Sermon Archives 2012

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on December 30, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

First Sunday after Christmas Day, Year C, John 1:1-18.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley introduces us to John the Evangelist as a person while describing his extension of ministry through his various books of the Bible.  The theme of "believe" throughout the Gospel of John and how God brings us new life is the heart of this sermon.

Below is Fr. Shepley's sermon on Christmas Eve at 11 pm.

Below is Fr. Shepley's sermon on Christmas Eve at 5 pm.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on December 23, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C, Luke 1:39-55

This sermon emphasizes the spiritual battle we face daily and how Christ as our Good Shepherd provides for all our spiritual needs as we face daily difficulties.  The Book of Micah is the text within this message.

Click below for video of Fr. Lorings's sermon on December 16, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

Third Sunday of Advent, Year C, Luke 3:7-18.

Today's readings say we should rejoice.  In the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy, Fr. Loring relates his personal experiences and why we should rejoice in times of sorrow.

Click below to watch to Fr. Shepley's sermon on December 15, 2012 during the special prayer service for the Sandy Hook victims.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on December 9, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C, Luke 3:1-6.

This sermon's theme is "Coming Home by the Word of God," where Fr. Shepley displays how the power of God's revealed Word brings about restoration and inner direction as we see ourselves as God sees us. Encouraging the sharing of God's Word and inviting others to worship is the concluding directive.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on December 2, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

First Sunday of Advent, Year C, Luke 21:25-36.

On this first Sunday of Advent, Fr. Shepley explores Jesus' words about the End Times and what the Old Testament had to say about these events as well. This sermon offers assurance for the Christian in the midst of so much uncertainty in the world.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on November 25, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King, Year B, John:18:33-37.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley speaks to the meaning of Christ's Kingship, particularly his claim of bringing objective truth to this world. With an application of how to hear God's voice in the quest for truth, this sermon offers the hearer three steps toward this end.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on November 18, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 13:1-8.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley provides a biblical review of the Old and New Testament foundation for the promise of bodily resurrection.  Emphasizing the biblical description of the end of time, this message provides our reason for Christian hope.

Click here to listen to Joanne Ellison's sermon on November 11, 2012.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Matthew 5:38-44.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on November 4, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

All Saint's Sunday, Year B, Matthew 5:1-12.

The 8 am sermon (video) focuses on the single Beatitude, "The pure in heart shall see God," with depth, and the 10:30 am sermon (audio) looks at each Beatitude, one by one.  Both sermons reflect on All Saints' Day and its meaning for our lives in consideration of the uniqueness of Christ.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on October 28, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 10:46-52.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley shares about his experience at a monastery in New Mexico while offering insights as to what God is showing him about the congregation of St. Paul's as the future unfolds.  With a look at the account of Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus, this sermon ties in the call to stewardship and we can fully give of ourselves to God.

Click here to listen to Fr. George Crocker's sermon on October 21, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Twenty First Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 10:35-45.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on October 14, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 10:17-31.

Looking at the account from Mark of "The Rich Young Ruler," Fr. Shepley addresses two points: all things are God's, and our response to Jesus' love is vital in light of this truth.  Stewardship and giving follow these two points with an application on the meaning of true wealth.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on October 7, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 10:2-16.

Looking at the first chapter of Job, Fr. Shepley addresses the concept of human suffering: its origin, its purpose and its result.  Underscoring the role of a spiritual realm in the midst of our struggles, this sermon encourages belief and obedience under God, even when questions remain.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shaw Mudge's sermon at the 10:30 am service on September 30, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 9:38-50.

Below is a video of Fr. Shaw Mudge's sermon at the 8 am service on September 30th.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on September 23, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 9:30-37.

This sermon focuses on what it looks like for "the first to be last and the last to be first," as Jesus showed his disciples how to serve in his name.  The 8 am sermon (video) looks at the concept of humility in this regards as defined by Scripture, with Romans 12 as the application.  The 10:30 am sermon (audio) looks at the concept of love with 1 Corinthians 13 as the application.

Below is a video of Bishop Jeffrey Rowthron's sermon during the Institution service for Fr. Shepley on September 19, 2012.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on September 16, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 8:27-38.

Emphasizing the role of the cross and discipleship from Mark's Gospel, this sermon focuses the hearer on what it means to follow Christ as the imitation of Christ.  With a special description of the region known as Caesaria Philippi, Fr. Shepley reveals how Christianity is unique among all other faiths.

Click here to listen to Fr. Loring's sermon on September 9, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 7:24-37.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on September 2, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.

With the Letter of James' emphasis on the tongue and its effects, Fr. Shepley explores how we can find forgiveness, healing and strength as we communicate with one another.

Click here listen to Fr. Loring's sermon on August 26, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, John 6:56-69.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on August 19, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, John 6:51-58.

With the Bread of Life passage from John 6, Fr. Shepley explores the meaning of what it means to be fed spiritually, how we find hope and what it looks like to be spiritually alive in Christ.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on August 12, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, John 6:35,41-51.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley explores the doctrine of election/predestination based on the account from John's Gospel.  Providing a portion of his own personal testimony and conversion, this message encourages the hearer to rest on the assurance of one's secure salvation in Christ.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on July 29, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, John 6:1-21.

This sermon involves a verse by verse teaching from John's account of the Feeding of the 5000.  With the theme of God's Providence, this message explores the way God provides and cares for His people.

Click here listen to Fr. George Crocker's sermon on July 22, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Jeremiah 23:1-6.

Fr. Crocker talks about leadership styles referencing the prophet Jeremiah and Jesus shepherding his flock.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on July 15, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, 2 Samuel 6:1-19.

Fr. Shepley continues his series on the life of King David, focusing on his worship of God through the Ark of the Covenant.  Borrowing inspiration from our Epistle reading from Ephesians as well, this sermon addresses how to glorify God with singleness of purpose.

Click here listen to guest preacher Rev. Richard Mozer's sermon on July 8, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 6:1-13.

Guest preacher Richard Mozer speaks of his life changing trip to Israel a year ago and his new ministry working for Ebenezer Operation Exodus, a Christian ministry that helps Jewish people return to Israel.  Click here for more info on Operation Exodus.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on July 1, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 5:21-43.

This third sermon on the life of David explores the concept of outward discomfort and the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter. Looking at the years of persecution that David endured under King Saul, the character of David that forged is cited of how God can use adversity for His glory.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on June 24, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 4:35-41.

In this second sermon in the series on the life of David, Fr. Shepley looks at the battle between David and Goliath.  Applying the concepts of armoring oneself for God, engaging spiritual warfare and surrendering to God's strength is the message explored in this sermon.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on June 17, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

 

Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Mark 4:26-34.

 

This sermon marks the beginning of a multi-part series on the life of King David.  Exploring the background of David's initial call, and looking at the figures of Samuel and Saul, Fr. Shepley looks at how God does not "call the qualified, but qualifies those called."  With special emphasis on our callings in this present day and age, the message prepares the hearer to begin a journey of studying David's life in its many forms.

The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Rowthorn speaks to the confirmation class of boldly taking the Good News of Christ globally.

Click here to listen or below to watch Bishop Jeffrey Rowthorn's sermon at the 10:30 am service on June 10, 2012.  Follow this link for a printable copy of the sermon.

Second Sunday after Pentecost: Confirmation

The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Rowthorn speaks to the confirmation class of boldly taking the Good News of Christ globally.

 

Click below to watch Fr. George Crocker's sermon at the 8:00 am service on June 10, 2012 .

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on June 3, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday, Year B, John 3:1-17.

On this Trinity Sunday, Fr. Shepley looks at Isaiah's vision of God and its repurcussions for understanding the holiness of God.

Click here listen to Rob Lewis' sermon on May 27, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday, Year B, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on May 20, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year B, John 17:6-19.

On this First Communion Sunday, Fr. Shepley addresses the parents and congregants gathered for this celebration while preaching on Jesus' High Priestly prayer.  Emphasizing concepts of divine grace and the perseverance of the saints, this sermon explores the nature of God's sovereignty and love.  The call to live lives of joy is the application for the hearer.

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on May 13, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B, John 15:9-17.

Abiding as a spiritual discipline is the central theme of this sermon, with the application of Christ-centered love flowing from such an experience as the second piece of this look at Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on May 6, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B, John 15:1-8.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley selects the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch to explore the historical aspects of the event coupled with a focus on the Holy Spirit's work among the early Christians.  Mission in the Holy Spirit as the church's call today surrounds the application points.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on April 29, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B, John 10:11-18.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Shepley traces the biblical history of shepherds pointing to and culminating in Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  In this message, Fr. Shepley provides three specific action items for living while reinforcing the need to be a flock under God's pastoring.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on April 22, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Third Sunday of Easter, Year B, John 24:36b-48.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley explores the Gospel of Luke, focusing particular attention on the bodily resurrection of Jesus and his impact upon the disciples.  Emphasizing the healing Christ brings in this day, this message encourages the listener to enter the mystery of incarnational living in Christian community.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Crocker's sermon on April 15, 2012.

Second Sunday of Easter, Year B, John 20:19-31.

Saint Thomas misses the first appearance of Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection. He cannot believe the report of the resurrection. It just seems to wonderful. He is present eight days later at another gathering and he sees Jesus for himself. The result is that Thomas' faith becomes very personal as he says "My Lord and My God." Thomas has a "new birth."

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Easter Sunday, Year B, John 20:1-18.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on April 1, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Palm Sunday, Year B (Mark 15:1-39)

 

 

 

On the Passion Sunday, Fr, Shepley's message celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus while emphasizing three characteristics of Christ's mission: compassion, courage and conviction.  Drawing out the redemptive nature of suffering for us, this sermon offers hope to all people with an emphasis on the gift God has given us in the Savior.

 

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on March 25, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year B (John 12:20-33)

 

 

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley shows how the life of St. Francis of Assisi was one example of how discipleship can look against the backdrop of Christ's focus on the cross.  With a theme of "losing one's life in order to save it," this message looks at what it means to become transformed by Christ's call.  Implications for Christian stewardship, vocation and community are explored as Palm Sunday approaches.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on March 18, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B (John 3:14-21)

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley expands on the three references of Jesus in John's Gospel on being "lifted up."  Tied to the reading from Numbers about Moses and the bronze serpent, this message proclaims the Gospel's promise of Christ's free gift of grace.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on March 11, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Third Sunday of Lent, Year B (John 2:13-22)

On this one-year anniversary of the tsunami in Japan, along with the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple, Fr. Shepley speaks to the place of worship in our lives, the role idols play and how we expand lives of Christian devotion throughout the challenges of life.  Emphasizing the Body of Christ as the church without walls, the understanding of ourselves as God's holy temples is underscored with Scriptural support, as well as applications to our lives.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Loring's sermon on March 4, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Second Sunday of Lent, Year B (Mark 8:31-38)

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 26, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

First Sunday of Lent, Year B (Mark 1:9-15)

On this First Sunday of Lent, Fr. Shepley addresses the temptation of Christ, as well as three specific forms of temptation that affects Christians so often today.  With an application of how to face and overcome temptation, this sermon addresses the balance between being filled with the Spirit and living with personal struggles.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 19, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Last Epiphany, Year B (Mark 9:2-9)

Emphasizing the Transfiguration on this last Sunday of the Epiphany, Fr. Shepley illustrates the Christian life by looking at mountaintops and valleys as part of the pilgrimage of Christ.  Drawing on Scriptures that speak to this reality, Fr. Shepley addresses the struggles of this life and the glory of the life to come.  A pastoral emphasis is given in the message to those who grieve over the loss of loved ones.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 12, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

6 Epiphany, Year B (Mark 1:40-45)

As Fr. Shepley explores the cleansing of Naaman by the prophet Elisha, the difference between success and faithfulness is looked at.  Drawing on the life of Vincent Van Gogh, the point is further deepened to show how God's sovereignty can be at work in human brokenness, revealing what is called "grace."

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 5, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Click here for a link to Our Beliefs that Fr. Joe referenced in the sermon.

5 Epiphany, Year B (Mark 1:29-39)

Fr. Shepley's sermon continues with the story of Jesus in Capernaum, where three themes are studied: Jesus in the home of Peter, Jesus going off alone to pray and Jesus going forth with the message he was called to proclaim.  Applications for the hearer are offered based on these three events, along with an in-depth focus on the Eucharist (the Lord's Supper or Last Supper).

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on January 29, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

Click here for the YouTube video referenced in the sermon.

4 Epiphany, Year B (Mark 1:21-28)

Responding to the widespread YouTube video from January 10th, 2012, that has already garnered 17 million hits, Fr. Shepley explores the relationship between faith and religion with Mark's account of Jesus in the Capernaum synagogue as his text.  Emphasizing the role of evil in the world and the spiritual battle related to such a phenomenon, Fr. Shepley analyzes some biblical texts on evil while suggesting an application for today in terms of how to authoritatively resist such forces.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on January 22, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

3 Epiphany, Year B (Mark 1:14-20)

This sermon is about the prophet, Jonah, with not only an historical review of his life and context, but the connection to Jesus is additionally reviewed.  On the occasion of our Annual Meeting, an application of Jesus' redemptive ministry through us is related to Jonah's ministry.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on January 15, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

2 Epiphany, Year B (John 1:43-51)

This sermon looks at the call of Nathanael and the connection to the patriarch Jacob.  Fr. Shepley looks at the similarities and differences between these two individuals while exploring the calling to "come and see" as the key to discipleship.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on January 8, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

1 Epiphany, Year B (Mark 1:4-11)

Fr. Shepley introduces us to the season of Epiphany by exploring the symbolic meaning of the baptism of Jesus, its relevance to our lives today and how it relates to the Temple in Jerusalem.

 

Click here listen to Fr. Loring's sermon on January 1, 2012.

Click here for the readings upon which this sermon is based.

1 Christmas / Holy Name, Year B (Luke 2:15-21)