Notoriously Episcopalian

Nov 11 2024 127 ep. 7

Notoriously Episcopalian Podcast artwork

A podcast of conversations, sermons, and reflections from a GenX Episcopal deacon in the Diocese of Alabama.

Religion & Spirituality

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“We are the people of God and we are called to not let go.”

A sermon offered on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, August 2, 2020, based on the story of Jacob wrestling an angel and remembering the life of John Lewis. Readings: Genesis 32:22-31 * Psalm 17:1-7,16 * Romans 9:1-5 * Matthew 14:13-21 https://youtu.be/0n5oQCJV0I4 Audio only: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3281143/Podcast_-_8_2_20__8.27_PM.mp3

“God continues to stand by the promise made, even when the humans don’t necessarily live up to the calling”

Our reading from Genesis continues the complicated family drama of Abraham and his descendants. As we read the story of Jacob and his marriage to Leah and Rachel, what are we to learn? I think this is another example of how God remains faithful to God's promise, even when the humans involved don't live upContinueContinue reading "“God continues to stand by the promise made, even

“…again and again we see that God works through those that the world undervalues or rejects”

Our reading from Genesis continues the complicated family drama of Abraham and his descendants. Reading the story of Jacob bargaining for Esau's birthright left me asking "so what?" What does this story have to tell us about God and our present-day? I think it is a reminder that God works in the world through unlikelyContinueContinue reading "“…again and again we see that God w

What is the 4th of July?

168 yrs to the day after Frederick Douglass issued his "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" message, I joined with the faith leaders of the Poor People's Campaign in preaching on that theme from my particular context of The Episcopal Church in Alabama. The texts for reflection included Frederick Douglass' speech, theContinueContinue reading "What is the 4th of July?"

“…do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows”

This morning I got to be with the good folks at St. Mary's in Jasper. This was my first time there, though I have driven past it many times on my way to Camp McDowell. Do to COVID-19, we worship outside. They have a beautiful little prayer garden in the trees next to the church.ContinueContinue reading "“…do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows”"

“…and hope does not disappoint us”

As we begin the long season after Pentecost, Thomas, my preaching partner, and I have decided to focus our preaching efforts on the readings from the Hebrew Bible each week. Genesis will be the focus of June, July, and into August. This is more of a challenge for me than for Thomas who frequently focusesContinueContinue reading "“…and hope does not disappoint us”"

A sermon for an ordination

On May 28, 2020, I had the joy of preaching for my friend Drew's ordination to the transitional diaconate at Canterbury Chapel in Tuscaloosa. Canterbury Chapel was my sending parish for ordination. So it is always wonderful to come home, especially to celebrate a friend's ordination. Readings: Jeremiah 1:4-9 * Psalm 84 * Acts 6:2-7ContinueContinue reading "A sermon for an ordinatio

“What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”

A sermon for the Sixth Sunday of Easter offered during online worship for Trinity Commons, Birmingham, Alabama. This is one of my favorite passages from Acts--Paul preaching at the Areopagus--that I tried to set it into conversation with one of my favorite TV shows--Mad Men (S2E7). Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:7-18 John 14:15-21 https://youtu.be/NeaOCNiStI4 ContinueContinue reading "“W

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

A sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter offered during online worship for Trinity Commons, Birmingham, Alabama. Acts 2:42-47 Psalm 23 John 10:1-10 https://youtu.be/mY2XhLy3MnI Audio only: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3277052/Easter_4_Audio.m4a

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have been persuaded…

The Second Sunday of Easter gives us the story of Thomas and offers a chance to consider how doubt and faith go hand in hand. Readings: Acts 2:14a,22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 Psalm 16 https://youtu.be/AqvU476oRvs Audio only: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3276528/Sermon_Easter_2_Audio.m4a