Welcome to the podcast for St. Mark's Episcopal Church in New Canaan, CT. This is the perfect place for people who want to enjoy our sermons on-the-go.
As Advent approaches, The Rev. Dr. Maggi Dawn invites us to step out of panic and polarization and into faithful presence. Jesus warns of falling stones—but promises we will not be overcome. What does it mean to live with courage, mercy, and justice in uncertain times?
The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Questions for Discussion & Reflection:
1. Jesus shifts attention away from disaster and toward justice, mercy, and humility.Which of these three practices feels most challenging in today’s polarized climate? Why?
2. What modern “false prophecies” or fear narratives tend to shape your thinking?How might we discern truth with humility and prayer?
3. Julian of Norwich said, “You will not be overcome.”What does that promise mean in concrete terms for your life?
4. Jesus warns that listening to panic-driven predictions distorts our faith.How does doomscrolling impact your capacity to live in hope and compassion?
Many of us wonder what happens after we die…so what Jesus meant when he said we “will be like angels.” Fr. Peter takes us beyond the grave, into the mystery of divine life that never ends — and shows how living with angelic love today prepares us for eternity.
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
The Golden Rule seems like common sense. But Jesus takes it further. In this sermon, Rev. Elizabeth explores how Christ calls us into Golden Love — a divine, grace-filled love that expects nothing in return and loves even our enemies. How do we live this love in a world that rewards self-interest?
All Saints' Sunday
Fr. Peter explores Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow — a story that reveals what real faith looks like when life gets hard. When we’re weary, anxious, or unsure, Jesus calls us to pray always and never lose heart, reminding us that the strength of our faith is not in perfection, but in perseverance.
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
In a world divided by judgment and contempt, what does Jesus teach us about the posture of our hearts? Fr.John reflects on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, and how humility, honesty, and love—not self-righteousness—lead us to true healing. Discover how the way of Christ can mend hearts and communities, starting from within.
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
The Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey explores how gratitude is more than good manners—it’s medicine for the soul. Modern neuroscience confirms what Jesus taught centuries ago: gratitude heals us and makes us whole. When we live with thankful hearts, we shift from isolation to interdependence, from scarcity to abundance, and from fear to love. Discover how daily gratitude can rewire your heart and reconnect you to God, others, and the gift of life itself.
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What if faith as small as a mustard seed could move more than mountains — what if it could move your ego? In a world obsessed with image and achievement, Fr. John invites us to rediscover who we really are — not our false selves shaped by comparison and pride, but our true selves, alive in God.
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Eternal life is not a far-off promise, but a way of living here and now. Drawing on the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Rev. Elizabeth reminds us that God’s kingdom begins in the present moment. Eternal life is lived when we open our eyes to those in need, bridge the chasms of injustice, and embody daily acts of kindness, mercy, and love.
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost..
What happens when we’ve never truly experienced God’s love? The Rev. Peter Walsh unpacks one of the hardest parables in the New Testament to reveal a God whose mercy is shocking, unreasonable, and outrageously generous—and what that means for our lives.
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
In a world that so often looks for someone to blame, exclude, or sacrifice, Jesus offers a radically different way. Christ calls us to resist the divisions of our age, especially the scapegoating fueled by political and cultural hostilities, and instead embody the church’s mission: embracing all people with the love that saves and heals.
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What happens when a runaway slave is welcomed back, not as property, but as a beloved brother in Christ? Paul’s radical life and death letter to Philemon shows us the shocking power of the gospel—and how we are called to live it today.
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
We spend so much of life climbing ladders—seeking recognition, approval, and a better “seat at the table.” But what if true freedom and joy are found not in climbing higher, but in stepping lower? Take a closer look at Jesus’ upside-down way of humility.
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Are our phones shaping us more than we realize? This week, The Rev. John Kennedy compares the story of a woman bent over for 18 years in Luke’s Gospel with our 18-year love affair with smartphones. Learn how to reclaim attention, practice intentional discipleship, and consider “digital Sabbaths” so you can feed on Christ, not on endless scrolling.
Jesus said he came not to bring peace, but division. What could he mean? Discover how real peace sometimes requires conflict with the world’s false peace.
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.
Fear is everywhere—our newsfeeds, our relationships, our inner thoughts. Yet Scripture tells us again and again: Do not be afraid. In this sermon, discover how faith—real, substantial, lived faith—can set you free.
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost.
What does it mean to follow Jesus while living in comfort in a world of staggering need? From $1 vitamins to $100 sight restorations, Fr. Peter Walsh challenges us to see how small actions can have an eternal impact. This is a message that will provoke, inspire, and perhaps unsettle—in the best way.
You can view the letter sent to Fr. Peter at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/A-letter-to-Fr-Peter.pdf
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Is prayer supposed to feel this hard? Fr. Peter Walsh explores why many of us struggle to pray—and what Jesus really teaches us through the Lord’s Prayer. With help from golf pro wisdom and St. Paul, he offers a surprising invitation: prayer is not something you start, it’s something you join.
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
What do neuroscience, baseball, and your morning to-do list have to do with following Jesus? Everything! Join Fr. Peter Walsh as he breaks open Luke’s story of Mary and Martha—and reveals why true discipleship isn’t about choosing between action or contemplation but embracing both.
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
In a world that often draws lines between "us" and "them," what does it mean to become the Good Samaritan? Fr. John Kennedy explores Jesus’ radical call to love across boundaries—racial, political, religious—and what it means to be baptized into the heart of Christ. Whether you’ve heard the parable of the Good Samaritan a dozen times or are hearing it with fresh ears, this sermon will challenge and inspire you to live a bigger, bolder life—one not small and safe, but wide open with love.
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
In a world obsessed with speed and shortcuts, what does it really mean to follow Christ with patience, intention, and depth? Explore St. Paul’s paradox: salvation is a free gift of grace—yet we still reap what we sow. What’s the difference between cheap grace and the slow, transformative work of God?
As Americans prepare to celebrate freedom, St. Paul’s words hit differently: “For freedom Christ has set us free.” But what kind of freedom is that, exactly? Is it just doing whatever we want? Or is it something deeper, more life-giving—and maybe even more demanding? The Rev. John Kennedy explores the surprising paradox at the heart of Christian freedom: a freedom that isn’t about self-indulgence but about love, limits, and becoming fully alive.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost.
The Second Sunday after Pentecost.
Is it really possible to belong just as you are? Explores Paul's radical message: you don’t have to earn your place—you already belong. In a world that pressures us to fit in, succeed, and prove ourselves, the gospel proclaims a freeing truth: accept that you are accepted.
This Trinity Sunday, The Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey takes us beyond doctrine into the mystery of divine love in motion. Explore how the Holy Trinity is not a puzzle to be solved—but a relationship to be lived. As she prepares for sabbatical after seven transformative years, Rev. Elizabeth invites us to find wonder, confront violence with love, and rediscover what it means to be the place where God happens.
The Feast of Pentecost.
Bishop Jeff Mello delivers a sermon that speaks directly to our fear, our doubt, and our deepest longings for purpose. He reminds us that the Spirit comes not as a reward, but as an intervention—to break us free from fear and send us into the world with boldness and love. Whether you're seeking hope, courage, or just trying to find your place in the Church, this message is for you.
The Seventh Sunday of Easter (Youth Sunday).
Eddie Harrison takes the pulpit to reflect on a lifetime at St. Mark’s—and what it truly means to belong. From the joyful chaos of the Blessing of the Animals to handing out ride tickets at May Fair, Eddie shares how small moments helped him understand the heart of real community.
The Seventh Sunday of Easter (Youth Sunday).
Henry Hladick reflects on 14 years at St. Mark’s—and how the church became his anchor during the most painful moment of his life. It’s a message about friendship, faith, and what it truly means to show up for one another.
The Sixth Sunday of Easter. The Rev. John Kennedy takes us deep into a curious Easter gospel that feels more like Lent than Resurrection Sunday. Why does Jesus ask a man if he wants to be healed—and why doesn't the man seem to answer? What happens when healing comes, but gratitude and transformation don’t follow? With wit, wisdom, and a touch of holy disruption, Fr. John explores what it means to truly desire the new life Christ offers.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter.
How do we find our place in a world that feels both chaotic and beautiful? In this stirring reflection, Rev. Elizabeth invites us to consider the practice of praise—not as a shallow response to life’s highs, but as a radical, grounding act in the midst of mystery, loss, and renewal. Drawing wisdom from Psalm 148, she explores how creation itself models a way of living in harmony with God’s vision for the world.
In this deeply moving and delightfully humorous Mother's Day sermon, explore the profound interconnectedness of humanity through the lens of maternal love, shared memory, and sacred community. Drawing on everything from personal stories and ancient scripture to Strawberry Shortcake and $30 Mayfair chairs, Fr. Peter Walsh reflects on the power of belonging, the joy of giving, and the divine call to love irrationally. This is a message about who we are, how we’re knit together, and why community—especially one rooted in love—is more vital than ever.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
On Good Friday, we’re confronted with a question that echoes through time: Which kingdom do we serve—the kingdom of domination or the kingdom of self-giving love?
In this powerful and moving sermon, The Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey draws us into the cosmic clash between Caesar and Christ, between force and truth, between the love of power and the power of love. As we stand at the foot of the cross, we are invited to wrestle with our own allegiances and see the world—and ourselves—through Jesus' eyes.
The Third Sunday of Easter.
In this powerful and heartfelt sermon, The Rev. John Kennedy reflects on the gospel that shaped his own priesthood and was chosen for Pope Francis’ funeral. Drawing moving parallels between the lives of Simon Peter and Pope Francis, he explores the true heart of discipleship: a deep love for Jesus, compassion for the marginalized, and the courage to give all for the sake of the gospel.
The Second Sunday of Easter.
The Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey explores the story of Thomas not as a tale of doubt, but of longing, honesty, and transformation. See how Jesus meets each of us in our rawest places — not with judgment, but with peace, forgiveness, and love. Watch to discover how the resurrection isn't just a past event, but an ongoing invitation to new life.
Easter Day.
Explore how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ shattered every human expectation — and how Jesus continues to pull us out of the boxes that confine us today. Full of energy, hope, and real-life connection, this sermon invites you to experience the risen Christ in a radically new way.
The Great Vigil of Easter.
If you've ever wrestled with doubt, darkness, or the limits of human possibility, this sermon will speak to you. Because sometimes, only the impossible will do. The Rev. John Kennedy takes us from the darkness of the cosmos to the impossible hope of the Resurrection with a cosmic, cultural, and deeply personal exploration of despair, death—and the miracle that changes everything.
Maundy Thursday.
What could Saint Peter and Friedrich Nietzsche possibly have in common? In this powerful and thought-provoking Maundy Thursday sermon, The Rev. John Kennedy explores the deep scandal and radical love at the heart of Jesus’ shocking act of foot washing—and why it offended both Peter and Nietzsche in their own ways. With insight, wit, and piercing clarity, this message invites us to grapple with the meaning of humility, power, and the way of Christ in a world driven by dominance.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent.
What happens when love goes beyond boundaries—beyond reason—and becomes scandalously beautiful? In this powerful and provocative reflection, we explore a moment of biblical PDA—a public display of devotion so intimate, so sensory, and so wild in love that it leaves the room breathless. Join Fr. Peter Walsh in unpacking Mary's radical act of love, the sensuality of spiritual intimacy, and what it means to love like God: prodigal, embodied, and unafraid. You may never look at divine love the same way again.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent. Discover the heart of God’s extravagant love. Through Jesus' greatest parable, we explore a love that is reckless, lavish, and transformative—a love that welcomes us home, no matter where we’ve been. Are we the wayward younger son or the resentful elder brother? Or is this story really about the boundless grace of God?
The Third Sunday in Lent. In the midst of disasters, how many times have we heard people say, "It's all part of God's plan" or ask, "Where was God?" What if God has nothing to do with the tragedies that occur? Learn how we can face the grief and death of this world and discover what God's plan for our lives really is.
The Second Sunday in Lent.
Explore the depth of Jesus' emotional resilience—his boldness and tenderness, his strength and sorrow. Facing opposition, death threats, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus remains unwavering in his purpose. How can we imitate Christ’s emotional life in our own?
What if the biggest threat to your spiritual journey isn’t what you expect? Unpack the reality of temptation, distraction, and the unseen battle for our hearts and minds. Fr. John Kennedy challenges us to recognize the subtle ways we’re nudged off course—and how to stay firmly rooted in Christ.
The First Sunday in Lent.
Ash Wednesday. What if, instead of focusing on the red flags in life, we turned our attention to the green ones—the signs of truth, love, and divine presence all around us? The Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey invites us to shift our perspective, tuning our hearts to the goodness of God rather than getting lost in fear, division, and distraction. Lent offers us the chance to reset, to return to a place of spiritual clarity, and to follow the path Jesus lays before us—one marked by faith, love, and renewal. #AshWednesday #Lent #LookForTheGreenFlags #NewCanaan #EpiscopalChurch
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany. Step into the radiant mystery of the Transfiguration! Journey up the mountaintop to witness Jesus as a being of dazzling light, revealing the fullness of God’s love, life, and presence. How does this divine radiance transform us? What does it mean to walk as children of the light? Discover how encountering God's brilliance reshapes our hearts, our vision, and our very being. #DivineLight #Transfiguration #FaithJourney #EpiscopalSermon
The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany. The Rev. John Kennedy challenges us to reconsider the nature of Christian love. Does Jesus teach us to prioritize those closest to us, or does he call us to something far greater? Explore the radical, universal love that Jesus commands—a love that extends even to our enemies. With compelling insight, Fr. John unpacks what it truly means to be children of the Most High, embracing a love that knows no borders.
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. Why do so many of our attempts at self-improvement and happiness fall short? Fr. John Kennedy explores the universal human longing for happiness and why, despite our relentless pursuit, it often remains elusive. Is happiness found in wealth, comfort, or success? Or does Jesus offer us a radically different path to joy and fulfillment?
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
Dive into the powerful story of Peter’s awakening—his miraculous catch, his overwhelming encounter with the divine, and his life-changing call to follow Jesus. What happens when we step out of the shallow and into the deep? How does an encounter with God reshape everything we thought we knew? This sermon explores the mystery, awe, and irresistible pull of the Divine. Don’t miss this chance to reflect on your own journey of faith!
In this uplifting message of unity and hope, Fr. Peter Walsh highlights the transformative power of divine love and the strength of spiritual communion that unites us all. As St. Mark's celebrates its 261st year, may we all remember how shared grace and deep connection can light our way through every season of life.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
What does it mean to follow a Savior who puts mercy at the center of his mission? Join Fr. John Kennedy as he explores Jesus’ inaugural sermon in Nazareth, which was marked by compassion and justice, and reflect on the contrast between earthly leadership and the Divine example.
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
Transform how you see Jesus and the life you’re called to live. Explore the wedding at Cana, where water becomes wine, joy overflows, and the Messianic age begins. Learn how Jesus, the maker of fine wine, invites us to celebrate, feast, and live with divine joy—even amidst life’s challenges.
The First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord.
In a world shaken by devastating fires, floods, and chaos, our scorched earth is calling us to a new way of being—renewed in love, harmony, and purpose. Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey reflects on the baptism of Jesus, the divine dance of creation, and our call to live fully human in God’s ferocious love. Learn to move with God’s rhythm of love, embracing a hope-filled future for our world.
The Second Sunday of Christmas. Digital Missioner Rob Schwartz and Jesus have at least one thing in common...disappearing from their parents at a young age! What might we learn when stepping into the shoes of a worried Mary and Joseph, and how might their experience help us when our faith feels lost?
The First Sunday of Christmas. Reflect on the enduring light of Christ, a beacon of hope that transcends the fleeting joys and challenges of the holiday season. As we navigate the post-Christmas lull, Rev. John Kennedy explores how the light kindled in our hearts at Christmas can continue to shine brightly in our lives and communities. Discover the profound message of John’s Gospel and the transformative power of receiving Christ anew.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent.
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we journey with Mary and Elizabeth—two women, two miraculous pregnancies, and one shared vision of hope. What can their story teach us about collaboration, resilience, and bringing God's light into a world in disarray? Discover how the Advent promise calls us to awaken, act, and give birth to peace and justice in our everyday lives.
Christmas Day.
This Christmas, Rev. Peter Walsh invites us to journey from the frenzy of commercialized Christmas to the awe-inspiring wonder of the Christ child.
With humor, heart, and deep spiritual insight, he explores how American culture shapes our celebrations and challenges us to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. From the malls to the manger, from gifts to gratitude, this message calls us to pause, reflect, and bask in the light of divine love.
Discover how to move beyond the hustle to embrace the stillness, joy, and profound mystery of the season.
The Third Sunday of Advent.
What does true strength look like? Discover how John the Baptist’s bold, humble example offers a powerful vision of true strength—one rooted in purpose, virtue, and service to God. In a time of cultural change and challenges, Rev. John Kennedy explores the crises of masculinity and the transformative way the church shapes us to embody Christ-like resilience and joy.
The Second Sunday of Advent..
What if your spiritual journey was like resetting a broken computer? Discover how John the Baptist calls us to "clear the slate" and prepare for the transformative "new operating system" Jesus offers—what St. Paul calls putting on the mind of Christ. Dive into the meaning of repentance, the liberating power of forgiveness, and the profound love at the heart of our faith. Learn to shift from focusing on sin to embracing the divine image within, and explore a reimagined confession of love that could transform how we live and worship.
Throughout history, humanity has been captivated by apocalyptic visions—from ancient prophecies of destruction to modern tales of rapture and tribulation. But what if the real invitation is not to fear the end but to embrace the sacred work of the present?
The First Sunday of Advent
“What is truth?” Pontius Pilate's infamous question to Jesus resonates deeply in our "post-truth" era, where facts are contested, and reality feels fragmented. This thought-provoking sermon explores the crisis of truth in our world, juxtaposing Pilate’s encounter with Jesus—Truth incarnate—against modern challenges of misinformation, ideological division, and the erosion of shared reality. Consider how Jesus' unwavering embodiment of truth and love offers a transformative path forward. In a world of competing narratives, the message is clear: truth isn’t a weapon of power but a call to justice, humility, and unity under Christ’s reign.
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King
In a world filled with wars, division, and personal struggles, Rev. Maggi Dawn inspires us to see how faith sustains us even when the answers seem far away. Drawing from scripture, historical reflections, and the story of Hannah, she reminds us that God sees us, hears us, and is with us—right here, right now. Discover why "all shall be well" isn't just a hopeful phrase but a divine promise.
The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
Our nation faces deep political and social divides. The Rev. Peter Walsh explores how fear has become a powerful, divisive force in our culture, fueled by the media and politics, and urges us to instead embody a "culture of love" rooted in Jesus' teachings. We are called to reject fear and embrace grace, unity, and humility as citizens of God's Kingdom. This message is a powerful reminder to ground ourselves in faith, prayer, and compassion amid a fractured world.
All Saints' Sunday.
Dive into the story of Lazarus and explore what resurrection truly means in our everyday lives, viewing resurrection not as a distant promise, but as a living, present reality. Jesus invites us to move beyond our theology to a faith that calls us to participate in new life now—rolling away the stones of division, embracing each other's humanity, and actively building a world where everyone rises.
The Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost.
Imagine Jesus asking you directly, “What do you want me to do for you?” It’s a question that reaches deeper than we might expect. Explore the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose answer changed his life. As he threw off his only possession, Bartimaeus saw something beyond sight—he recognized Jesus’ power to give him what he truly needed to follow him. Uncover how Jesus invites us to look beyond our first requests to the deeper needs that free us to walk with him fully.
Guest Preacher: The Very Rev. Andrew McGowan, Dean & President of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University
The Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost.
True glory is found not in power, but in service. That’s the message Jesus conveys in today’s reading from Mark. He reminds us that we are called to give of ourselves, just as He did, to uplift those around us. In a world full of challenges and beauty alike, may we embrace our role as stewards of creation and servants to one another.
The Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost.
What is the difference between worldly achievement and true spiritual goodness? Explore how greatness in God’s Kingdom is defined not by possessions or success, but by love and service. Through the story of the rich man who asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, we are invited to reconsider our attachments—whether wealth, status, or past experiences—and to open ourselves to the divine love that leads to eternal goodness. Learn what it means to live a life aligned with God's vision of greatness, where "the first shall be last and the last shall be first."
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: St. Francis Sunday
Explore the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the greatest spiritual figures in history. Known for his deep connection to nature, Francis embraced a life of radical simplicity and joy, seeing all creation as a reflection of divine love. His commitment to living as Christ lived challenges us to detach from worldly constraints and embrace a life of generosity, community, and peace. Through his eyes, we are reminded that even in a broken world, we can be a beacon of hope, love, and joy.
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Can we move beyond narrow-mindedness and embrace the universal love and reach of Jesus? How do our daily actions bring us closer to heaven or to a state of separation from God? Drawing wisdom from scripture and spiritual teachers, this message challenges us to choose peace, live with grace, and walk a path of love and service that brings a little more heaven to earth.
The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost.
The Autumnal Equinox reminds us of the balance between light and dark. It reminds us of death, life, hope, and rebirth. How do we learn to stay through our darkest times so we can bear the light for others in their own dark times?
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What is it about gossip that's so enjoyable? Why do we join in when others start gossiping to us? The letter of James stresses how damaging our words can be. So, as we seek to walk Jesus' walk, perhaps we can begin by talking Jesus' talk.
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
On this special day, we honor our patron saint, Mark, and explore the profound impact he has had on our faith. Dive into Saint Mark’s life, explore his connection to both Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and learn the significance of his Gospel. Discover the legacy of Saint Mark, who played a crucial part in shaping the early church and whose spirit continues to inspire us today.
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Journey from the depths of despair to the hope and renewal found in God. Drawing from Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones, explore how God's Word and Spirit breathe life into the most hopeless situations. Whether you're battling addiction, facing a personal crisis, or simply in need of encouragement, this sermon is a reminder that no matter how lifeless our circumstances may seem, there is always hope in Christ. Discover how God can revive your spirit and restore your joy!
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What is the connection between our physical and spiritual nourishment? In a culture obsessed with food and wellness, how do the teachings of Jesus offer sustenance not just for our bodies, but for our souls? Watch and reflect on the transformative power of consuming the "Bread of Life" and the impact it has on our spiritual well-being.
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus' instructions to eat his body and drink his blood certainly sound strange, but just like physical food, Jesus offers us some much-needed nourishment. How does the Eucharist redeem and heal, connect the material with the physical, and unite all creation?
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
50 years ago, Philippe Petit performed an illegal and daring high-wire act between the two World Trade Center towers. Something about the towers drew him to them. For those seeking spiritual sustenance, this story highlights what it's like to be drawn to Jesus.
The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost.
Just as the crowds clamored for more of the bread Jesus fed them, we too seek things in life that will leave us feeling satisfied and full. Even though Jesus directs us to seek him as our spiritual nourishment, we shouldn’t miss the things in this world that help us achieve that.
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost.
How are we to understand the miracles of Jesus? With a rational approach that finds more believable explanations? With a literal approach that sees every word as fact? John’s Gospel calls the miracles signs, so maybe understanding them as something more symbolic can help us see the mystical side of what happened and give us an awe and reverence for the divine.
The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost.
It's fun to be part of a crowd. But what happens when that crowd begins leading us in a bad direction, toward doing things we wouldn't normally do? How can we learn to listen for Jesus' voice among all the noise?
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost.
Look around today and what do you see? Political polarization, uncivil discourse, demonization, and dehumanization. In going back to the basics of our baptismal covenants, we might discover a way forward through these turbulent times.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Delve into the powerful and transformative experiences of Saint Paul, exploring the mystical fireworks of the soul. From ecstatic visions to the profound humility they bring, discover a new dimension of spiritual celebration. Learn about the nature of mystical experiences and how to cultivate a life open to divine reality.
The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost.
On the way to heal the daughter of someone with status in the community, Jesus is interrupted by a woman with far less status. What happens next teaches us about Jesus' indiscriminate love and how we can do the same.
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
Uncover the dual power of 'Shut Up' and 'Shalom' in Jesus' teachings. Explore how he brings peace to our chaos and authority over life's storms.
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
How can faith move beyond philosophical ideas? Journey through the teachings of Saint Paul and Jesus, revealing how the Kingdom of God manifests as a transformative force in our lives.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost.
Some of us believe in God; some question those beliefs. Some of us talk about Jesus and God; some don’t. Perhaps what matters most isn’t what we say about Jesus but how we live out his teachings with one another.
The Second Sunday After Pentecost.
Discover how Ordinary Time challenges us to reorder our lives according to Jesus’ teachings, embracing God’s lavish love and radical grace.
Trinity Sunday.
Nicodemus may be the most misunderstood man in the New Testament. To misunderstand him is to potentially misunderstand how to grow in faith and godliness.
The Feast of Pentecost.
Discover the profound connection between ancient traditions and modern faith. Explore the deep human need for belonging, purpose, and connection, and how baptism unites us in the great story of Christ.
The Sunday after the Ascension.
Love, care, and nurturing are fundamental aspects of human existence. The weekend of Mother’s Day and May Fair offers a chance to lift up these divine qualities and help us reflect on how they can be embodied and expressed in our daily life.
The Sixth Sunday of Easter.
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, American happiness is on the decline. Jesus offers his disciples some advice about love and commandments that might guide us in cultivating that joy today.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter.
Is your spiritual baggage keeping you disconnected from God? Jesus’ teaching about vines and branches helps us understand how staying connected to him helps us rid ourselves of the things that drag us down.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter.
In the beginning, God sang all of creation into existence, but does God lament the destruction that has followed since? How can practicing a spiritual humility give us a reverence for all living things on Earth and how might it lead us to resist the forces of destruction in this world?
The Third Sunday of Easter.
The Easter message gives people hope that good things can come out of dark times and that there may indeed be a life beyond this one. But when it comes to believing in the resurrection, the concept can feel a bit unreasonable. What if those of us gathered as the church are the most reasonable proof yet?
The Second Sunday of Easter.
The recent earthquake and solar eclipse are certainly events that captivate us for a period of time, but do they change anyone’s life? John’s Gospel presents a resurrection appearance that left all involved forever changed. By participating in that resurrection experience today, we may find ourselves changed as well.
The Great Vigil of Easter.
The Great Vigil, like many things, starts in darkness...but that is not where it ends. If you're feeling stuck in life's dark, tight places, you may find hope in the stories of the exodus, baptism, and the resurrection. They show us a way not out but through.
Good Friday.
It’s not just confirmation students who wrestle with the idea of why Jesus had to die. For many adults, the challenging story of the cross has been about God punishing an innocent Jesus for our sins, while others have preferred to distance themselves from this story altogether. What might we experience if we sit with the discomfort and remain open to what the cross is teaching us?
Easter Day.
Jesus has appeared in numerous places over the years, from seashores to operating tables and even Bob Dylan's dressing room. In each of these situations, the people who encounter him leave rocked. So how is it that we've dumbed down something as amazing and mysterious as the resurrection?
Maundy Thursday.
Why have we made Christ’s last meal into a regular sacrament but only recognize his act of foot washing once a year? In this act of extravagant giving and risky receiving, we remember who we are as the body of Christ.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent.
Like the saints of old, we yearn to see Jesus. In encountering both the crucified Christ and the risen Christ, we also discover things about ourselves and a new way of life.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
An Old Testament story about bronze serpents, snakebites, and the wilderness may not sound relatable today. On the other hand, it might be the perfect metaphor for those who feel "bitten" by life, and it might even strengthen our understanding of why Jesus came into the world.
The Third Sunday in Lent.
Jesus might be known for his peaceful ways but he certainly had some moments of disruption. What do these dramatic actions reveal about Jesus and what do they say about his zeal for us?
The Second Sunday in Lent.
Some of Jesus’ advice was pretty hard to swallow! He knew that for his followers then, as for many Christians today, following him could be life-threatening. For those of us who don’t face religious persecution, how do Jesus’ words call us to show up for those who do?
Ash Wednesday.
After witnessing a funeral pyre in India, Fr. Peter Walsh experienced a moment of metanoia, a conversion of the heart. In the face of death, he urgently decided to choose life and get his priorities in order. Each Ash Wednesday, all of us are faced with a similar choice.
The First Sunday in Lent.
Climate change. Gun violence. Even the simple ways we teach our children to be kind. We constantly fall down in our attempts to do what is right. We have a constant need for repentance, and the spiritual work of our lives is finding ways to continuously return to the path God has set us on.
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany.
What is the one thing everyone in the Super Bowl seems to be chasing? Glory! For those who achieve the glory, how long do they have before it fades? The story of the Transfiguration offers a glimpse at a glory that never fades away; one that all of us can share in.
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
Take a look at the latest headlines and you’ll see the world is in a feverish state these days. Jesus and the prophet Isaiah offer some clues as to how we can lift one another up and find relief and renewed strength.
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.
In 2023, St. Mark's thrived and continued to grow, but some challenges lie ahead. We can gain new insight into these things through a variety of metrics. While we can see God at work here, some things simply can't be measured.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
Why do so many of us fail to commit to our New Year's resolutions? When Jesus called his disciples, they made it look so easy to leave their old lives behind and follow him on a new path. What might our own lives look like if we encountered Jesus and what might he be calling us to leave behind?
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Bible has many stories about angels appearing when people needed them most. In John's Gospel, Jesus tells Nathaniel that he, like his ancestor Jacob, will see angels ascending and descending from heaven. So what should we expect to see today?
The First Sunday after the Epiphany.
Jesus being baptized in the Jordan river. A priest laying on a massage table in India. Though 2,000 years apart, both of these events give us a glimpse at what divine love is like.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent.
In many Protestant churches, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is barely talked about. But we lose a lot when this happens. We lose Mary’s important lesson on what it means to be open to God and to let God’s light shine through us.
The First Sunday after Christmas.
We have so many words to describe God, but how can any of them possibly sum up such a divine mystery? Is it better to just be silent about God? John’s Gospel reminds us why and how to participate and share in the divine life.
Christmas Eve.
It’s unbelievable to be alive. The odds of you being alive and where you are right now are incredible. Even more incredible is what it means for Jesus to live as a human being. What might you discover when you awaken to the sacred humanity of Jesus?
The Third Sunday of Advent.
Some people see individualism as a prominent characteristic among Americans. However, our current epidemic of loneliness and isolation suggests that might not be so helpful. The words of John the Baptist teach us that we know ourselves best by knowing who we are NOT. We're also to remember that Advent is not about waiting for Jesus to be born, but for his light to be born in us.
The Second Sunday of Advent.
What is it like to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama? Fr. Peter Walsh shares a story from his recent sabbatical about how he came to meet with this world-famous spiritual figure and the parallels he sees to John the Baptist.
The First Sunday of Advent.
Advent always begins with apocalyptic visions. Instead of anticipating the end, however, what if we learned to live in the time between? What is the art of waiting really about?
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King.
Guest preacher: The Reverend Richard T. Williams, Pivot Ministries
As followers of Jesus, there's a certain spiritual dress code we're called to follow. The apostle Paul teaches us what parts of our old selves we let go of in baptism and what new parts we take on. As life's challenges present themselves, however, are we unable to put away some of the old garments or are we ready to fully dress the part?
The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
What biblical question do kids ask more than any other? "Is the Bible true?" What if our understanding of the Bible as an ancient library helped us see we've been asking the wrong question? Maybe we should instead think about what we can learn through the inconsistencies in various stories and where we find ourselves in them.
The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
Have you ever run late for something just to find yourself shut out? Maybe school, a show, or an airplane? Jesus shares a parable about five foolish bridesmaids who are shut out of a wedding banquet and five wise bridesmaids who are welcomed in. What does wisdom look like to Jesus?
All Saints' Sunday.
Some marathon runners complain that anyone can enter the race and call themselves a "marathoner" these days. Do we have similar thoughts about who we consider saints in the Church? Maybe, just like running a race, we find we still have an important role to play simply by entering, and we can still be an example for others.
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus' teaching about loving our neighbor as ourselves is found across many other religions, and many of us know it as the Golden Rule. It's a phrase that makes for great bumper stickers but is much harder to follow. In a time of war and political divisions, how do we follow the radical call to see people on all sides as our neighbors?
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost.
Our spiritual lives are sometimes thought of as separate from all the other areas of life. The Very Reverend Dr. Andrew McGowan, Dean and President of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University, points toward Jesus' response on what should be given to Caesar and to God as a way of helping us see how everything ultimately belongs to God.
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus' parable about guests at a wedding banquet shares some interesting parallels with an episode of "The Crown". Both feature people being tested and judged for what they're wearing. Should we be worried that God will reject us if we fail some sort of test, or is the real message about what we should "clothe ourselves in" as part of God's kingdom?
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What can we learn from the life of St. Francis? His example, along with a parable from Jesus, teaches us to see the world as God does and shows us what is possible when we learn to let go and live simply.
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
A youth of St. Mark's once asked Dean Robert if we are in control of our lives or if God is. The answer lies in the stories of a God who relentlessly pursues us and who asks us to listen rather than hardening our hearts.
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What do Israelites and vineyard workers have in common? In this week's readings, they can't seem to stop complaining. Like the people in these Biblical stories, we usually HEAR nothing but the words being spoken to us. How might our view of others shift if we learned to LISTEN for the lived experiences that lay beneath those words?
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus' parable about a forgiven man who is punished for refusing to forgive another forces us to question if God's own forgiveness is conditional. Perhaps this parable is really trying to teach us how we open ourselves to forgiveness when we show it to others, and how we cut ourselves off from it when we deny it from others.
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
When we end up in conflict with one another, we often want to push people out with no intention of bringing them back into community with us. Jesus, however, proposes a different path.
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Recent studies have shown a number of people leaving organized religion. Many Christians or former Christians find that churches have strayed from who Jesus is. How might we answer the questions Jesus poses in Matthew's Gospel: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" and "Who do you say I am?"
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Why do we sometimes struggle to see ourselves as part of creation and how does that influence our actions? Two biblical examples serve as lessons about how ego can prevent us from seeing God and how our mindset can shift when we encounter God in the world around us.
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
In John's Gospel, Jesus breaks down barriers and embraces the Samaritan woman. So why does Matthew's Gospel show him treating the Canaanite woman like an outsider? Is this a sign of his humanity or is Jesus creating a teachable moment for his disciples?
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.
In the ancient Jewish world, only select people went on to study at a high level. A rabbi would need to call them to follow as their disciple. When Jesus called the unlikeliest of disciples, he did so because he believed they could do what he did. Do you believe he sees it in you too?
The Feast of the Transfiguration.
The Transfiguration has been depicted in countless artwork but is it possible that we still fail to comprehend this event? Do we overlook the violence that is being foreshadowed? On the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, this feast day challenges us to follow the path of non-violence Jesus calls us down.
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.
What is the "Good News" we often hear about? For Jesus, the Good News points us to the kingdom of God. Being the teacher he is, Jesus uses 5 parables to help us understand the kingdom. Get ready for Summer School because Kingdom of Heaven 101 is in session!
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost.
Not only are we divided over religion and politics these days but we also want to be the ones to condemn those who disagree with us. Jesus' Parable of the Wheat and the Tares communicates a different way of living.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey explores a parable that is less about the Kingdom of God and more about Jesus. What kind of seeds does he plant in us and what happens when they begin to take root? What do his wisdom teachings reveal?
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
This sermon is for anyone who is weary and carrying a heavy burden. Jesus' words in Matthew's Gospel offer a reprieve from all that weighs us down. What do our lives look like when we're yoked together with him?
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus' advice to share a cup of cold water may not seem like a big deal, but small acts of kindness can go a long way. You may even be surprised by what you receive in return.
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
Does the Bible really say Jesus was nice? What if the Prince of Peace is really calling us into conflict and division? Fr. Peter Walsh reflects on some of Jesus' toughest words and how they show us what's worth fighting for.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost.
The Bible is filled with examples of fatherhood, both good and bad. Jesus' relationship with God as Father helps us understand what it means for us to know God in this way and how this relationship can form father figures today.
The Second Sunday after Pentecost.
Many people remember Jesus' command to love our neighbors. But with all the pressure to constantly be better and do more, are we forgetting to love ourselves?
The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday.
It can be challenging to understand the relationships in the doctrine of the Trinity and how they shape one another. Surprisingly, the Roy family from "Succession" and a breed of Indonesian monkeys provide some helpful insights into how relationships, especially our own, are shaped.
The Feast of Pentecost.
How can we tell when we're experiencing the Spirit at work in us and not just a rush of emotions? What does Scripture point out about how the Spirit helps us move against culture and changes the way we see?
The Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Jesus taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer, but this is the real prayer between him and God. Where do we see it reflected in the Lord's Prayer and how can it help us experience a divine indwelling?
What if our definitions of God aren't nearly big enough? If God is love, maybe our definitions of love are too small as well. So what are we to do with this overflow of love? Share it!
The Sixth Sunday of Easter.
It seems like being a Christian would be easier if Jesus were physically with us today, teaching and inspiring. He told his disciples how the Spirit would work through all of them when he was gone, and recent events in New Canaan certainly showed how active that Spirit still is.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter.
In Jesus' final words to his disciples, his farewell discourse, he tells them he is the way, the truth, and the life. If we back up a little, we see these words aren't meant to exclude others but bring comfort in the midst of their uncertainty. He is calling them, and us, to be companions on the way, truth, and life of love.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter.
We encounter numerous doors every day. But what does Jesus mean when he says, "I am the door" and what do we find when we decide to enter into a life with him?
The Third Sunday of Easter.
How have humans become one of the biggest threats to our planet and why have so many stopped caring? Maybe the thing we're missing most is a sense of awe for the natural world.
The Second Sunday of Easter.
If the resurrection was hard to believe for those who experienced it, it's no wonder so many of us struggle to believe it 2,000 years later! How can we learn to see through our doubt and what does it mean for God to be "the light by which we see"?
Easter.
How has one of the most exciting stories ever told become so wrapped up in boredom? Why have people become so indifferent to Jesus rather than excited? An Easter Day encounter from Fr. Peter Walsh's past reminds him of how contagious our joy can be when we allow Jesus to radically reorient our lives.
The Great Vigil of Easter.
Sometimes our lives and our world seem more like the despair of Good Friday than the light and hope of the resurrection. Maybe we'd be more ready to accept hope if we realized just how similar it is to despair. Maybe we'd be more open to the impossibility of the resurrection if we realized it lives on in all of us.
Good Friday.
"I am thirsty," Jesus said from the cross. Was it just water he was asking for or something more? His encounters from Cana to the cross suggest that maybe what he was thirsting for had more to do with all the people longing to have their own thirst quenched.
Maundy Thursday.
What would you do if you knew you had limited time to live? Jesus had to ponder this very thing before his arrest. With limited time, he chose to model a radical love and humility that teaches all of us a richer way of life.
Born on St Cecilia's day, the Grammy-nominated British counter-tenor Ryland Angel has built an international reputation on both the opera and concert stage, in repertoire ranging from the Baroque to new operatic commissions at major opera houses, concert halls, and festivals throughout Europe and the USA. He has performed in Monteverdi’s Orfeo, Gavin Bryars’s Doctor Ox’s Experiment(English National Opera), Fairy Queen (Barcelona), Gluck’s Orfeo (Koblenz), Amadigi (Karlsruhe), Venus and Adonis (Flanders Opera), Dido and Aeneas(Opera Comique), The Play of Daniel (Spoleto), and Ballet Comique de La Royne(Geneva). Angel has sung on over 80 recordings including the music of Buxtehude, Charpentier, Scarlatti, Stradella, Spears, O'Regan, Handel, Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, and on the film soundtracks of Jack Reacher, Zoolander 2, Freedom, Le Petit Prince, La Peau, Henry 4th, Machete, The Mystery of Dante, Gemini Man and the PBS TV special Heavenly Voices. Recent engagements include Doux Mensonges (Opera National de Paris), Agrippina(NYCO), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Florentine and Kansas Opera), Julius Caesar (Utah and Colorado Opera), Sant Alessio with William Christie (Paris, London, New York), Carmina Burana (Lincoln Center/Prague Proms), St. John Passion (Saint Thomas Church and Mechanics Hall), Classics and Rock (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra), and Messiah (Boston Symphony Hall & Carnegie Hall). Recent recordings include The Flaming Fire (MSR), Heart and Soul (Centaur) and Now Fatal Change (NMC), La Sposa (Solo Luminus), Bleed for the Throne(SXSW), and a recital at the National Gallery with Parthenia Viol consort. Recent creations include Tesla, Fatini Futuro, The Call, Including Words, and The Chant Project.
Credits: Ryland Angel, composer and voice; additional mastering by Rick Del Castillo. Consultants: the Rev. Graeme Napier, Ned Tipton, Gervais Angel, and Bryce Johnson.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent.
Have you lost someone close to you? A parent, a sibling, a child, a friend? What emotions did you feel? The death of Lazarus doesn't just stir up anger and sorrow in his sisters, but in Jesus as well. The resurrection of Jesus' friend shows us that we have a God of compassion and gives us a sign of who Jesus is.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
The story of Jesus healing a man born blind highlights our culture of blame, shame, and wrongdoing and our resistance to change. Like the blind man, however, gaining spiritual insight can help us see the world in a new way.
The Third Sunday in Lent.
The story of the Samaritan woman at the well speaks to anyone who finds themselves unsatisfied and thirsting for more in life. The in-your-face grace demonstrated by Jesus breaks down barriers and offers something that can satiate our souls.
The Second Sunday in Lent.
Imagine growing up with the knowledge that God loves everyone while also being terrified that God may punish some of the people you care about. Fr. Justin recalls his own struggle with this, the people who made God visible to him, and when he realized it wasn't his job to save anyone.
The First Sunday in Lent.
Like Jesus in the wilderness or Adam & Eve in the garden, temptation can make us face our doubts. Before Jesus' test, he was reminded of how beloved he is. Imagine what could happen when you're reminded of the same thing.
Ash Wednesday.
Many people feel worn down and weary, often facing circumstances that require great resilience. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians speaks to the spiritual resilience within all of us, and Lent is the perfect time to discover it.
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany.
After the resurrection, the transfiguration is the most important event of Jesus' life. What can we learn from a story filled with divine light, the appearance of past prophets, and the voice of God? How can this reminder of Jesus' identity lead us to enlightenment?
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany.
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus made the Law even more challenging with new instructions on anger, lust, divorce, and more. However, this tough Bible passage reminds us that there is still hope in the midst of the many hurts we face in life.
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
Salt is a magical ingredient to cook with. Without it, our food tastes bland. Add too much of it and your meal can be impossible to eat. However, with just the right amount, food is given definition and vibrancy. Jesus' words to be "salt of the earth" is a call for Christians to see the world with that same vibrancy.
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.
Parish ministry, it turns out, is a lot like surfing. Fr. Peter Walsh talks about the various waves St. Mark's has been riding over the past year. They have shifted amid the changing realities of a pandemic, demonstrating a number of vital signs not seen in many churches today. As challenges present themselves, the clergy, staff, and lay ministers of St. Mark's are positioning the church to rise to the occasion and move in exciting new directions.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
Do you ever find yourself arguing with family and friends over some hot-button topic? Do people seem to choose sides in the debate? Paul's first letter to the Corinthians holds as much wisdom for us as it did for the bickering Corinthians. Learn how the cross and following Christ shows us how to defiantly reject these divisive ways by taking on a newfound humility.
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
Something about being face-to-face with Jesus made the disciples want to follow him after just one day. Was it being in his presence? Was it what he saw in them? Could spending time with Jesus reveal the potential inside all of us?
Have you ever found yourself asking, “Who am I?” Do you seek the answer from other people or places? God, it turns out, has already answered that question. You are “beloved”. Once you realize that, it may change the way you see your relationship with God and others forever.
The Feast of the Holy Name.
Many people who don't believe the teachings of Christianity still believe in a higher power. However, when looking at our world, this more abstract approach makes it hard to determine whether God is actually benevolent or a serial killer. How can the birth of Jesus, God taking on human flesh, help us to know God in more concrete ways?
Christmas Eve.
Rev. Peter Walsh reflects on his former professor who taught him that Christmas is not a birthday party for Jesus but is, instead, a celebration of the incarnation, God made flesh. Other figures like Bono and Queen Elizabeth point out that Jesus being born in this particular way shows us that he is indeed for everyone.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Rather than the kid-friendly angels and shepherds of Luke's Gospel, Matthew's birth narrative features the scandals of a murderous king and a shocking pregnancy. Matthew also connects Jesus to a genealogy where God was repeatedly at work despite questionable actions and troublesome situations.
The Third Sunday of Advent.
Have you faced moments in your spiritual life when the pendulum swings and you feel distant from God instead of close? John the Baptist, who heralded the arrival of Jesus, had doubts of his own. If someone like John wrestled with doubt, maybe there's something we can learn from addressing our own.
The Second Sunday of Advent.
Old Testament prophets like Elijah and Malachi emphasized the need to repent because God would come one day. When John the Baptist arrived on the scene, he proclaimed that God was already here! What does the message of this fiery prophet teach us about God's embrace of us and the relationship that follows?
The First Sunday of Advent.
Advent begins with a reading that some believe signals a rapture event where certain people will be taken up to heaven and others are left behind. This fearful vision implies that salvation is not for all and our world will end in destruction. The Bible, however, paints a very different picture.
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King.
The knowledge that we'll die someday is something we all think about at some point. The Bible doesn't shy away from this topic, but it also reminds us of the paradise that awaits. From Adam and Eve to St. Paul to the thief on the cross, we're told a complicated tale of paradise that we are invited into as Christ's companions.
The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost.
People throughout history have tried to predict how and when the world will end. Even some of the dire predictions Jesus made can be found in the pages of today's Wall Street Journal. While many see these as a cause for panic, Jesus offers an alternative response.
All Saints' Day.
Dorothy Day once remarked that she didn't want to be a saint who was put on a pedestal. Instead, she reminded everyone that each of us, flaws and all, possess the qualities of a saint. Occasions like baptism remind us that our path asks us to continually turn toward God's light and, when we ultimately turn away, return to that same light.
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost.
Beneath all the noise around us, is there a part of you that is longing for something? As we move away from the noise, away from any limitations placed on us, we discover a God who longs for us just as we long for God. When we manage to listen for that still, small voice, we meet a God who wants us just as we are.
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost.
The parable of the Pharisee and the publican serves as an important reminder of how our prayers can become toxic. Do we come to God in humility or do we think of ourselves as better than others? Maybe we're being called, like Jesus, to go down to the places where others have been cast aside.
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Like a persistent child, one of Jesus' parables seems to say that we should pray without ceasing until God responds, but is that really what God expects of us? How are we to understand God's justice, even when it isn't evident?
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
One popular hashtag going around is #BeBetter. Some people use it to encourage while others use it to complain. God's grace, however, is a reminder that we aren't brought into a relationship with God because of what we do but simply because we are loved. It's a grace that puts even the most beloved and most despised figures on an even playing field. What would it mean to see everyone as forgiven sinners?
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.
NFL coach Bill Belichick might not be the first modern-day person who comes to mind when you think of Jesus, but both men share a similar motto: Do your job. Listening to side-by-side comparisons of the two figures highlights some key teachings from Jesus which explain what happens when we do what our faith demands of us.
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
It’s our hearts, not our fences, that make us good neighbors.
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
People love to offer unsolicited advice on how to have the perfect family, the right credentials, how to be liked, and anything else that will lead to "a better you". We crave to know we're good and good enough. However, it's not advice we need; it's help. Jesus challenges us to ask if the things we give power to are actually providing that help.
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
There have been countless moments of upheaval and loss since the devastating events of 9/11, both in our society and in our personal lives. Jesus' parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin teach us that God always keeps seeking us no matter how lost we feel. This message isn't good advice to be followed. It's good news to be celebrated!
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
So much of life requires us to trust, but how often are we unable to take that first step and let go of the things we're clinging to? When we release our grip, however, we discover a path to true joy and freedom.
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
Search through your social media feed and you can find self-improvement videos on just about anything! Dr. Jewelle Bickel breaks down a lesson from Jesus that isn't "7 Steps to a Better You" but instead teaches us about humility, our worth, and who we are.
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.
The Bible has many stories about people who came into contact with Jesus, changing the course of their lives forever. We still encounter him today, through sacraments like the Eucharist and baptism and, as our lives become marked by Jesus, we are never the same.
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Are you worried about being on your best behavior before God? Do you need to make sure the good deeds outweigh the bad? Just as Jesus twisted John the Baptist's prophecy of being baptized with fire, the forgiveness we receive twists our understanding of having to be "good enough".
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.
Sell our possessions? Stay awake? Jesus' words can sound shocking and cryptic at times. In breaking down this passage from Luke's Gospel, we learn how orienting our lives less on ourselves and more on the kingdom of God can uncover spiritual treasures for us.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
The economy has plenty of us stressed out these days! However, a closer look at one of Jesus' parables reveals some shockingly relevant advice for addressing our financial fears and helps us think through which of our circumstances are really God's will.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
The James Webb Space Telescope recently gave us incredible new images from the vastness of space. These astounding sights rekindle feelings of joy and wonder in us. According to people like Jesus, St. Francis, and Thomas Merton, our prayer lives can do the same.
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
We all have an active side and a contemplative side, but far too often the active side tells us that we don't have time for contemplation. What is getting in the way of developing your spiritual life and how can you bring both sides into greater harmony?
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
Sometimes, we want to know who to consider a "neighbor" so we can figure out who to disregard or exclude. What happens when we stop allowing categories to define us and our actions? What is possible when we drop our assumptions of others...even our enemies?
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Like those Jesus called as disciples, it sometimes feels like we're being sent into a world that attacks and rejects his message. Jesus' advice is to shake off those encounters and see what happens when we continue to preach the Gospel.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost.
Do you feel as though life's stressful situations and headlines keep coming? Some words of wisdom from Wendell Berry and the example of Jesus give us an idea of how we can begin walking through life as a non-anxious presence.
After every tragedy, we hear countless people offer their thoughts and prayers. But what are we to think of prayer when the tragedies continue? Fr. Justin Crisp ponders if the era of miracles is over or if God is still finding ways to surprise us.
The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
Theologians and scholars have debated and discussed the doctrine of the Trinity for years. However, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are often understood best by simply looking at how they're alive through the mission and people of a church community.
The Feast of Pentecost | Youth Sunday
What started out as a letter-writing ministry between youth and elders impacted Taylor's life in a way she never imagined. Hear how two people from different generations became close friends and discovered connections they never knew about.
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
With the fast pace of our lives and so many tragedies happening, do we need to take a moment and let our souls catch up with us? What will it take to stir us from apathy to action? How can we live up to Jesus' prayer that we "may all be one"?
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Are you struggling to be at peace in today's world? Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you", but where do we look? A book written by Teresa of Avila in 1588 offers a spiritual journey to help us find it.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter.
Jesus calls us to a way of love that seems impossible. Beyond loving our enemies, we're expected to love one another the way Jesus loved us. Despite the long odds, this kind of love wins every time.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
We sometimes ask for signs that God really exists. Through Jesus, the world could see God at work and through the Church, today's world can still see Jesus at work. Events like May Fair are a reminder that God is using all of us to do incredible things.
The Second Sunday of Easter
The Biblical accounts of the resurrection and the Greek story of Elektra deal with themes of life and death. Though they end in very different ways, there is a common lesson about forgiveness that shouldn't be missed.
The Third Sunday of Easter
Commentators debate if John's story of Peter and Jesus is about forgiveness or guilt. What might we learn if we saw this as a story about love?
Easter Day.
See how three Greek words for “saw” show how the Resurrection dawned on Mary, John, and Peter and how it continues to dawn on us.
Maundy Thursday.
Are you "spiritual but not religious"? Do you prefer encountering God in nature instead of a church service? Maundy Thursday's ritual of washing feet reminds us that we are intimately connected with nature and one another, and there is no separation between God and us.
Good Friday.
Picture sin as being estranged from those we love. Where is God in our solitude? What awaits us when we're ready to face the darkened places of our soul?
The Great Vigil of Easter.
Salvation history is filled with stories of God's divine light accomplishing impossible things. Most amazing of all is what it does within each of us.
Performed by Ryland Angel
Used with kind permission from St. John's in the Village NYC.
Born on St Cecilia's day, the Grammy-nominated British counter-tenor Ryland Angel has built an international reputation on both the opera and concert stage, in repertoire ranging from the Baroque to new operatic commissions at major opera houses, concert halls, and festivals throughout Europe and the USA. He has performed in Monteverdi’s Orfeo, Gavin Bryars’s Doctor Ox’s Experiment (English National Opera), Fairy Queen (Barcelona), Gluck’s Orfeo (Koblenz), Amadigi (Karlsruhe), Venus and Adonis (Flanders Opera), Dido and Aeneas (Opera Comique), The Play of Daniel (Spoleto), and Ballet Comique de La Royne (Geneva). Angel has sung on over 80 recordings including the music of Buxtehude, Charpentier, Scarlatti, Stradella, Spears, O'Regan, Handel, Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, and on the film soundtracks of Jack Reacher, Zoolander 2, Freedom, Le Petit Prince, La Peau, Henry 4th, Machete, The Mystery of Dante, Gemini Man and the PBS TV special Heavenly Voices. Recent engagements include Doux Mensonges (Opera National de Paris), Agrippina (NYCO), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Florentine and Kansas Opera), Julius Caesar (Utah and Colorado Opera), Sant Alessio with William Christie (Paris, London, New York), Carmina Burana (Lincoln Center/Prague Proms), St. John Passion (Saint Thomas Church and Mechanics Hall), Classics and Rock (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra), and Messiah (Boston Symphony Hall & Carnegie Hall). Recent recordings include The Flaming Fire (MSR), Heart and Soul (Centaur) and Now Fatal Change (NMC), La Sposa (Solo Luminus), Bleed for the Throne (SXSW), and a recital at the National Gallery with Parthenia Viol consort. Recent creations include Tesla, Fatini Futuro, The Call, Including Words, and The Chant Project.
Performed by Ryland Angel
Used with kind permission from St. John's in the Village NYC.
Born on St Cecilia's day, the Grammy-nominated British counter-tenor Ryland Angel has built an international reputation on both the opera and concert stage, in repertoire ranging from the Baroque to new operatic commissions at major opera houses, concert halls, and festivals throughout Europe and the USA. He has performed in Monteverdi’s Orfeo, Gavin Bryars’s Doctor Ox’s Experiment(English National Opera), Fairy Queen (Barcelona), Gluck’s Orfeo (Koblenz), Amadigi (Karlsruhe), Venus and Adonis (Flanders Opera), Dido and Aeneas(Opera Comique), The Play of Daniel (Spoleto), and Ballet Comique de La Royne(Geneva). Angel has sung on over 80 recordings including the music of Buxtehude, Charpentier, Scarlatti, Stradella, Spears, O'Regan, Handel, Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, and on the film soundtracks of Jack Reacher, Zoolander 2, Freedom, Le Petit Prince, La Peau, Henry 4th, Machete, The Mystery of Dante, Gemini Man and the PBS TV special Heavenly Voices. Recent engagements include Doux Mensonges (Opera National de Paris), Agrippina(NYCO), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Florentine and Kansas Opera), Julius Caesar (Utah and Colorado Opera), Sant Alessio with William Christie (Paris, London, New York), Carmina Burana (Lincoln Center/Prague Proms), St. John Passion (Saint Thomas Church and Mechanics Hall), Classics and Rock (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra), and Messiah (Boston Symphony Hall & Carnegie Hall). Recent recordings include The Flaming Fire (MSR), Heart and Soul (Centaur) and Now Fatal Change (NMC), La Sposa (Solo Luminus), Bleed for the Throne(SXSW), and a recital at the National Gallery with Parthenia Viol consort. Recent creations include Tesla, Fatini Futuro, The Call, Including Words, and The Chant Project.
Performed by Ryland Angel
Born on St Cecilia's day, the Grammy-nominated British counter-tenor Ryland Angel has built an international reputation on both the opera and concert stage, in repertoire ranging from the Baroque to new operatic commissions at major opera houses, concert halls, and festivals throughout Europe and the USA. He has performed in Monteverdi’s Orfeo, Gavin Bryars’s Doctor Ox’s Experiment(English National Opera), Fairy Queen (Barcelona), Gluck’s Orfeo (Koblenz), Amadigi (Karlsruhe), Venus and Adonis (Flanders Opera), Dido and Aeneas(Opera Comique), The Play of Daniel (Spoleto), and Ballet Comique de La Royne(Geneva). Angel has sung on over 80 recordings including the music of Buxtehude, Charpentier, Scarlatti, Stradella, Spears, O'Regan, Handel, Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, and on the film soundtracks of Jack Reacher, Zoolander 2, Freedom, Le Petit Prince, La Peau, Henry 4th, Machete, The Mystery of Dante, Gemini Man and the PBS TV special Heavenly Voices. Recent engagements include Doux Mensonges (Opera National de Paris), Agrippina(NYCO), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Florentine and Kansas Opera), Julius Caesar (Utah and Colorado Opera), Sant Alessio with William Christie (Paris, London, New York), Carmina Burana (Lincoln Center/Prague Proms), St. John Passion (Saint Thomas Church and Mechanics Hall), Classics and Rock (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra), and Messiah (Boston Symphony Hall & Carnegie Hall). Recent recordings include The Flaming Fire (MSR), Heart and Soul (Centaur) and Now Fatal Change (NMC), La Sposa (Solo Luminus), Bleed for the Throne(SXSW), and a recital at the National Gallery with Parthenia Viol consort. Recent creations include Tesla, Fatini Futuro, The Call, Including Words, and The Chant Project.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent.
Think about this statement: "We learn how to die so we know how to live." The Christian tradition has much to say about facing death and, in doing so, we learn to recognize the gifts life presents to us.
The Fourth Sunday in Advent.
Most people have heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son...but why is it just the one son we focus on? When we consider the perspectives of the father and older son, we get a better glimpse at the shocking nature of the story and God's love.
The Third Sunday in Lent.
While some stories startle us into creating lasting change, we more often fall into patterns of blaming bad guys and victims. When Jesus calls for us to repent, he's asking us to change our hearts and minds...or maybe even go beyond that.
The Second Sunday in Lent.
Our daily headlines, filled with the tragic news of war, are a reminder that we will always have enemies to face, just as Jesus and St. Paul did. While we may repudiate the actions of our enemies, the courageous perseverance of Jesus reminds us that we should also seek to recognize their humanity.
The First Sunday in Lent.
Like Jesus' encounter with the Devil, the demons we face in life reveal things about who we are, who we've yet to become, and prepare us to help others who are fighting similar battles.
Ash Wednesday.
Beyond deciding what to give up or take on for Lent, is there a deeper meaning we're missing?
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany.
In a world where we're taught to be dazzled by the digital and impressed by imitations, many of us hunger for something real. Surprisingly, that realness can be found, and God can be perceived, in something as simple as a painting, a song, or even a moment of silence.
The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany.
How does Jesus demonstrate love in action? Through radical ideas like loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, turning the other cheek, and giving to those who steal from us. While this sounds like a lot to give, it's worth noting what we get in return.
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany.
What if someone told you that Jesus' body had just been found and identified? How would that affect a Christian identity that is shaped in many ways by the resurrection? Fr. Justin explores if Christianity is myth, fact, or a combination of both.
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
The 258th Annual Parish Meeting.
Fr. Peter Walsh reflects on the various ways St. Mark's has continued to thrive throughout this ever-changing pandemic and provides a look ahead at what 2022 has in store.
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.
St. Paul's passage on love in 1 Corinthians is usually associated with weddings. But the message from Jesus to his hometown and the teachings of modern-day mystic Thich That Hanh challenge us to have an even more expansive view of love.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
Whether we're rooting for or against them, there is something about Disney villains that we can't get enough of. But what happens when we start labeling and calling out "villains" in the real world? How might the words of St. Paul cause us to act differently?
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
Does Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine seem minor compared to his later ones? Not once we uncover how much meaning is hidden in plain sight!
The First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord.
The Second Sunday after Christmas.
The First Sunday after Christmas
Christmas Eve
The Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Bishop Laura Ahrens reflects on the story of the Little Drummer Boy and asks us to consider what we too might find as we journey to the manger.
The Third Sunday of Advent.
On this Sunday in Advent, which centers around "Joy", a bulldozer may not be the first image that comes to mind...but it may be the very thing we need.
The Second Sunday of Advent.
Fr. Peter Walsh takes a look at the people, the places, and the prophecy behind John the Baptist.
The First Sunday of Advent.
Scientists have many theories about how the world will end. Looking to the Bible's own language for the end of the world, we find there is still good news to be found.
The Last after Pentecost: Christ the King.
In the transition from ironically calling Christ a king to presenting him as a cosmic king, we became stuck seeing him as a literal king. How can rediscovering our sense of awe open our eyes to a more expansive view of Christ's kingship?
The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus paints an apocalyptic picture for his Disciples when he tells them that not one stone from the temple will be left. Fr. Peter Walsh explores how Jesus stands firm as our foundation even while other things seem to fall apart.
All Saints' Day.
Some of Jesus' advice sounds downright crazy...unless it's true. Hear why it's such a gamble for Christians to believe that God and eternal life are real and learn what it really means to love our enemies.
The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost.
In a time where we seem more divided than ever, a night of trick-or-treating can serve as the perfect reminder of Jesus' command to love our neighbors and engage in the practice of building community.
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost.
The Bible shows us many sides of Jesus. The version in today's passage, the Jericho Jesus, is exactly who we need to stand with us in the chaos of our lives.
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost.
Why do bad things happen to good people? The answer remains a mystery to us. Reflecting on the story of Job and on Jesus' words from the cross, we can begin to make some sense of how God is tied up in our suffering.
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost.
Are there things you're clinging to? Your social status, wealth, looks, or job? Jesus' challenge to a young man to sell all his possessions sounds shocking but it may mean the beginning of a new transformation for him.
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Various religious institutions have set boundaries around if and when divorce is acceptable. However, doing so ignores just how complex these decisions are for those who have to make them.
Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org.
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus' teachings about salt are some of his most baffling. Father Peter Walsh has avoided preaching on them for 30 years...until today.
Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org.
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.
How might our relationships change if we weren't afraid to ask questions of those who hold different opinions? How might this challenge the labels we put on one another?
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
"The Good News" wasn't always easy for the disciples to hear...or even understand. Today, we still wrestle with questions about Jesus' identity, what it means to be the Messiah, and how hard it is to follow him.
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What do we do when we encounter a piece of scripture that challenges our perfect image of Jesus? Do we choose to only see the good...or do we find the positive in having an imperfect Jesus?
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What is "true religion"? The Song of Solomon offers a view of love and community. Yet, Mark's Gospel warns us how religion can also divide.
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
John's Gospel uses a lot of bread images to describe Jesus. Unlike the other Gospels which focus on remembering Jesus in bread and wine, John asks us to see Jesus as bread himself, which feeds and unites Christians over many miles and years.
Walk in love
By Robert J. Powell (b. 1932)
Organist: Edward J. Tipton
Soprano: Mary Petro Noonan
Streamed under OneLicense A-734671
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus said, "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them" This has led to many questions and conflicting beliefs over the years. How did Jesus' central teaching get so complicated?
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus is "the bread of life"? Sometimes scripture raises more questions than answers. Guest preacher Dr. Charles A. Gillespie tells us, "An idea doesn't have to be fully explainable to be true or worth believing".
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Guest Preacher: Dr. Jewelle Bickel
One important lesson learned from baking is that we can't hold onto the final product forever. In life, how are we to respond when our identity is wrapped up in things that will fade?
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.
As unrealistic as Jesus feeding 5,000 people may sound, it serves as an important reminder that Jesus never turns his back on those who hunger both physically and spiritually. How might you do the same when breaking bread or sharing a meal with someone?
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost.
The advancements made over time have accelerated our lives faster than ever before. Maybe we could use the same advice Jesus gave his disciples: "Come away to a deserted place and rest a while."
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Throughout time, people like John the Baptist have spoken out when they saw something wrong in the world. How are we being called to do the same today?
Guest Preacher: John Schultz
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
This sermon is for anyone who has felt unwelcome, misunderstood, or rejected. Jesus teaches his disciples how to "shake it off" in these situations.
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
Human beings are creatures who learn through bodily, material means like touch. Have you ever considered the numerous ways we touch and come into contact with Jesus?
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
“Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Through the disciples' fears, we gain important insights into the identity of Jesus.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost.
Jack Harrison, one of St. Mark's youth, reflects on where God was throughout mission trips, service, and the struggles of the pandemic.
The Second Sunday after Pentecost.
What thoughts come your way on a sleepless night? Maybe these are the very things we keep ourselves distracted from in the frenzied pace of life. How can our lives better embrace the real rather than avoid it?
The First Day after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday.
Some things just can't be put into a box. How do we make sense of the divine? What if we rechristened the Trinity not as a doctrine but as a metaphor?
The Day of Pentecost.
What do prayers and the Holy Spirit have to do with surfing? How is the Spirit moving in your life?
The Seventh Sunday of Easter.
What if heaven was not so much a place "up there" but a new reality? How might we view loss if we saw death as a transition rather than an end?
The Sixth Sunday of Easter.
This Mother's Day sermon challenges us to expand our language of "God our mother" and explores how parenting can find joy in the midst of suffering and the times that aren't so fun.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter.
The story of Philip baptizing a eunuch sets a precedent for our Christian approach to sex, gender, and marriage. Are we asking the right questions about who a person is?
The Fourth Sunday of Easter.
In John's Gospel, Jesus describes himself using several "I am" statements. How can these lead us to know Jesus better and gain insights into our own lives?
The Third Sunday of Easter.
It's easy to get caught up in the miraculous nature of the Bible's resurrection accounts and fail to ask how they became life-changing for those involved. We're good at practicing Lent, but what does it mean to practice resurrection in our lives?
The Second Sunday of Easter.
A recent Gallop poll revealed membership in houses of worship has fallen below 50%. Admittedly, it's hard to have a relationship with what we can't see. However, we can experience God through the disciples' shared stories of Jesus.
The Great Vigil of Easter.
Christian faith doesn’t assume that life is going to be easy, or that God will never give us more than we can handle. Christian faith puts its hope in the inexhaustible power of Jesus’ resurrection to overcome whatever overcomes us—a second big bang whose full effects a hurting world awaits.
Maundy bThursday.
At his last supper, Jesus broke bread with his friends and gave them (and us) a way not just to remember him, but to enter the mystery of the brokenness of his cross. The Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Mass) is grace for broken people, places, and things.
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday.
For over a year, we've been told to avoid being in crowds. The stories surrounding this particular Sunday warn us about the dangers of mob mentality and the responsibility we all share.
Ryland Angel has been serving as our “virtual” tenor soloist since last August. He and our Director, Music Ministry, Ned Tipton, have known each other and performed frequently together for over thirty years, and initially met at the American Cathedral in Paris. Ryland has recorded the Passion Narrative from the Gospel according to St. Mark (Mark 14-16:8), set to an original chant. This monumental and deeply spiritual undertaking on Ryland’s part was done for St. Mark’s, and we are very grateful.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent.
In what has felt like perpetual Lent, how will respond to this crisis and what will become of the trials of the past year?
Guest Preacher: The Reverend John M. Kennedy III
The Third Sunday in Lent.
In this trip through John's Gospel, Fr. Peter Walsh challenges us to "unlearn what we know about Jesus".
Suffering and death? It might seem easier to avoid these things, but the Christian life teaches us this is not where the story ends.
The Second Sunday in Lent
The First Sunday in Lent.
Many of us tie our self-improvement to self-worth. How often do we feel that we're setting a bar we can never attain? Thankfully, God provides us all with grace in life rather than grades.
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany.
The disciple Peter has been criticized for his failure to understand Christ's transfiguration. However, we may be overlooking a moment of clarity he had on this mountaintop experience.
Ash Wednesday.
It may feel like we've been caught in an "endless Ash Wednesday" since last year. Traditional practices like fasting are meant to break our daily routines. However, with our daily routines already broken, perhaps this year calls for a new way of observing Lent.
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
When life tests us, is it God or the world? Is God hands off or hands on? Father Justin Crisp explores the complexities of God's power and involvement in the world.
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.
The 2021 State of the Parish Address - Look back on the challenges that faced St. Mark's in 2020 and how they rose to the occasion and fully embraced becoming a church without walls.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
What does it take to create a culture of God? We have many options available to us but not all mean following the way of Jesus. Which actions are a force for good and which are a force for destruction?
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
In the wake of the capitol riot on January 6, there have been calls for reconciliation, healing, and unification. Real reconciliation, however, is more than a commitment to remain in relationship. It also requires us to listen and speak honestly with one another in a shared pursuit of all that is good, beautiful, and true.
The First Sunday after the Epiphany.
Recent events have seen the walls of our democracy and government buildings torn apart. Many of our own citizens feel torn apart. The key to coming together may lie in Jesus, who didn't follow the left or right but followed the way of love.
The Third Sunday of Advent.
This year, the words of Johnny Mathis ring especially true: "We need a little Christmas". The theme for the third Sunday of Advent, "Joy", gives us a much needed respite in a year that has seen a great deal of struggle.
The Second Sunday of Advent.
A story of how one word can help during our greatest times of trial.
The First Sunday of Advent.
Many people live by the mantra, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". But the story of Jesus, the light of the world, being born at night, speaks to how he intervenes when things seem darkest.
Solist: Mary Petro Noonan, Soprano
Organist: Edward J. Tipton
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King
Jesus altered not only the course of human history but the course of our hearts. Our lives of service not only reveal what we do for others but what we do for God.
The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety? Father Justin Crisp explores a parable about fear and how anxiety can keep us from living lives of joy and gladness.
The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost.
Are you in the need for some spiritual strength? Sometimes the parables of Jesus can feel like a punch that wakes us from our fatigue.
Listen, Learn, and Love: How to Disagree Well in a Polarized World (Session 4 of 4).
In each of 4 sessions, Dr. Jewelle Bickel will teach you how to disagree better—not to win all your arguments, but to seek the truth in your disagreements, which will require you to think virtuously.
All Saints' Day.
The Autumn Triduum, Allhallowtide, doesn't sound very cheerful. We're invited to linger in an uncomfortable place where we pray for the dead and reflect on the impermanence of life. However, embracing it may surprise you.
Listen, Learn, and Love: How to Disagree Well in a Polarized World (Session 3 of 4).
In each of 4 sessions, Dr. Jewelle Bickel will teach you how to disagree better—not to win all your arguments, but to seek the truth in your disagreements, which will require you to think virtuously.
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost.
Do you have a "promised land" that you believe your journey is bringing you toward? What is the ultimate promised land of our souls?
Listen, Learn, and Love: How to Disagree Well in a Polarized World (Session 2 of 4).
In each of 4 sessions, Dr. Jewelle Bickel will teach you how to disagree better—not to win all your arguments, but to seek the truth in your disagreements, which will require you to think virtuously.
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost.
What do our financial lives say about us? How much does our use of money bear the image of Christ?
Listen, Learn, and Love: How to Disagree Well in a Polarized World (Session 1 of 4).
In each of 4 sessions, Dr. Jewelle Bickel will teach you how to disagree better—not to win all your arguments, but to seek the truth in your disagreements, which will require you to think virtuously.
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
It's been a tough year for weddings and other social gatherings. Through Jesus' parable about a wedding banquet, Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey helps us understand the need to pause and notice how God is working in and around us.
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Eyeglasses come with a variety of filters that alter how we see the world. What would it be like to own God Goggles with a Francis filter that help us see, feel, think, and know our world the way St. Francis did?
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.
No matter how the world changes, some things within the church never do. We're called to the table where our divisions are put aside and God's mercy finds us all.
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What if our priorities were more in line with God's? Rather than our goal in life being to outdo one another, it would be to become more loving.
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
2020 has caused us to react with a variety of feelings. Now that we're feeling them, what do we do?
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
This Labor Day sermon examines the transformation that happens in us when we take a break from our labors.
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
What in your life feeds the ego and starves your soul? What things are tempting you away from the life God is calling you to?
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
Have you ever considered how much power your words have? Through personal experiences and Biblical examples, this sermon explores how the names we give people can build them up, tear them down, and reveal their greatest potential.
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.
The Bible provides several accounts of prejudice and racist attitudes. What does "the Way" of following Christ tell us about facing such things?
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost.
We often view faith as stepping out into the unknown. With everything 2020 has brought so far, maybe faith is more about facing the storms of life right where we are and knowing that Christ is with us.
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.
Jacob's journey in the book of Genesis is filled with wrestling, limping, and transformation; the very things many of us are experiencing right now.
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
When asked how we are, many of us feel like responding with sighs and groans. These responses actually contain a spirituality we all need.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
What do a new puppy and a field of wheat have in common? Stories about how, through patience and grace, even the worst parts of us have a chance to become good.
This Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
How can the parable of a sower tossing seed all over help us embrace the random, wasteful, and utterly confusing nature of our lives?
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
Over time, our country has worked toward a more perfect union with one another in which we recognize that all are created equal. To those who are weary from this long struggle, Jesus asks us to bind ourselves to him and lighten the burden.
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
Amid the unrest in our country, the prophets of old can help us understand the righteous rage and spiritual warfare we're witnessing.
Father Peter interviews Lise Leist and Tom Jones for the final session of Talking About Race in America.
Lise Leist is Director of Post Secondary Education, Future 5, and has the responsibility for engagement, development and membership experience for Future 5–Stamford area high school students. Prior to joining Future 5, Lise served as Dean of Community Affairs for King School as a leader in education and understanding of innovative and adaptable diversity education curricula. Lise is a thought leader in diversity and inclusion focusing on the inclusions paradox, tapping into various cultural perspectives.
Tom Jones is author of From Willard Straight to Wall Street which provides a front row seat to the author's triumphs and struggles as he was twice investigated by the SEC and emerged unscathed. His searing perspective as an African American navigating a world dominated by whites reveals a father, a husband, a trusted colleague, a Cornellian, and a business leader who confronts life with an unwavering resolve that defies cliché and offers a unique perspective on the issues of race in America today.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost.
The Old Testament doesn't shy away from showing the flaws of our ancestors. Instead, it uses these stories to teach how God constantly sees and hears the call of the oppressed.
Father Peter interviews Lise Leist and Tom Jones on Talking About Race in America.
Lise Leist is Director of Post Secondary Education, Future 5, and has the responsibility for engagement, development and membership experience for Future 5–Stamford area high school students. Prior to joining Future 5, Lise served as Dean of Community Affairs for King School as a leader in education and understanding of innovative and adaptable diversity education curricula. Lise is a thought leader in diversity and inclusion focusing on the inclusions paradox, tapping into various cultural perspectives.
Tom Jones is author of From Willard Straight to Wall Street which provides a front row seat to the author's triumphs and struggles as he was twice investigated by the SEC and emerged unscathed. His searing perspective as an African American navigating a world dominated by whites reveals a father, a husband, a trusted colleague, a Cornellian, and a business leader who confronts life with an unwavering resolve that defies cliché and offers a unique perspective on the issues of race in America today.
The Second Sunday after Pentecost.
In a world on fire from a pandemic, racial injustice and inequality, an ecological crisis, public distrust, and political polarization, the best advice for the class of 2020 is not “Go save the world” but rather “Be who God created you to be”.
Father Peter interviews Tom Jones on Talking About Race in America. Jones is author of From Willard Straight to Wall Street which provides a front row seat to the author's triumphs and struggles as he was twice investigated by the SEC and emerged unscathed. His searing perspective as an African American navigating a world dominated by whites reveals a father, a husband, a trusted colleague, a Cornellian, and a business leader who confronts life with an unwavering resolve that defies cliché and offers a unique perspective on the issues of race in America today.
The First Sunday after Pentecost.
Father Justin challenges us to ask, "Where has God been in the past two weeks?" and examines what it means to seek the face of Christ.
Father Peter interviews Tom Jones on Talking About Race in America. Jones is author of From Willard Straight to Wall Street which provides a front row seat to the author's triumphs and struggles as he was twice investigated by the SEC and emerged unscathed. His searing perspective as an African American navigating a world dominated by whites reveals a father, a husband, a trusted colleague, a Cornellian, and a business leader who confronts life with an unwavering resolve that defies cliché and offers a unique perspective on the issues of race in America today.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
The Day of Pentecost.
This sermon explores what the Holy Spirit is and how we're to use the gifts of the Spirit.
The Seventh Sunday of Easter.
In this sermon about imagination, we're invited to see more in the ascension story than what we read in ink on the page.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
Father Peter interviews parishioner and sports radio host Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo. Hear what sports radio is like with many sports on hold, how these sports may adjust and reopen, what we might expect from colleges and high schools, and more.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
Leila Dann, our preacher for Youth Sunday, discusses her struggle to find the presence of God in the midst of anxiety and depression.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter.
This Mother's Day sermon examines the language we use for moms and God. Perhaps both can be summed up in one word: Love.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter.
Like the movie Home Alone, it can feel like we're trying to fend off a host of bad things that want to make their way inside our homes. John's gospel provides some insights on Jesus that can teach us how to cope.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
The Third Sunday of Easter.
The story of two disciples, coping with the loss of Jesus, helps us face the loss many of us are dealing with during the pandemic.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
The Second Sunday of Easter.
In his sermon on "Doubting Thomas", Father Justin challenges us to reframe our question of "Does God exist?" to "Have we met?".
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
Father Peter and Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, once again sit down to address many of the questions viewers are writing in with.
Easter Sunday.
What do you consider weird? The economy? Professional sports? Love? The "weirdness" of the resurrection helps us understand what it means to live in a world that doesn't always make sense.
Good Friday.
How do we acknowledge good things happening in the world without mitigating the great suffering many are going through? Good Friday provides an answer.
Maundy Thursday.
Our practices of washing one another's feet, sharing in Christ's body and blood, and staying awake with Jesus though weary all feel out of reach this year in light of "social distancing". Yet, we do have a choice in how we respond to our current situation.
Palm Sunday.
We spend all year asking Jesus to walk with us during our darkest times. During Holy Week, Jesus calls us to walk with him during his
Father Peter and Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, once again sit down to address many of the questions viewers are writing in with.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent.
Today's story from John's Gospel helps answer two questions: Who is Jesus and what did he come to bring us? For anyone who currently feels tied up in knots, you may find the answers lead you to being unbound.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Father Peter breaks down the 23rd psalm and how timely its words are in light of our global pandemic.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to further discuss COVID-19 and field a variety of questions from viewers.
The Third Sunday in Lent.
Father Peter offers pastoral and theological reflections on the role of the church during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Father Peter interviews Mike Handler, Director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak and response.
The Second Sunday in Lent. What does your path to spiritual growth look like? Is it something you charge into or slowly develop over time?
The First Sunday in Lent. In a world that promotes shame and contempt, how can we break the cycle?
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany. What would it be like to lay your eyes on the divine?