Sunday Sermons at All Saints: Recent Episodes
All Saints Jax
All Saints Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida is a welcoming family of Christians whose mission is to worship and serve God. We are called by Christ to grow spiritually, to share our life with others, and to make known his love through word and deed. Join us!
The Fourth Sunday of Advent - Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
The Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7,18-19, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12
The First Sunday of Advent - Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44
The Final Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King Sunday - Jeremiah 23:1-6, Canticle 16, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43
The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 28 - Isaiah 65:17-25, Canticle 9, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19
All Saints Sunday, Year C - Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Psalm 149, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 26 - Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 25 - Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 24 - Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, Luke 18:1-8
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 23 - Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-11, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 22 - Lamentations 1:1-16, Psalm 137:1-7, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 20: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, Psalm 79:1-9, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 19: Jeremiah 4:11-12,22-28, Psalm 14, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 17: Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 16: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 14: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 12: Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85, Colossians 2:6-19, Luke 11:1-13
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 10: Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37
The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday: Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15
The Seventh Sunday of Easter: Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26
Easter Sunday: Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Luke 24:1-12
Maundy Thursday: Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 116: 1, 10-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13: 1-17, 31b-35
The Third Sunday of Lent: Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 63:1-8, I Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9
The First Sunday of Lent: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13
The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany: Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42, I Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50, Luke 6:27-38
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138, I Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11
The First Sunday after Christmas: Isaiah 61:10-63:2, Psalm 147:13-21, Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7, John 1:1-18
The Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Canticle 9, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18
The First Sunday of Advent: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 24:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36
Christ the King Sunday - The Last Sunday of Pentecost: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 93, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37
The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 28: Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-8
Annual Bishop's Visitation - The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 26: Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 25: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52
Sermon for the Ordination to the Priesthood of the Rev'd Sarah Cheney Minton - Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 132:8-19, Philippians 4:4-9, Matthew 9:35-38
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 23: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, Psalm 90:12-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 22: Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 8, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 21: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29, Psalm 19:7-14, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 16: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9, Psalm 15, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 16: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18, Psalm 34:15-22, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 15: Proverbs 9:1-6 Psalm 34:9-14 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 14: 1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25-5:2, John 6:35, 41-51
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 13 Exodus 16:2-4,9-15 Psalm 78:23-29 Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 12 2 Kings 4:42-44 Psalm 145:10-19 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 11 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 10 Amos 7:7-15 Psalm 85:8-13 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 9 Lessons: Ezekiel 2:1-5 Psalm 123 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 8 Lessons: Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15; 2:23-24 Psalm 30 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43
The Third Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 6 Lessons: Ezekiel 17:22-24 Psalm 92:1-4, 11-14 2 Corinthians 5:6-10,14-17 Mark 4:26-34
Second Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 5 Lessons: Genesis 3:8-15 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Mark 3:20-35
The First Sunday after Pentecost - Trinity Sunday Lessons: Isaiah 6:1-8 Psalm 29 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17
The Day of Pentecost - Whitsunday Lessons: Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:25-35,37 Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
The Seventh Sunday of Easter - The Sunday after the Ascension Lessons: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Psalm 1 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19
The Second Sunday of Easter Lessons: Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31
EASTER SUNDAY Lessons: Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 John 20:1-18
Maundy Thursday Lessons: Exodus 12:1-4,11-14 Psalm 116:1,10-17 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17,31b-35
Palm Sunday Lessons: Mark 11:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 14:1-15:47
The Fourth Sunday of Lent Lessons: Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21
The Third Sunday of Lent Lessons: Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22
The Second Sunday of Lent Lessons: Genesis 17:1-7,15-16 Psalm 22:22-30 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38
The First Sunday of Lent Lessons: Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-9 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15
Ash Wednesday Lessons: Joel 2:1-2,12-17 Psalm 103 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany - Transfiguration Sunday Lessons: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Lessons: Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-12, 21c I Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39
Third Sunday after the Epiphany Lessons: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:6-14 I Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Second Sunday after the Epiphany Lessons: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51
The Second Sunday after Christmas/Epiphany Sunday
Lessons: Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm 84:1-8 Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a Matthew 2:1-12
The First Sunday after Christmas
Lessons: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147:13-21 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18
Christmas Day - 10am Holy Eucharist
Lessons: Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-12 John 1:1-14
Christmas Eve - 9pm Holy Eucharist
Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 98 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lessons: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Canticle 15 "The Song of Mary" Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38
The Third Sunday of Advent
Lessons: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28
The Second Sunday of Advent
Lessons: Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2,8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
The First Sunday of Advent Year B Lessons: Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7,16-18 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37
Christ the King Sunday Proper 29 Lessons: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 28 Lessons: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm 123 I Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost Proper 27 Lessons: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Psalm 78:1-7 I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13
The Feast of All Saints Lessons: Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10,22 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Lessons: Exodus 33:12-23 Psalm 99 I Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22
The Ten Commandments in the Hebrew Bible are usually remembered most for all the "Thou Shall Nots" they contain. But what if the Decalogue given by God to Moses in the Book of Exodus was never meant to be as restrictive as it was meant to be affirming for how God's people can grow in a deeper relationship with God and our neighbor? That certainly seems to be how Jesus read the Decalogue when he condensed all of the laws of Moses into the Two Great Commandments in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, & Luke. Hear how Fr. Donavan understands this important, meaningful relationship between Jesus, Moses, and all of us today! (Proper 22; 10/4/20). Lessons: Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20 Psalm 80:7-14 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46
This past Sunday, Fr. Donavan got hooked on the very first sentence of the reading from the Book of Exodus in the first reading from the Hebrew Bible: “From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded.” Have a listen to his sermon now to find out how he connects this one sentence with the struggles we as Christians continue to face in the world and in our life of faith today! (Proper 21; 9/27/20). Lessons: Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 78:1-4,12-16 Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32
For this Sunday, Fr. Donavan takes on Jesus' tough parable of the laborers in the vineyard. What is God doing when God chooses that the last will be first and the first will be last? How does Jesus use this teaching to turn the world's approach to fairness upside down and open up everyone to God's amazing grace and generosity?(Proper 20; 9/20/20). Lessons: Exodus 16:2-15 Psalm 105:1-6,37-4 Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-16
For the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Fr. Donavan dives into the power and force of water, in ancient times and right now! God's movement over the water, in the story from the Book of Exodus of Moses and the parting of the Red Sea, as well as in the great sacrament of Baptism, shows us the great hope God promises for all of us who trust him and who give ourselves fully to Jesus. (Proper 19; 9/13/20). Lessons: Exodus 14:19-31 Psalm 114 Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35
The hardest thing to do in our world today is to truly forgive and reconcile with someone we disagree with or who has offended us. In this past Sunday's Gospel, Jesus is very practical and straight forward in telling his disciples how they/we should reconcile with those who hurt and offend us, especially in the church. Fr. Donavan wades into this hard teaching in his sermon, and combining it with the passages from Romans and a good Jewish Folktale, tries to clarify and make it easier for us to see just how important Jesus' way truly is for a struggling, offended world and for the church! (Proper 18; 9/6/20).
Lessons: Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 149 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20
In his letter to the Romans, Paul describes how Christians act differently. Mtr. Lisa, in her last sermon at All Saints, talks about why it is important that we try to do these actions, and she says goodbye to the parish. (Proper 17; 8/30/20).
Lessons: Exodus 3:1-15 Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28
Opportunity cost. It's all around us. But what does modern day economic thought have to do with Paul's ancient letter to the Romans? Mtr. Lisa explores this connection and discusses what Paul means by demanding we make ourselves a living sacrifice. (Proper 16, Year A; 8/23/20).
Lessons: Exodus 1:8-2:10 Psalm 124 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20
How many times have we been reminded by our parents, teachers, &, maybe, our spouse and our family members that simply saying the right words is meaningless if we don't follow those words up with action? In this divisive election year, Fr. Donavan turns to a particularly tough Gospel reading for this past Sunday to try and connect words said with lives truly changed and transformed. (Proper 15, 8/20/2020).
Lessons: Genesis 45:1-15 Psalm 133 Romans 11:1-2a,29-32 Matthew 15:10-28
Yes, Jesus can walk on water, but how does that help us when we're in the midst of a storm? Mtr. Lisa explores what this well known Gospel lesson can tell us about Jesus, and what happens when he calls us out of the boat. (Proper 14, 8/9/2020).
Lessons: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33
In the trials and tribulations (and tropical storms) we are facing today, many in the church may be finding themselves struggling with a serious crisis of faith! Fr. Donavan turns again to the book of Genesis and the important story of Jacob to show us that wrestling with God in times of uncertainty, worry, and fear isn't just what Jacob did, it is what EVERY follower of God must do throughout their faith journey to get beyond all the devil throws at us! And if you want to meet someone today who is constantly wrestling with God and faith, just talk to your parish priest or pastor. (Proper 13; 8/2/20)
Lessons: Genesis 32:22-31 Psalm 17:1-7,16 Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:13-21
There's nothing like a week away in the mountains to give you some clarity, purpose, and perspective. Sometimes scripture can do the same. Mtr. Lisa discusses Paul's letter to the Romans, what this portion of scripture can tell us about God, and what hummingbirds and Christians can have in common. (7/26/20; Proper 12).
Lessons: Genesis 29:15-28 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
Fr. Donavan returns to the Book of Genesis on the 7th Sunday after Pentecost. Taking on the importance of dreams, both in our lives and in the Bible, Fr. D explores the amazing story of Jacob's dream of stairway to heaven, and how the dream's meaning for Jacob can also, through Jesus, be its meaning for us in these strange and uncertain times! (Proper 11; 7/19/20)
Lessons: Genesis 28:10-19a Psalm 139:1-11,22-23 Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30,36-43
To be a gardener in Florida is to always be an optimist, especially in the summertime! The sower in Jesus' parable may not be a Floridian, but he sure is optimistic. Mtr. Lisa explores the lessons we can learn from the parable of the sower and spreading the word of God. (Proper 10; 7/12/20).
Lessons: Genesis 25:19-34 Psalm 119:105-112 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
When the going gets tough, the tough get going... right? Many of us like to flaunt our strength, or our wealth, or our power, especially when we are feeling weak or powerless. But how does God want us to respond to our feelings of vulnerability? Mtr. Lisa discusses what Jesus tells us about carrying heavy burdens in a time when we are all overloaded. (Proper 9; 4/5/2020).
Lessons: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
With cases of COVID-19 growing in NE Florida & dust clouds from African deserts flying over our head, you may be wondering what in the world God has in mind for us in these strange days! Fr. Donavan picks up those questions and takes us through hard questions we still ask of God when we read the story of God testing Abraham with his son Isaac in the Book of Genesis. Does God still test the faith of his disciples? What about Jesus, the Lamb of God, and the cross? And can all of that somehow bring us closer to finding an answer for the hard questions we might find ourselves asking God right now? (Proper 8; 6/28/20).
Lessons: Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42
Even in a country that still claims to have more Christians than any other religious group, being a Christian who truly tries to put your faith first is not at all easy. In these trying times, Fr. Donavan dives into the serious requirements for being a disciple of Jesus, and why they are so incredibly important right now more than ever before. (Proper 7; 6/21/20).
Lessons: Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 86:1-10,16-17 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39
Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? That's the question our scripture leaves us asking this Sunday. Mtr. Lisa discusses what role we play to bring about the kingdom and the importance of knowing some latin. (Proper 6; 6/14/20).
Lessons: Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) Psalm 116:1, 10-17 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23)
It’s Trinity Sunday...again, and this year, Fr. Donavan gives up on trying to explain the make up of the Triune God and focuses instead on the importance and meaning of the relationship of the Trinity. If our God is known in the loving unity and relationship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, how are we as Christians called upon to live in loving relationship and unity with our sisters and brothers and with all of God’s creation made in God’s image? (Trinity; 6/7/20).
Lessons: Genesis 1:1-2:4a 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20 Psalm 8
This Pentecost Sunday, the first Sunday when the doors of All Saints were open again for limited numbers, Fr. Donavan called on the Holy Spirit to deliver us during the current pain, struggle and division in our community and in our country. Reeling from the senseless murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and over 100,000 dead from COVID-19, what can the People of God possibly do to promote reconciliation and hope in our world? Fr. Donavan believes we must begin by repenting and laying out our political divisions, racism, and fear at the foot of the cross. Only then can we return to God in Jesus Christ and, following the Holy Spirit, restore the opportunity for a rebirth of the church and the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven, for all of the children of God. (Pentecost; 5/31/20).
Lessons: Acts 2:1-21 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 7:37-39 Psalm 104:25-35, 37
Change can be scary, but change is inevitable. So what can we do when life can't go back to "normal"? Mtr. Lisa discusses what we can learn from the disciples at the ascension of Jesus. (Easter 7; 5/24/20).
Lessons: Acts 1:6-14 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11 Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36
Many of us have been overcome by feelings of loneliness during this time, but are we ever truly alone? Mtr. Lisa discusses the end of Jesus's farewell discourse and his promise to send us another companion. (Easter 6, 5/17/20).
Lessons: Acts 17:22-31 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21 Psalm 66:7-18
5th Sunday of Easter (5/10/20).
Lessons: Acts 7:55-60 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
Psalm 23 is a familiar psalm, but what does it say about us? What does it say about God? Mtr. Lisa digs into the importance of our own identity, and how Psalm 23 can help us to become the beloved children God wants us to be. (Easter 4; 5/3/20).
Lessons: Acts 2:42-47 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10 Psalm 23
Fr. Donavan dives into the Road to Emmaus story in Luke’s Gospel while considering the COVID-19 face masks we are all being asked to wear today! In the midst of the worry and uncertainty present right now, can we still recognize Jesus walking beside us on the road? Can we still feel Jesus warming our hearts even when we can’t physically receive the blessed and broken bread right now He is so perfectly revealed in? Find out what good news the Road to Emmaus story in Luke’s Gospel is offering us today in this 2020 Easter season. (Easter 3; April 26, 2020).
Lessons: Acts 2:14a,36-41 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35 Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17
Scripture is full of stories of folks who, for one reason or another, are locked inside for fear of the outside world. This Second Sunday of Easter, Mtr. Lisa explores one particular story of when some folks were hunkered down in their house with the windows shuttered and the doors locked. (Easter 2; April 19, 2020).
Lessons: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 Psalm 16
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday (April 5, 2020)
Lessons: The Liturgy of the Palms Matthew 21:1-11 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
The Liturgy of the Word Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 27:11-54 Psalm 31:9-16
Where do we find hope in the midst of a pandemic, when we are separated from friends and family, when we are grieving the loss of our normal lives? Mtr. Lisa explores this question as she takes us through the stories of Ezekiel, Lazarus, and the psalmist. (Lent 5; 3/29/20).
Lessons: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Psalm 130
For those of you who haven’t had a chance to watch Fr. Donavan’s Sunday sermon from our first virtual church service, you can listen to it now right here. Fr. D’s message during this time of fear and uncertainty has been with us since the time of the Prophet Samual and King David, and it is the heart of the good news of Jesus Christ. No matter what we face, God is with us, and we are never alone! (Lent 4; 3/22/20).
Lessons: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Psalm 23
What could scripture possibly have to say about scary times such as these?!?! Wash your hands and join Mother Lisa as she discusses why you should stop hoarding toilet paper and instead hope, trust, and surrender. (Lent 3; 3/15/20).
Lessons: Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 Psalm 95
This past Sunday, Fr. Donavan preached on the deep meaning found in the story of Nicodemus who first came to Jesus “by night” in John 3:1-17. How can we as Christians be born again in this Lenten season and our growing discipleship in a darkened world? (Lent 2; 3/8/20).
Lessons: Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17 Psalm 121
"Hi, my name is Lisa. And I'm a sinner." How would church be different if instead of putting our best foot forward, we instead acknowledged our brokenness and our need for a Savior? Mtr. Lisa explores the hold sin has over us, our inability to save ourselves, and our desperate need for the grace of God. (Lent 1; 3/1/20).
Lessons: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Psalm 32
Are you the same person you were five years ago? While Jesus may have been the one transfigured on the mountain top, Mother Lisa explores how other lives have been truly transformed by witnessing the glory of God. (Last Epiphany; 2/23/20).
Lessons: Exodus 24:12-18 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9 Psalm 99
This Sunday, Fr. Donavan was down in the middle of congregation again, taking on some of the toughest passages from this Sunday’s portion of Jesus’ much-loved ‘Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew’s Gospel. How can we, as regular human beings, ever fulfill Jesus’ expansion of the God’s laws given to Moses in the Torah? Maybe the answer is meant to come to us as Christians only when we realize we can’t without God’s amazing grace! (Epiphany 6; 2/16/20).
Lessons: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 Psalm 119:1-8
This past Sunday, Fr. Donavan took on the advice of a good friend to always keep Sunday sermons brief! In our busy, overbooked lives, it’s no wonder we want our Sunday morning church time to be short and to point like our trip to the grocery store! But is that really the right way to be fed, to pray and to worship our God and Savior? Have a listen, and see how Fr. Donavan turns to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to answer that question. (Epiphany 5; 2/9/20).
Lessons: Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12] 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16] Matthew 5:13-20 Psalm 112:1-9, (10)
Proverbs 13:12 says "Hope deferred makes the heart sick..." and perhaps no one knew that verse better than Simeon. Mother Lisa explores what Simeon may have been thinking the day he set eyes on baby Jesus at the temple on this Feast of the Presentation. (2/2/20; Presentation).
Lessons: Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 Psalm 24:7-10
This past Sunday, Fr. Donavan, using the story from Matthew’s Gospel of the first disciples who left everything to follow Jesus, took on the modern American myth of self-sufficiency & independence! Can we really accomplish anything we set our minds to by simply believing in ourselves above everything else? Peter, Andrew, James, & John surely faced that same dilemma, and they chose to leave their nets and fishing boats and follow Jesus to “fish for people.” Find out why Jesus continues to call on us to the same. (Epiphany 3; 1/26/20).
Lessons: Isaiah 9:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23 Psalm 27:1, 5-13
We all remember the rubber bracelets with "WWJD" stamped on them, but what if we asked ourselves What Would John the Baptist Do instead? Mother Lisa explores what we can learn from John the Baptist, and how he might be a more attainable model for us to emulate. (Epiphany 2; 1/19/20).
Lessons: Isaiah 49:1-7 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42 Psalm 40:1-12
This past Sunday, Fr. Donavan took to the floor of the church to preach an extemporaneous sermon on the deep meaning of Holy Baptism. Listen to the sermon again here, and find out why Fr. D feels it is so important for all of us who have been baptized to always remember the hope and promise the baptismal waters reveal to us as Christians. (Baptism of our Lord; 1/12/20).
Lessons: Isaiah 42:1-9 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17 Psalm 29
There was a lot to celebrate this second Sunday after Christmas/Epiphany! Fr. Donavan talks all about the visiting wisemen and the joy and light of the Epiphany season! (Christmas 2; 1/5/20).
Lessons: Jeremiah 31:7-14 Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a Matthew 2:1-12 Psalm 84
On this dreary, dark, rainy First Sunday after Christmas, Mtr. Lisa explores her love of Christmas lights... and the prologue of John! (Christmas 1; 12/29/19).
Lessons: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18 Psalm 147:13-21
On Christmas Day, Mtr. Lisa preached on the mystery of Jesus- one that John can only describe in the poetry of his prologue! (Christmas 3; 12/25/19; 10am).
Lessons: Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrews 1:1-4,(5-12) John 1:1-14 Psalm 98
At the 10pm Christmas Eve Eucharist, Fr. Donavan took on the important connection we must understand between Luke’s Nativity Story heard on Christmas Eve and the deeper story of the Word made flesh from the first chapter of John’s gospel read on Christmas morning. (Christmas I; 12/24/19; 10pm).
Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14(15-20) Psalm 96
At the early Christmas Eve service, Fr. D joined the children in the Christmas pageant, shared a couple of his favorite Christmas gifts from the past (flashlights!), and told the story of Christ’s penetrating light that first came to us at the Nativity in Bethlehem. (Christmas I; 12/24/19; 5pm).
Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14(15-20) Psalm 96
Most of us have a hard time even choosing a babysitter, so how did God choose Joseph to care for his only son? Deacon Mark explores what we know about Joseph, and how Joseph lived into his role as earthly father of Jesus. (Advent 4; 12/22/19).
Lessons: Isaiah 7:10-16 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
We like to think of Mary as meek and mild... but how about as Mary, Queen of the Universe? Mtr. Lisa explores the many layers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of our Lord and discusses what we can learn from her. (Advent 3; 12/15/19).
Lessons: Isaiah 35:1-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Canticle 15
For the Second Sunday of Advent, Fr. Donavan focuses in on this season’s greatest prophet, John the Baptist, and the many comings of Christ in our lives for which we need to be ready for now! (2 Advent; 12/8/19).
Lessons: Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
The Advent season is the time to reflect on how we are living our lives, whether we are following the will of God, and how we can refocus or reprioritize in order to be better disciples. Mtr. Lisa explores the gift of the Advent season and how we can live fully into Advent this year. (Advent 1, 12/1/2019).
Lessons: Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44 Psalm 122
This past Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the Christian year, Fr. Donavan preached on the true Kingship of Christ, as revealed by His Passion on the Cross in Luke’s Gospel. (Proper 29; 11/24/19).
Lessons: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Canticle 16 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43
This past Sunday, Fr. Donavan told a story about a Christian tract entitled “Is your home Rapture Ready?” which he found in a Bible his Pentecostal grandmother had given him before he went to seminary. As we approach the end of the Christian year this upcoming Christ the King Sunday, what is the Good News of Jesus when we encounter Apocalyptic passages in the Bible? (Proper 28; 11/17/19).
Lessons: Isaiah 65:17-25 Canticle 9 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19
On All Saints' Day, we remember all of the faithful who have gone before us... but where does that leave the rest of us who miss them? Mtr. Lisa discusses just how thin the veil that separates the living from the dead can be. (All Saints' Day; 11/3/19).
Lessons: Daniel 7:1-3,15-18 Psalm 149 Ephesians 1:11-23 Luke 6:20-31
Fr. Donavan dives into the struggle between faith & prayer for recognition against faith & prayer for restoration and forgiveness in this past Sunday’s well known parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the Gospel of Luke. (Proper 25; 10/27/19).
Lessons: Joel 2:23-32 Psalm 65 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 Luke 18:9-14
We can work like it all depends on us, and pray like it all depends on God... but then what? Mtr. Lisa talks about our struggle to trust God, and how we can find peace in doing so. (Proper 24, 10/20/19).
Lessons: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Psalm 119:97-104 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Luke 18:1-8
This past Sunday, Fr. Donavan preached on the Gospel of Luke's story of Jesus and the healing of ten lepers. Only one turned back to Jesus to praise God and give thanks. How often do we cry out for God's help and then forget to return our praise and thanksgiving? Listen to Fr. D's sermon now and find out how remembering to thank God is one more part of Christian discipleship that can transform our lives.
We all have periods of worry, or pain, or anger in our life. But where is God in those times? Mtr. Lisa explores the necessity of God's presence in our darkest hours through the book of Lamentations and Psalm 137. (Proper 22; 10/6/19)
Lessons: Lamentations 1:1-6 Psalm 137 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10
How do we find contentment in a culture that is constantly telling us that we are not good enough or do not have enough? Mtr. Lisa explores our desire for more, and our search for enough. (Proper 21; 9/29/19)
Lessons: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31
On Sunday, Fr. Donavan, with the big help of the Apostle Paul and his first letter to Timothy, called on all of us to find a way to make prayer the most important part of our day, each and every day. (Proper 20; 9/22/19).
Lessons: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 Psalm 79:1-9 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13
Jesus is telling stories again and this time it is about lost animals and objects! Mtr. Lisa plays around with these parables and discusses what these stories have to say, not about us, but about the nature of God. (Proper 19, 9/15/19).
Lessons: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Psalm 14 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-10
Surely Jesus doesn't want us to hate our family members?!?! Then what does he mean when he says: "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple"? Fr. Donavan explores this very important lesson from Jesus in this week's Sunday sermon. (Proper 18, 9/8/19)
Lessons: Jeremiah 18:1-11 Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 Philemon 1-21 Luke 14:25-33
Fr. Donavan’s sermon for his second Sunday home looks at the importance of detachment from “stuff” in order for us to have more attachment to God and to what the Letter to the Hebrews identifies as “mutual love” for others. (Proper 17, 9/1/19)
Lessons: Jeremiah 2:4-13 Psalm 81:1, 10-16 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14
Fr. Donavan returned this Rally Day Sunday at All Saints! Hear him talk about his time of rest and rejuvenation while on Sabbatical and how today is the perfect time to get excited about following Christ. (Proper 16, 8/25/19).
Lessons: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 Hebrews 12:18-29 Luke 13:10-17
Judgment, hardship, division... who picked out these readings anyway? Mtr. Lisa discusses the difficult nature of scripture, faith, and relationships, and how we must resist division. (Proper 15, 8/18/19).
Lessons: Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18 Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Luke 12:49-56
The world can be a scary place, but Jesus tells us don't be afraid! Deacon Mark tells us about the good news of the Gospel and how we should let the light of Christ shine through us in this dark world. (Proper 14, 8/11/19).
Lessons: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40
The Bible contains over 2,000 verses on money, wealth, or possessions- so why do we avoid talking about finances at church? Mtr. Lisa makes us all uncomfortable as she explores why Jesus so often talks about wealth and the importance of this week's Gospel to our financial and spiritual health. (Proper 13, 8/4/19)
Lessons: Hosea 11:1-11 Psalm 107:1-9, 43 Colossians 3:1-11 Luke 12:13-21
Harvard Law School might be hard, but prayer doesn't have to be! Mtr. Lisa discusses the purpose and practice of prayer in this week's Sunday Sermon at All Saints. (Proper 12, 7/28/2019)
Lessons: Hosea 1:2-10 Psalm 85 Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19) Luke 11:1-13
It's not every day the Bishop confronts you with the meaninglessness of life, but he did this past Sunday! Listen to Bishop John Howard from the Episcopal Diocese of Florida talk about how easy it is to become caught up in the concerns of this life like Martha, and the joys of learning to sit at the feet of Jesus. (Proper 11, 7/21/19).
Lessons: Amos 8:1-12 Psalm 52 Colossians 1:15-28 Luke 10:38-42
We all know the story of the good Samaritan, but what about the Priest and the Levite? Were they just bad people? Mtr. Lisa explores the many reasons they may not have stopped to help, and how the lesson of the good Samaritan extends beyond just one individual. (Proper 10, 7/14/19)
Lessons: Amos 7:7-17 Psalm 82 Colossians 1:1-14 Luke 10:25-37
Ministry can be thankless work. But, as Mother Lisa discusses, Jesus tells us how to handle discouragements along the way. (Proper 9, 7/7/19)
Lessons: 2 Kings 5:1-14 Psalm 30 Galatians 6:(1-6)7-16 Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
After a week of summer camp, Mtr. Lisa can't get Harry Potter off her mind. But what does Harry Potter have to do with Jesus? How can a child wizard teach us to live a more Christian life? (Proper 8, 6/30/19)
Lessons: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 Galatians 5:1,13-25 Luke 9:51-62
It's a story almost all of us know- Jesus casting demons out of a man and into a herd of pigs. But where's the hope for those of us not possessed by a legion of demons? Dcn. Mark explores this well-known story and tells us about the good news for us today.
Lessons: Isaiah 65:1-9 Psalm 22:18-27 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 8:26-39
Trinity Sunday is a tough day for preachers. But Mtr. Lisa does her best to describe the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity and how it can help us come to know God. (Trinity Sunday: 6/16/19)
Lessons: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15 Psalm 8
Who doesn't love a good story? On this Pentecost Sunday, Mtr. Lisa recounts the story of Pentecost and explains why we shouldn't be surprised that the Spirit's first gift to the disciples was that of tongues. (Pentecost/ 6/9/19)
Lessons: Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:14-17 John 14:8-17, (25-27) Psalm 104:25-35, 37
Sometimes the stories from the Bible can make us feel so different from the people in the times of the apostles. But, as Fr. Donavan illustrates, this week's lesson from Acts shows us how the problems of then and the problems of now aren't quite so different.
Lessons: Acts 16:16-34 Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21 John 17:20-26 Psalm 97
We all know the stories of the prophets in the Bible, but does God still talk to us that way today? Mtr. Lisa shares one of her favorite guilty pleasures and discusses if seers still exist today.
Lessons: Acts 16:9-15 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 John 5:1-9 Psalm 67
On this Youth Sunday, Fr. Donavan honors our graduates and discusses how we as Christians must continue learning, growing, and graduating in our lives.
Lessons: Acts 11:1-18 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 Psalm 148
The world can be a scary place, so how can we ever find peace? Mtr. Lisa talks about the Good Shepherd and how it is only in His promises to us that we can find safety. (Easter 4, 5/12/19).
Lessons: Acts 9:36-43 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30 Psalm 23
The story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is the greatest story ever told. But what is the second greatest story? Fr. Donavan recounts the story of Paul and explains why we shouldn't be afraid to tell our own stories. (Easter 3, 5/5/19)
Lessons: Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19 Psalm 30
Is doubt always a bad thing? Mtr. Lisa explores the important role doubt plays in our lives as mature Christians. (Easter 2, 4/28/19)
Lessons: Acts 5:27-32 Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-31 Psalm 118:14-29
One man changed the world forever. Fr. Donavan talks about the hope to be found in Jesus Christ at All Saints' Easter Morning Service (Easter, 4/21/19).
Lessons: Acts 10:34-43 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 John 20:1-18 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
“O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown." Mtr. Lisa explains these ancient words and preaches on the power of the resurrection at All Saints' Easter Vigil (Easter Vigil, 4/21/19).
Lessons: Romans 6:3-11 Matthew 28:1-10 Psalm 114
What does Game of Thrones have to do with the passion of Christ? Mtr. Lisa explores their connection in this Good Friday sermon. (Good Friday, Apr. 19, 2019)
Lessons: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1-19:42 Psalm 22
Jesus said, "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." But what example has Jesus set? Many of us do not have 12 strange men following us day and night for us to even invite to dinner, much less to wash. So what does Jesus want us to do? Mtr. Lisa explores the example set by Christ during the foot washing and the last supper. (Maundy Thursday, Apr. 18, 2019)
Lessons: Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Psalm 116:1, 10-17
Fr. Donavan helps us enter into Holy Week by discussing how you really can’t have the Palms without also receiving Christ’s Passion. (Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019)
Lessons: The Liturgy of the Palms Luke 19:28-40 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
The Liturgy of the Word Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 Psalm 31:9-16
There is nothing like hiking across dried lava flows to give you a new perspective on God and creation. Mtr. Lisa has returned from Hawaii just in time to discuss volcanoes, Isaiah, and creation. (Lent 5, 4/7/19)
Lessons: Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Psalm 126
Father Donavan’s sermon from Sunday, March 31st, focused on Jesus’ incredible parable of the Prodigal Son. The sermon is all about the happy rejoicing we all are longing for in these tough, final weeks of the Lenten Season, and how God is already rushing towards us to deliver it as we continue our walk on the repentant road of the Lenten desert.
Lessons: Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Psalm 32
While Deacon Mark is traveling through Egypt, Fr. Donavan can't help but think about Moses, the exodus of the Israelites, and how our own Lenten journey through the wilderness continues.
Lessons: Exodus 3:1-15 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8
Jesus said, "How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" Mother Lisa discusses how the Kingdom of God is like a barnyard and what we can learn from chicks, piglets, and bunnies.
Lessons: Genesis 15:1-12,17-18 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 Psalm 27
After his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan. Fr. Donavan explores what Jesus can teach us about resisting our own temptations in this world.
Lessons: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Moses and Jesus are transfigured by the glory of God they encounter on their respective mountains... but then what? Mother Lisa explores mountaintop experiences, and what happens when you reenter the valleys.
Lessons: Exodus 34:29-35 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] Psalm 99
Sure, Joseph was an interesting guy, but where is God in his story? Mother Lisa discusses how real, lasting change is impossible without God and how you can open yourself up to transformation.
Lessons: Genesis 45:3-11, 15 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50 Luke 6:27-38 Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42
Relationships must be built on trust... even our relationship with God. Fr. Donavan takes a deep dive into what it means to trust in the Lord.
Lessons: Jeremiah 17:5-10 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 6:17-26 Psalm 1
We've read about God's call, but who gets called by God? Mtr. Lisa discusses the call stories of Isaiah and the fishermen from Luke's Gospel to explore God's call in our own lives and why we should respond.
Lessons: Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13] 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11 Psalm 138
St. Paul talked about love way before the Beatles... But were they even talking about the same thing? Fr. Donavan talks about the love St. Paul was discussing in 1st Corinthians and about how the right kind of love could be all we need.
Lessons: Jeremiah 1:4-10 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30 Psalm 71:1-6
We love hearing about how each of us is an important member of the body of Christ, but what does it mean to be one body? Mtr. Lisa discusses the importance of church unity especially in trying times.
Lessons: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21
We're always told wisdom comes with age, but Fr. Donavan talks about how he's been blown away by the wisdom of the teenagers he's met at Happening. Come hear about the first miracle of Jesus and the miracles that can happen when we listen to Christ.
Lessons: Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11
John the Baptist provides a pretty scary picture of Jesus when he says "His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." But what if the winnowing fork is actually a good thing? Mtr. Lisa discusses winnowing forks and dragons in the latest Sunday Sermon at All Saints.
Lessons: Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
There are road trips and then there are pilgrimages... even when you don't know exactly what you are looking for! Fr. Donavan recounts the journey of the magi and what it can tell us about our own journey to seek Christ.
Lessons: Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12
So far this Christmas season, we've heard a lot about the baby Jesus, but John includes his own version of the birth narrative. Mother Lisa talks about the introduction to John, and what John can tell us about the divinity and the humanity of Christ.
Lessons: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18
We all know how busy and stressful the birth of Christ and the resulting shepherds must have been, but what happened after all the shepherds left? Fr. Donavan talks about the morning after for Mary and Joseph.
Lessons: Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrews 1:1-4,(5-12) John 1:1-14
On Christmas we celebrate the coming of a savior for all people. But Mary didn't just welcome the Messiah, Mary welcomed a son. Mother Lisa envisions the experience of Mary becoming a mother to the Son of God and discusses what we should be pondering in our hearts this Christmas season.
Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14(15-20)
Why does it seem like babies come at the most inconvenient times? After an incredible pageant by the kids, Mother Lisa shares a moment with the Short People (the kids) and the Tall People (the adults) to discuss what we can learn from Jesus's untimely entrance into the world!
Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14(15-20)
It is the last Sunday of Advent and we're finally hearing about Mary... and Indiana Jones?!? Listen to Fr. Donavan talk about this Most Highly Favored Lady and what it means to be the God-Bearer.
Lessons: Micah 5:2-5a Canticle 15 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
The clergy are all in rose vestments, we're lighting the rose candle of the Advent wreath, and John the Baptist is calling us a brood of Vipers! Deacon Mark explains why even John the Baptist's call to repentance is cause for Joy this Gaudete Sunday!
Lessons: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Canticle 9 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18
John the Baptist is here preaching about repentance, baptism, and the one who will come after him. But why does God start with such an outlandish character to announce the coming of Jesus? Fr. Donavan discusses why it is good to have friends in low places.
Lessons: Baruch 5:1-9 Canticle 4 or 16 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6
We do a lot of preparation during the month of December, but what are we preparing for? Mtr. Lisa talks about the preparation we need to be doing for Christmas and the importance of silence in our lives.
Lessons: Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Psalm 25:1-9 Luke 21:25-36
"Pilate asked him, 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king.'" Jesus never gives Pilate a straight answer, but we know that Jesus is our one true King. What does his kingdom look like in this life and the next? Find out in Fr. Donavan's sermon about Christ the King!
Lessons: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 Psalm 132:1-13 (14-19) Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37
People don't tend to publicize their troubles with infertility, but the Bible is open about the struggles some couples go through when trying to have children. Mtr. Lisa discusses the struggles of Hannah, and her hope that the Lord is listening.
Lessons: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 Mark 13:1-8
Widows are some of the most powerless in society both in Jesus' time and arguably in ours today. Fr. Donavan explores the stories of widows in the Old Testament and Gospel reading for this Sunday in order to point us to what we can learn from these widows.
Lessons: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44
Because the Feast of All Saints is the name sake of our parish, All Saints' Sunday is always a special celebration day at All Saints. The Rt. Rev. S. John Howard, Bishop of Florida, joined us on All Saints' Sunday this year in order to celebrate and preach. Find out what we have in common with the Saints, and how we can be Saints too!
Lessons: Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44
The book of Job is one many of us try to forget exists. What wisdom can be found in Job? Why should we still read it? What does it tell us about God? Mtr. Lisa explores the comfort found in the Book of Job in this week's Sunday Sermon.
Lessons: Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22) Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52
Everybody wants to be Somebody... but what does that look like when you are a Christian? Fr. Donavan discusses how Jesus turns our idea of status on it's head.
Lessons: Job 38:1-7, (34-41) Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45
“How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
Does Jesus mean we should live lives of poverty? Can Christians have Jaguar season tickets? What about saving for retirement? Mtr. Lisa digs into the story of the rich young ruler and explores what Jesus has to say about possessions.
Lessons: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31
Fr. Donavan explores the trials of Job, a book of the bible most of us try to avoid. Hear about the suffering Job experiences and how it can encourage us to keep our eyes on the cross in the midst of our own suffering.
Lessons: Job 1:1; 2:1-10 Psalm 26 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16
Jesus’ words in Mark 9:38-50 never make the Top 10 list of favorite Bible verses for church-goers, but the message they contain for Christian disciples is of the utmost importance! Listen’s to Sunday’s sermon now to find out what Fr. Donavan has to say about finding the the stumbling blocks in our life today, and following Jesus’ direction to tear them out, for the betterment of our faith, our church, and our world.
Lessons: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 Psalm 124 James 5:13-20 Mark 9:38-50
Jesus tells us “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” That's a pretty scary thought! Mtr. Lisa wrestles with the words of Jesus in this Sunday's sermon.
Lessons: Proverbs 31:10-31 Psalm 1 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37
In this week's Gospel, we see Jesus asking his disciples what people are saying about who he is. Is Jesus having an identity crisis? Fr. Donavan explores why Jesus is asking the disciples this question, and why we should be asking ourselves the same question about Jesus.
Lessons: Proverbs 1:20-33 Psalm 19 James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38
On the Feast of the Holy Cross, Bishop Howard ordained our curate, Lisa Meirow, to the priesthood. Our own Fr. Donavan preached the ordination, discussing the vocation of priesthood and the purpose of priests in this world.
Lessons: Isaiah 45:21-25 Galatians 6:14-18 John 12:31-36a
Luther called James "an epistle of straw," but could James actually be a helpful guide when evaluating our spiritual life? What did James mean when he said "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead"? Deacon Lisa explores the value of James, and how it can help us here and now.
Lessons: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Psalm 125 James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17 Mark 7:24-37
In the Gospel today, Jesus tells us that nothing external defiles us, rather what defiles us comes from within our own hearts. Deacon Lisa explores the battle between good and evil that occurs in each of our hearts, and how we can win that battle with God's help.
Lessons: Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
We know about personal trainers for physical fitness, but what about for our spiritual life? Fr. Donavan talks about how Rally Day is important not just because it is a fun day in the life of the church, but also as a day to rededicate ourselves to living a spiritual life.
Lessons: 1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43 Psalm 84 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:56-69
Was Jesus the first one to say "You are what you eat"? Deacon Lisa explores how scientific knowledge can lead us to examine the body of Christ on a whole new level.
Lessons: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Psalm 111 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58
Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." But what did he mean? Fr. Donavan discusses Jesus as food for our souls and the time when chicken soup may have saved his life.
Readings: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 John 6:35, 41-51
Mother Lisa tackles the difficult topic of sin and what King David's interaction with Nathan can teach us about repentance.
Lessons: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a Psalm 51:1-13 Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35
Fr. Donavan Cain digs into the story of King David to show the spiritual hunger the world cannot satisfy.
Lessons: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Psalm 14 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21
Fr. Donavan discusses what Jesus meant when he said to the disciples, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”
Lessons: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a Psalm 89:20-37 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56