A sermon offered on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, August 2, 2020, based on the story of Jacob wrestling an angel and remembering the life of John Lewis. Readings: Genesis 32:22-31 * Psalm 17:1-7,16 * Romans 9:1-5 * Matthew 14:13-21 https://youtu.be/0n5oQCJV0I4 Audio only: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3281143/Podcast_-_8_2_20__8.27_PM.mp3

Notoriously Episcopalian

“We are the people of God and we are called to not let go.”

Our reading from Genesis continues the complicated family drama of Abraham and his descendants. As we read the story of Jacob and his marriage to Leah and Rachel, what are we to learn? I think this is another example of how God remains faithful to God's promise, even when the humans involved don't live up … Continue reading “God continues to stand by the promise made, even when the humans don’t necessarily live up to the calling”

“God continues to stand by the promise made, even when the humans don’t necessarily live up to the calling”

Our reading from Genesis continues the complicated family drama of Abraham and his descendants. Reading the story of Jacob bargaining for Esau's birthright left me asking "so what?" What does this story have to tell us about God and our present-day? I think it is a reminder that God works in the world through unlikely … Continue reading “…again and again we see that God works through those that the world undervalues or rejects”

“…again and again we see that God works through those that the world undervalues or rejects”

168 yrs to the day after Frederick Douglass issued his "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" message, I joined with the faith leaders of the Poor People's Campaign in preaching on that theme from my particular context of The Episcopal Church in Alabama. The texts for reflection included Frederick Douglass' speech, the … Continue reading What is the 4th of July?

What is the 4th of July?

This morning I got to be with the good folks at St. Mary's in Jasper. This was my first time there, though I have driven past it many times on my way to Camp McDowell. Do to COVID-19, we worship outside. They have a beautiful little prayer garden in the trees next to the church. … Continue reading “…do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows”

“…do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows”

As we begin the long season after Pentecost, Thomas, my preaching partner, and I have decided to focus our preaching efforts on the readings from the Hebrew Bible each week. Genesis will be the focus of June, July, and into August. This is more of a challenge for me than for Thomas who frequently focuses … Continue reading “…and hope does not disappoint us”

“…and hope does not disappoint us”

On May 28, 2020, I had the joy of preaching for my friend Drew's ordination to the transitional diaconate at Canterbury Chapel in Tuscaloosa. Canterbury Chapel was my sending parish for ordination. So it is always wonderful to come home, especially to celebrate a friend's ordination. Readings: Jeremiah 1:4-9 * Psalm 84 * Acts 6:2-7 … Continue reading A sermon for an ordination

A sermon for an ordination

A sermon for the Sixth Sunday of Easter offered during online worship for Trinity Commons, Birmingham, Alabama. This is one of my favorite passages from Acts--Paul preaching at the Areopagus--that I tried to set it into conversation with one of my favorite TV shows--Mad Men (S2E7). Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:7-18 John 14:15-21   https://youtu.be/NeaOCNiStI4   … Continue reading “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”

“What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”

A sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter offered during online worship for Trinity Commons, Birmingham, Alabama. Acts 2:42-47 Psalm 23 John 10:1-10   https://youtu.be/mY2XhLy3MnI     Audio only: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3277052/Easter_4_Audio.m4a

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The Second Sunday of Easter gives us the story of Thomas and offers a chance to consider how doubt and faith go hand in hand. Readings: Acts 2:14a,22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 Psalm 16 https://youtu.be/AqvU476oRvs   Audio only: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3276528/Sermon_Easter_2_Audio.m4a

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have been persuaded…

Part of being “notoriously Episcopalian” is a nerdy appreciation for the Book of Common Prayer. I have grown up with the current prayerbook, and really love the breadth of prayers it contains. I particularly love when a prayer seems to show up that I have either forgotten about or overlooked. In this season of pandemic, … Continue reading “And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly”

“And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly”

"We are storytellers. Like all the people of God before us, we are called to tell the story of God’s salvation. And maybe in times of uncertainty and death, we need to linger in that story a little longer." In this time of physical distancing, my worshipping community is gathering online. Here is my sermon … Continue reading Go quickly and tell . . .

Go quickly and tell . . .

In this time of physical distancing, my worshipping community is gathering online. Here is my sermon offered for our online worship for Maundy Thursday "Maundy Thursday is about the commandment to love one another, as Jesus loved us. It is by this love, and not our signs and symbols or our church buildings, that the … Continue reading Maundy Thursday when the church doors are closed

Maundy Thursday when the church doors are closed

Here is my rather nerdy sermon for the 5th Sunday in Lent, March 29, 2020, presented on Trinity Commons Zoom Evening Prayer Worship during this season of physical distancing. Readings are available here: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Psalm 130 And if you prefer, audio-only is available here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3275491/Sermon_Lent_5_3292020_Audio.m4a

Lazarus & Vincent Van Gogh

"Linus was right. Christmas isn’t about gifts, food, or the love of friends. Christmas is about the moment when heaven opened, and angels sang: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

A podcast of conversations, sermons, and reflections from a GenX Episcopal deacon in the Diocese of Alabama.

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Notoriously Episcopalian

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