Proper 25A: Matthew 22:34-46. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Lake Jackson. There’s a colorful stained-glass window in the chancel of Christ Church Cathedral, Houston which served as a focal point for me in worship services during the 5 years I served there as Canon for Welcome & Evangelism. The window includes images symbolizing the four gospels: … Continue reading Recommit to the God of Love
God is at work in you.
Proper 21, Year A: Philippians 2:1-13. St. Timothy's, Lake Jackson. “…it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). Paul wrote these words to the Philippians. It was true for them then. And it is true for us now. I must … Continue reading God is at work in you.
A future together through forgiveness
Proper 19, Year A: Genesis 50:15-21; Matthew 18:21-35. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Lake Jackson. I don’t know the whole story. I actually don’t know the story at all. All I know is that the disagreement happened during the construction of a fence. And it happened before Ed and I bought our little 1950s ranch house in … Continue reading A future together through forgiveness
When two or three are gathered … it will be difficult.
Proper 18, Year A: Matthew 18:15-20. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Lake Jackson. It has been noted that when two or three are gathered … it will be difficult. We laugh at this twist on today’s scripture because it’s true! Even people who love each other and get along most of the time will occasionally do something … Continue reading When two or three are gathered … it will be difficult.
A Benediction.
Proper 17, Year A: Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Lake Jackson. Our priest would bestow a benediction at end of Sunday worship that was like … a shot of vitamin B12 — strengthening us for the challenge of the week ahead. It was like an inoculation — keeping us well, guarding our … Continue reading A Benediction.
Don’t just do something, stand there.
Proper 15, Year A: Matt. 15:21-28. St. Timothy's, Lake Jackson, Texas. “Don’t just do something, stand there!”[1] This guidance is sometimes playfully offered to students in Clinical Pastoral Education — that is, CPE for short. Fifteen summers ago, in blazing-hot Dallas, I was a CPE chaplain at the nationally ranked Children’s Medical Center. This training is required for ordination in … Continue reading Don’t just do something, stand there.
Command Me to Come to You
Proper 14, Year A: Matthew 14:22-33. St. Timothy's, Lake Jackson, Texas. What was Peter thinking? Who does he think he is? And where did he get this bizarre idea? The strangeness of this gospel passage isn’t so much that Jesus walked on the water. The strangeness is that Peter wants to join Jesus out there — on the water, in the … Continue reading Command Me to Come to You
Two Dinner Parties … but only one I want to attend.
Proper 13A: Matthew 14:13-21. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Lake Jackson, Texas. I love a good dinner party. Don’t you? My husband and I have always enjoyed hosting dinner parties. He’s a wonderful cook and I like to tidy the house, set the table, and prepare the drinks. Sharing a meal has the power to strengthen … Continue reading Two Dinner Parties … but only one I want to attend.
Faith revealed in a Register of Church Services
Proper 11A: Romans 8:12-25. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Lake Jackson, Texas. Who needs a word of encouragement? I need a word of encouragement. Do you need a word of encouragement? We have a word of encouragement today from St. Paul in his letter to the Romans! And, I think we’re ready to hear from him … Continue reading Faith revealed in a Register of Church Services
Thanks to the Indiscriminate Sower.
Proper 10, Year A, 2020: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Lake Jackson, Texas. What kind of soil are you? What kind of dirt? I want to be the good soil. I want to be the good dirt. And I know just enough about gardening to get what Jesus is talking about here. For … Continue reading Thanks to the Indiscriminate Sower.
