Sermon Archives 2013

Christmas is twelve days long.  How do we live that out?  This sermon emphasizes the Word of God in various forms while encouraging us to make place for silent listening in this season as we behold the light of Christ.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, December 29, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this service.

 

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

Are you needing to be connected?  This Christmas message offers hope through God's plan of connecting the disconnected through the gift of Christ.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's 5 pm sermon on Christmas Eve, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this service.

Christmas Eve, Luke 2:1-20.

 

John the Baptist's questioning of Jesus is the basis of this sermon as Fr. Shepley explores the nature of faith and doubt.  Encouraging the hearer to rest in God, this message is a call to renewed spiritual strength.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, December 15th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

Third Sunday of Advent, Matthew 11:2-11.

Who was John the Baptist, what is the historical meaning of baptism and what is the fire of God?  This sermon empowers the hearer to engage Christ's mission as the church.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, December 8th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

Second Sunday of Advent, Matthew 3:1-12.

 

Awake.  Lay aside.  Put on.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, December 1st.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

First Sunday of Advent, Matthew 24:36-44.

 

Rev. Shaw Mudge, our guest preacher, delivers a message concerning missions and you.

Click here to listen to Rev. Shaw Mudge's sermon on Sunday, November 24th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (Track 1) for this Sunday.

Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King, Luke 23:33-43.

Joel Eidsness, our guest preacher, delivers a message encouraging Christ's followers from compassion to action.

Click here to listen to Rev. Joel Eidsness' sermon on Sunday, November 17th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (Track 1) for this Sunday.

26th Sunday after Pentecost, Luke 21:5-19.

A message for our listeners tuning in from all around the world, Fr. Shepley addresses marriage, heaven and resurrection living in this sermon. Discovering our destiny together through Jesus' life and teaching, come and enter holy ground.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, November 10th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (Track 1) for this Sunday.

25th Sunday after Pentecost, Luke 20:27-38.

On November 3rd at the 10:30 am service Bishop Rowthorn confirmed or received 18 members of our parish.  Here is his message to our confirmation class and the congregation.

Click here to listen to Bishop Rowthorn's sermon.

All Saints' Sunday, Matthew 16:21-26.

 

Who is Jesus calling us to be?  This message looks at the ancient Temple of Jerusalem and Christ's sacrifice as the foundation of who Jesus calls us to be in the world by way of loving, empowering and giving.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, October 27th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

23rd Sunday after Pentecost (Track 1), Luke 18:9-14.

(Click here for this week's children's sermon)

Why pray?  This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer in the Christian life.  Teaching on the two concepts of time according to the New Testament, Fr. Shepley helps the hearer consider how prayer can bring the freedom of God's timeless love to daily living.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, October 20th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

22nd Sunday after Pentecost (Track 1), Luke 18:1-8.

Your faith has made you well.

Click here for the video of Fr. Bill Loring's sermon on Sunday, October 13th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

21st Sunday after Pentecost (Track 1), Luke 17:11-19.

A Rector's Battle; A Rector's Gift

Click here for Fr. Joe Shepley's sermon on Sunday, October 6th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

20th Sunday after Pentecost (Track 1), Luke 17:5-10.

Another two for the price of one week!  Our Rector Emeritus Goerge Crocker preached at the 8:00 am service and Bishop Jeffery Rowthorn delivered the sermon at the 10:30 am service on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Click here for the Right Reverend Jeffery Rowthorn's sermon on Sunday, September 29th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

St. Michael & All Angels, John 1:47-51.

 

Two for the price of one this week!  For the 8am service (video), Fr. Shepley expands on Jesus' parable of the lost sheep while emphasizing how God rescues us.  At the 10:30 service (audio), he looks at the role of shepherd historically while demonstrating how Jesus saves us today and how this looks at St. Paul's Church.  A special emphasis on joy underscores this message.

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon (10:30 am) on Sunday, September 15th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 15:1-10.

Why worship?  Does God need our praise?  Is God that vain, as modern atheists contend?  In this sermon, Fr. Shepley tackles this misconception while exploring how God crafts us in body, mind and spirit.

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, September 8th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 14:25-33.

 

Why bother going to church?  Can't you find God on the golf course?

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, September 1st.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 14:1, 7-14.

Fr. Shepley tackles this question in this sermon by looking at the true meaning of life and God's place.  Inspired by Jeremiah the prophet's message, he invites the hearer to think about what truly quenches spiritual thirst.

Let's get legalistic.  To work or not to work.  Keeping the Sabbath Holy...

 Click here for Fr. Bill Loring's sermon on Sunday, August 25th.

 Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

 The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 13:10-17.

 Fr. Bill unties a knotty problem in this sermon.

 

 

Did you ever wonder how the Psalms help us see Jesus?

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, August 18th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 12:49-56.

Psalm 80:1 is the text supporting this sermon as it focuses on Jesus as God's Shepherd while displaying how God appears to us in our children.  The connection between the First and New Testaments is a strong feature of this message and will better help you understand the Bible.

 

Is the Kingdom of God in you?

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, August 11th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 12:32-40.

This sermon is Father Joe's personal testimony of his coming to faith.

Do you have too much stuff?

Click here for Fr. Geroge Crocker's sermon on Sunday, August 4th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 12:13-21.

Our Rector Emeritus always delivers a no-hold barred sermon.

"Where do you get your identity?"

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, July 28th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 11:1-13.

Emphasizing the Fatherhood of God, this message explores how Jesus viewed God as His Father. 

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, July 21st.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 10:38-42.

Leading the congregation in a guided meditation, this sermon asks, "Is Christ speaking to you"?  The most important thing we can do as Christians is the heart of this message.

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, July 14th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 10:25-37.

Looking at the parable of the Good Samaritan, Fr. Shepley explores how Jesus can be viewed as representing the central character with support from alternative portions of scripture.  The message encourages outreach in Christ's name.

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, July 7th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 10:1-11,16-20.

The story of the healing of Namaan from 2 Kings serves as the textual backdrop for this sermon as it focuses on how God uses small things to accomplish great purposes.  The concept of accepting rather than expecting is an application offered when considering how one discerns God's will in light of what the Bible says about our purpose.

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, June 30th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 9:51-62.

"In your mercy, Lord, you called me."

Mercy is the theme of this week's sermon.  With a look at Jesus' dealings with the Samaritan region as he heads toward the cross in Jerusalem, this message demonstrates the mercy God shows us in Christ, and how we can extend that same mercy to another.

 

Click here for the audio or below for a video of Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, June 23rd.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 8:26-39.

This sermon emphasizes the ministry of healing given to us as the church.  Looking at the account of the man healed of demons by Jesus, this sermon considers how we can enter the ministry of the Spirit with healing power. A two-fold direction for the hearer concludes the message.

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, June 16th.

Click here for the scriptures readings (track 1) for this Sunday.

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 7:36-8:3.

Forgiveness is the central message of this sermon.  Looking at Luke's account of the sinful woman anointing Jesus, Fr. Shepley explores the cultural context, theological meaning and a Good News for us all.  Concluding with a three-step application, this sermon invites the listener to be free through forgiveness.

Click here for Fr. Shepley's sermon on Sunday, June 9th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 7:11-17.

Sharing from his recent tour of Europe, Fr. Shepley illustrates how reliance upon God leads to transformation.  Then looking at the story of Elijah and the widow from 1 Kings, the message further underscores how God's refinement works in our lives.  Concluding with an announcement of the parish's planned renovations, this sermon brings together these three components all under the theme of how God leads us in a common vision.

Click here for Fr. Loring's sermon on Sunday, June 2nd.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Luke 7:1-10.

Click on the videos below for the different messages given at our two services on Sunday, May 26th.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Snday, Year C, John 16:12-15.

Below is Fr. Loring's sermon at the 8 am service.

Below is Patrick O'Connors' testimony at 10:30.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on May 19, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday, Year C, John 14:8-27.

On this celebration of Pentecost, Fr. Shepley teaches on the church's empowerment through the Spirit, the vision God has for St. Paul's and how our diversity surrounds our unity in Christ.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on May 12, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Seventh Sunday of Easter: Sunday after the Ascension, Year C, Luke 24: 44-53.

On this celebration of the Ascension of Christ, Fr. Shepley begins with St. Luke's unique account and next focuses on three aspects of this event, encouraging the listener to deepen their walk of faith.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on May 5, 2013.

 

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 14:23-29.

With a theme of "shalom" (Hebrew for peace), this message shows how Jesus fills us with peace.  Different Scriptures are utilized in demonstrating how Jesus is the promise and the hope of the ages as the Prince of Peace.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on April 28, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 13:31-35.

To follow Christ is to become "child-like."  This sermon extends the meaning of such a call and the command to love in Christ's name while offering the listener ideas of how to be a witness of love to the world around us.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on April 21, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 10:22-30.

Looking at the role of Messiah, this sermon looks at the historical context of the Feast of Dedication, the expectations among Israel and how Jesus fulfilled this role.  With an application of how God's faithfulness reaches us today, this message assures the believer that God's role in helping us in life is a clear promise of Scripture.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on April 14, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Third Sunday of Easter, Year C, John 21:1-19.

"For those who are forgiven much, love much" (Luke 7), is the biblical principle shared in this teaching on the restoration of Peter the Apostle after his failure to remain loyal to Jesus.  We see how he is restored and commissioned to do the work of God having been inwardly transformed by Christ, a promise for us all.

Click here to listen to Fr. George Crocker's sermon on April 7, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

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

On the Sunday after Easter we are faced with our response to the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.  When we consider all that was accomplished by Jesus on the Cross and the Father who raised his faithful Son from the dead on Easter our only appropriate response is Praise.  Unbounded, over the top, outrageous Praise.  Psalm 150 sets the how when and why we praise the Lord on this day.  Thomas figured it out and so can we.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's Easter sermon on March 31, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day, Year C, John 20:1-18.

In his Easter message, Fr. Shepley encourages the congregation to experience the resurrection of Jesus Christ through lives dedicated to faith, hope and love.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on March 24, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, Year C, Luke 23:1-49.

On this Palm Sunday, Fr. Shepley's sermon emphasizes Jesus' title as the Prince of Peace.  Looking at the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, this message leads the hearer to receive Christ's peace and salvation as Holy Week approaches.

Click below to watch Fr. Crocker's sermon on March 27th for David Wilson's funeral service.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on March 17, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year C, John 12:1-8.

This sermon takes the form of a verse-by-verse study of the raising of Lazarus from the dead by Jesus as the lead into the celebration of Jesus by his followers.  Fr. Shepley ultimately challenges the hearer to consider the worth of Jesus in one's life.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on March 10, 2013.

 

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C, Luke 15:1-3,11b-32.

In this sermon, Fr. Shepley explains the contextual background behind Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son while inviting the congregation into a closer relationship with God.  Expanding the message to include what it means to be Christ's ambassadors, this message encourages evangelism and a renewed sense of "coming home" for us all.

Click here to listen to Bishop of Western Tanganyika, Sadock Makaya's sermon on March 3, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Third Sunday in Lent, Year C, Luke 13:1-9.

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 24, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Second Sunday in Lent, Year C, Luke 13:31-15.

Focusing on leadership, this sermon inspired the hearer to lead others by following Christ.  Emphasizing Christ's compassion in the face of opposition, the message directs the Christian to live a life centered upon Jesus' love and strength.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 17, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The First Sunday in Lent, Year C, Luke 4:1-13.

Looking at the temptation of Christ, Fr. Shepley addresses the tendency toward human self-reliance and pride in light of the Cross.  Jesus' example of utilizing Scripture in facing temptation is the example we are urged to adopt as we live in the face of our own temptations.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 10, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Luke 9:28-43.

On this Last Sunday of the Epiphany, Fr. Shepley expands on the Transfiguration of Christ and its effect on the disciples.  Describing how the Light of Christ helps us through the darkest valleys, this sermon encourages the listener to incorporate faith in daily living.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on February 3, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The 4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Luke 4:21-30.

This sermon speaks to our common call to Christ's service.  Looking at the call of Jeremiah, as well as Paul's emphasis on love from 1 Corinthians, Fr. Shepley asks us to seek God's leading in identifying our purpose in life, our gifts and how we find fulfillment in service under God.

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on January 27, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Luke 4:14-21.

This sermon emphasizes the primacy of the Word of God in the life of the believer.  Looking at the life of Nehemiah, this message offers steps in how to become a Christian living under the Word of God.

Click here to listen to Fr. George Crocker's sermon on January 20, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, John 2:1-11.

Fr. Crocker loves to preach on the gifts of the spirit.  Everyone has a gift.  What gifts do you have?

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on January 13, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The 1st Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Matthew 3:15-17,21-22.

Luke's account of Jesus' baptism is the theme of this sermon, where three images are expanded upon: water, fire and the Spirit.  Looking at Jesus' fulfillment of ancient prophecies, this message empowers the believer to live according to the gifts bestowed upon us starting with Christ's own anointing in the Jordan. 

 

Click here to listen to Fr. Shepley's sermon on January 6, 2013.

Click here for the scriptures readings for this Sunday.

The Epiphany, Year C, Matthew 2:1-12.

With an emphasis on the Magi and the cultural and political context surrounding the birth of Christ, this message emphasizes the importance of worship in the life of the believer.