sermons

Penelope Bridges I’ve had leadership on my mind lately. Our General Convention elected a new Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church a couple of weeks ago, a young man who will bring fresh ideas and energy to our church. I think he is a great choice and I am hopeful about the future of our … READ MORE…

Rev. Cn. Richard Hogue Jr.          The reading from Acts surprised me, especially as it comes to certainty. Peter has absolute certainty in his Scriptural interpretation, but imagine if he found himself in our time, what he might say about the “correct” reading of so many of our recent theological arguments. What would Peter think … READ MORE…

Penelope Bridges Alleluia, Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia. Once again our lectionary from Acts drops us into the middle of a story. So here’s the context: a Roman centurion named Cornelius, was what we might today call a seeker. He was exploring the monotheistic faith of the Jews and practiced charity … READ MORE…

Guest Preacher: The Rev. Brian Petersen, Priest-In-Charge Holy Cross Episcopal Church When I was invited to preach here this Sunday for “Creation Care Sunday”, I was happy to say yes but then looked with some trepidation at what the Gospel reading would be for the day. I was of course pleasantly surprised to see that … READ MORE…

Rev. Cn. Richard Hogue Jr.             We call this gospel reading “Doubting Thomas,” after the eponymous disciple who needs to see Jesus to believe the resurrection. I’m guessing many of us here like Thomas, I certainly do. I don’t blame him for doubting. He witnessed the brutal, humiliating, and public execution of his rabbi and … READ MORE…

Easter Sunday, March 31 2024Penelope Bridges Alleluia, Christ is Risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! Do you want to know a secret? When have you enjoyed the experience of holding a delicious secret: maybe the beginning of a pregnancy, or planning a surprise birthday party? You revel in the tension between the knowledge and … READ MORE…

Rev. Cn. Richard Hogue Jr.             Stories are so important. The story of Jesus’ Passion is the most important story in Christianity. In the wrong hands, a story can be a dangerous thing. The last time I had the privilege of being in this pulpit, I covered some of that dark history in brief terms. … READ MORE…

Penelope Bridges Perhaps this week’s parish email should have started with a trigger warning: John 3:16 will be a feature of Sunday morning’s services. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” It’s the most familiar, most quoted verse in … READ MORE…

Rev. Cn. Richard Hogue             Ah, the “cleansing of the Temple.” This is a text that I had loved and relied on for a long time. It makes a case for righteous indignance and gives those that wield it an angry Jesus to follow and chase out things that we think are contrary to the … READ MORE…