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

the Michael Drell

the Rev. Phil Brochard

In this sermon, the Rev. Phil explores the metaphor of the vine from John's Gospel, emphasizing spiritual pruning as essential for growth. By removing life's unneeded parts, we focus more on deepening our relationship with God and building resilience in personal life and in community.

the Rev. Phil Brochard

This sermon reflects on the symbolism of Christ as the Good Shepherd, an image prominent in Christian art and practice throughout the centuries. The Good Shepherd metaphor emphasizes Jesus' dedication to safeguarding his flock, offering reassurance and a sense of safety amidst life's challenges. The sermon encourages us to apply the example of the Good Shepherd in our own lives, accompanying one another to the difficult places and showing others that we are always worthy of help, love, and care.

Link to “The Call” podcast from This American Life, referenced in the sermon.

the Rev. Emily Boring

Focusing on the ministry of presence, the sermon illustrates how small, physical gestures can offer immense comfort during crises. Through stories from hospital chaplaincy, the speaker describes how simply being present and offering physical tokens of comfort, like holding a hand or providing a quiet presence, can deeply affect those suffering. This approach demonstrates the deep impact of embodying Christ's compassion and presence.

Harlowe Zefting

In this sermon, seminarian Harlowe Zefting explored the story of Doubting Thomas, highlighting that doubt can lead to deeper faith. She challenged the negative connotation of doubt, suggesting that asking questions is part of a dynamic faith journey. The sermon emphasized the community's role in supporting each individual's spiritual journey, linking personal experiences of faith to the collective strength found in church fellowship.

The Rev. Phil Brochard

In this Easter Sunday sermon, the Rev. Phil Brochard reflects on the unexpected joy and fear experienced by the women at Jesus’ tomb. He explores how fear often silences us, preventing the sharing of transformative truths. Emphasizing resurrection as a continuous, unfolding reality, he invites us to trust that Jesus’ presence is always ahead of us, guiding us towards hope and new beginnings.

The Rev. Emily Boring

Reflecting on her first Holy Week at All Souls, the Rev. Emily explores the deep connection between personal faith and communal expression. The sermon delves into the emotional journey from Good Friday's solemnity to Easter Vigil's joy, illustrating how communal practices can mirror and magnify personal spiritual experiences. It concludes with a powerful message of unity and hope found in the shared celebration of Christ's resurrection. As members of Christ’s resurrected Body, we are never alone in our darkness or despair.