, he illustrates how God's kingdom unfolds beyond our control, requiring trust and loyalty to God. The sermon encourages active participation in social and environmental ministries, highlighting that small acts of kindness contribute to God's larger plan. It concludes by urging humility and commitment to nurturing God's field, trusting in the divine process even when outcomes are uncertain.

the Rev. Phil Brochard

In this sermon, the Rev. Phil Brochard discusses the tension between Jesus and his family in Mark 3, emphasizing the urgency of his early ministry and the desperation of the crowds seeking his healing. Jesus faces escalating conflict with religious authorities and refutes accusations of demonic alliances with a parable about a divided house. He redefines family as those who do God's will, a challenging concept that his family eventually embraces, becoming key figures in the Christian movement. The sermon calls for collective dedication to God's will, responding to brokenness with healing and sacrifice.

the Rt. Rev. Dr. Marc Handley Andrus

In this sermon, Bishop Andrus reflects on his journey as a Bishop, the importance of community, and the intertwined nature of privilege and responsibility. He shares a story from a documentary about the Episcopal Church's role in the slave trade to illustrate the complexities of privilege. He urges the congregation to live as a community and listen to God’s voice, despite the challenges in confronting past wrongdoings, and reassures them of God’s unwavering love and call to a fuller life.

the Rev. Phil Brocard

Emily Hansen Curran

Emily Hansen Curran, our Associate for Ministry Development, discusses the story of Nicodemus and the concept of being "born again.” She reclaims this phrase and emphasizes that it involves a profound personal and communal transformation. Her sermon highlights that true spiritual rebirth requires embracing uncertainty, vulnerability, and a willingness to start anew. Emily underscores the importance of community in supporting each other through this journey of faith​​.

the Rev. Phil Brochard

The Rev. Phil Brochard reflects on the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension, emphasizing that they couldn't have anticipated the transformative experience of Pentecost. He suggests that authentic communication and connection, driven by the Holy Spirit, are crucial for Christians. The sermon encourages listening and loving communication as ways to bridge divides and foster deeper connections with God and others.

the Rev. Emily Boring