June 29, 2025 - The Third Sunday after Pentecost

Lectionary Readings

In the name of God ☩ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

On June 11, our Presiding Bishop, Sean Rowe, issued a letter titled “Acting Faithfully in Troubling Times.” A part of this letter reads, “At its best, our church is capable of moral clarity and resolute commitment to justice. I believe we can bring those strengths to bear on this gathering storm. Churches like ours, protected by the First Amendment and practiced in galvanizing people of goodwill, may be some of the last institutions capable of resisting the injustice now being promulgated. That is not a role we sought – but it is one we are called to.”

June 22, 2025 - The Second Sunday after Pentecost

Lectionary Readings

Preached at All Saints Episcopal Mission in Linville, North Carolina

In the name of God ☩ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

It is so good to be here in Linville with you all. A parishioner back in Salisbury has a mountain house and often speaks about coming up this way for an “altitude adjustment.” Well, that’s exactly what this week is – an altitude adjustment that allows clergy and their families to get away from the demands of parish ministry and the summer heat, while enjoying the gift of your company in this lovely community. This is our fifth summer here and we are so grateful for the invitation and the hospitality. I pray that the time here is restorative for you just as it is us.

June 15, 2025 - The Feast of the Holy Trinity

Lectionary Readings

In the name of the Holy Trinity ☩ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

In May, we went on a family vacation to Washington, DC and while we were there, we did all of the stuff that you do: National Cathedral, Zoo, the Smithsonians, the White House, and the Capitol. We booked the Capitol tour through Senator Thom Tillis’ office, and so in addition to the tour, we also received gallery passes for the Senate. Now, I’m not saying that I figured out how to fix Washington, but I did identify a first step.

June 8, 2025 - The Feast of Pentecost

Lectionary Readings

Come, Holy Spirit, and speak of your wonderful works through us. Amen.

This sermon will function something like a “101” on the Holy Spirit. God, seen as a loving parent, an artist, a creator is something we can start to imagine. God, in coming to us as a Son in Jesus is something we can relate to in our humanity. But God as Spirit is a bit harder to sort out – so God helps us unlock more stars on Duolingo, and is fire, and whispers in our ears? But, then, if you’ve never heard the voice of God, or feel cold and lost, or struggle to remember when’s the right time to say “whom” instead of “who,” we might be confused about what the Holy Spirit is all about.