Sermons

"God Appointed a Worm that Attacked the Bush" (Jonah 4:7)

Sermon by June Hardy Dorsey for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost,

September 14, 2008

Matthew 18: 21 - 35

We always think we have more time. What we do not achieve today can be accomplished tomorrow. What will not fit into the schedule now can be postponed until it will. And sometimes the things for which we think we do not have the time are the things that truly matter and the things which do not truly matter become the things that fill up our lives.

Lucia Lloyd's sermon

August 31, 2008, Year A

Matthew 16:21-28

Romans 12:1-8

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect.

"So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus." Walking on water. Is that the same as "flying by the seat of your pants?" as "skating on thin ice?"

In fact, walking on water is like nothing else.  It makes us a little scared, a little doubtful, as in, "What does he think he can do - walk on water?"  Or, when we are the ones being faced by the impossible, "Well, I don't walk on water, you know."

To quote June's sermon last week, "How do you describe the indescribable?  How do you define with words and images, that which defies description?  How do you communicate that which is beyond complete communication?"

She could not have described the weekly crisis for the preacher more accurately. The preacher speaks out of his or her poverty of understanding, reaching to express the inexpressible; communicating the heart and mind of God to God's people. It is dangerous and tender ground and you preach into at your peril.

A Sermon on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

How do you describe the indescribable?  How do you define with words and images, that which defies description?  How do you communicate that which is beyond complete communication? 

That, in essence, was Jesus' lifelong dilemma.  Jesus came to show us about God's love.  God entered into the experience of humanity to demonstrate from the inside out, God's love and purpose.  God did not project from afar, obscure messages but became human in the person of Jesus Christ. 

  Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

            I really do get ticked off at the way other people act sometimes.  And I especially get ticked off at the way other Christians act sometimes.  And I even more especially get ticked off at the way other members of the Anglican Communion act sometimes.      

            So I am grateful for the gospel passage we get today, because I am well acquainted with the desire to just weed people out.  I could easily come up with a list of weeds I'd like to pull out of my beloved garden.