sermons & Illuminations

"The voice of God rings through the ages." Rev. Kelly Kirby

 

 

 

 

Meet Our Clergy

 

The Rev. Kelly Kirby
Rector

The Rev. Suzanne Barrow
Dir. Congregational Life

The Rev. Jan Scholtz
Deacon

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Cleansing of the ten lepers (c. 1035-1040), in the Codex Aureus Epternacensis, an 11th-century illuminated Gospel book now housed at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg, Germany.

Read the Illuminations

Illuminations on the Lectionary readings for Sunday, October 12, 2025, Pentecost 18C

First Reading: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Trust in God! Whether our lives are going well or whether things are going badly, trust and be thankful for God’s blessings. Hear this consistent theme through Sunday’s readings. We begin with the Prophet Jeremiah, who in recent weeks we have heard weeping in anguish over the loss and destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. He now dries his tears, and, speaking on God’s behalf, offers practical advice to the people in exile: Recognize your new reality. God has sent you here, so live, love, and flourish here. Babylon is your city now, and you have a stake in its condition. But don’t forget God, and don’t forget Jerusalem. Even in exile, don’t forget to pray.

Psalm: Psalm 66:1-11
This portion of Psalm 66 might appear to be in a familiar genre, a hymn of praise for God’s glory, power, and awesome deeds. It describes God’s mighty works in the Exodus: God led the people out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and toward the Promised Land. But then in verses 10 and 11, its narrative takes an unexpected turn: God doesn’t only lead us but tests us, too. We may groan under burdens, as Judah groaned in exile. Yes, even God’s own people may be defeated. They may suffer fire and flood. But after it all, God will bring them out to a place of refreshment.

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
The young, growing Christian movement faced frightening persecution by the Romans when this letter was written near the end of the first century in the names of Paul and Timothy. These verses contain a strong call to faith. Recalling Paul’s suffering in chains in prison and facing death, the writer reminds us that God’s word cannot be held in chains. Remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded that, through we die with Jesus, we live in Christ.

Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
Judeans and Samaritans were once united in faith, but centuries of exile, rivalry, and differing religious traditions turned them into rivals and even enemies. The Gospels aren’t shy about showing this prejudice. Jesus, however, often flips the script by portraying specific Samaritans as good neighbors, most notably in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Sunday’s Gospel shows us another: Jesus heals 10 lepers without touching them: He simply tells them to go to the priests; but as they start off, all 10 are suddenly healed! Nine continue happily on their way, but the one who comes back, loudly praising God, is a Samaritan. “Get up and go on your way,” Jesus tells this foreigner. “Your faith has made you well.”

Dimensions of Faith Lectures

Dimensions of Faith invites thinkers and writers to explore the interface of religion and culture, as we continue as a parish to challenge our minds and renew our spirits.

Upcoming Speaker: Diana Butler Bass, November 16, 2025

Previous Speakers Include:
Nadia Bolz-Weber / Dr. Lewis Brogdon / Sarah Bessey / Steve Crump Ruby Sales / Dr. Amy-Jill Levine / Marcus Borg / Sara Miles
Robert Putnam / John Dominic Crossan / Brian McLaren / Scott Gunn
John Philip Newell / Silas House/Bishop Marianne Budde / Elizabeth Schrader-Polzcer, John Dear