Year A, Proper 25, October 23, 2011

Are you holier than thou?"


Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18  (Click on the scripture to read it)

Matthew  22:34-46         (Click on the scripture to read it)

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of being the guest preacher at Trinity Episcopal Church in Reno.  It was a great to travel less than 5 miles away and experience worship with our Episcopal neighbors.  It was good to see some familiar faces and to be reminded that as an Episcopal parish, St. Paul’s does not stand alone.  We are a part of a greater wholeness and a greater holiness.

Year A, Proper 23, October 9, 2011

On this day, I was the guest preacher at Trinity Episcopal Church in Reno, Nevada.

Matthew 22:1-14 (Click on the scripture to read it)

Jesus told stories to help us ask questions and to help us understand what he wanted us to learn.  Today, I’m going to begin with a story.

One day a police officer is called to assist in directing traffic around a stalled car.  The information the dispatcher had given the officer did not include a description of the stalled car…..only the location of the intersection.  As the Officer approached the four lane intersection the traffic light was RED and there were 3 cars in front of him. The light turned green and cars in his lane did not move so he knew he was in the right spot.  The cars in the line in front of him slowly pealed off one by one into the free lane.

Year A, Proper 22, October 2, 2011

The Giving and Receiving of Thankfulness

I have been following my friend’s blog about her experiences with having breast cancer.  Her name is Tina Frey, some of you may remember her and her husband Nathan, and at that time their new born son Logan.  They were parishioners here at St. Paul’s for about a year, but moved out of state two years ago for another job.

Year A, Proper 20, September 18, 2011

But God...I think I ordered pumpernickel

Exodus 16:2-15   (Click on the scriptures to read them)

Matthew 20:1-16

WE need something.  What is it? 

We often get lost in what we want in such a way that we can’t even begin to see what it is that we really need. 

YOU need something.  What is it?

Year A, Proper 19, September 11, 2011

Ten Year Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks 

Matthew 18:21-35 (click on the scripture to read it)

We gather together today to remember...  

On one hand, remembering can trigger a sense of feeling lost, and on the other hand remembering can give us strength and hope.  Either way, remembering is good; it’s a part of who we are; it’s a part of our story; remembering leads to healing.  Though remembering is good, it is not always easy... At times I still become overwhelmed by strong emotions...  So many questions… Why?  Why did this have to happen?  Some say it was from God, others say it was humanities doing.  In looking back, I see ignorance, arrogance, politics, anger, and fear.  I think I will always struggle as I process my understandings of why it happened.

Year A, Proper 17, August 28, 2011

This was my sermon for Invitation Sunday. 

Three weeks ago those who were in worship that day were given 5 invitations to pass out to anyone they wanted; friend or not, known or unknown.  The invitation invited them to this particular Sunday which was also a potluck lunch. 
We had 25 visitors...Amen! 

Year A, Proper 13, July 31, 2011

Matthew 14:13-21 (click on the scripture to read it)

No... YOU Feed Them

Jesus had been doing good ministry.  Up to today’s Gospel reading in Matthew, Jesus had chosen a special group of disciples to take this journey with him.  He has healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, cast out demons, and restored life to a little girl.  He’s calmed a raging storm, preached the Sermon on the Mount and taught many parables that were creating spiritual growth within those who would listen to his message.  Jesus had been doing good ministry.