September 8, 2019 - Proper 18C

Lectionary Readings

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, use us, fill us. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Amen.

            Nearly every Sunday, the foundation of the sermon is one of the passages of Scripture that is read. On some occasions, it might be a prayer, hymn, or part of the liturgy that the sermon is based upon. But today I’m going to preach about something that I never, ever thought that I’d preach a sermon about. Today’s sermon is about the bulletin.

May 6, 2018 - Easter 6B

Lectionary Readings

In the name of the Risen ☩ Lord. Amen.

            “Sing to the Lord a new song.” That opening line of Psalm 98 is one of the more well-known lines from the Psalter and it exhorts us to “shout with joy to the Lord.” This Psalm reminds us that we are to be a people of joyful praise. There’s a novel in which a character says “You say you are a Christian. Then where the devil is your joy?” It’s a fair question – for too long, Christianity’s ambassadors have been puritanical and legalistic killjoys. This Easter season though prompts us to joyfully praise God.

December 24, 2015 - Christmas Eve

Lectionary Readings

Merciful God, illumine this night with your celestial brightness as we gather in joy to sing your praises for your love made manifest in the Holy Child, Jesus. Amen.

            A very Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. It is so wonderful to have you here. If you are at St. Luke’s regularly, it is a blessing to celebrate with you this most holy night. If you are returning home from college or living in another city, but grew up at St. Luke’s, it is a treat to have you back with us. If you haven’t been to St. Luke’s since Easter, it is great to see you again. If you don’t have a church that you would call your “spiritual home,” we are glad to have you with us this evening and hope to see you again. If you were dragged here by a family member, I’ll try to keep the sermon short, but nevertheless, we welcome you. If you’re not sure why you are here, we are thankful that God brought us together. Whoever you are and wherever you are in your faith journey – welcome and Merry Christmas.