Confirmation 2018
On February 4, 16 young men and women took the step to re-affirm their baptisms during the 10:30 a.m. service. With the help of mentors and the rector,…
Readings and Reflections for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany
2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9 Dear Friends, This Sunday that precedes the season of Lent always focuses on the story of Jesus when he is “transfigured”…
Readings and Reflections for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Psalm 147: 1-12, 21c Mark 1:29-39 Dear Friends, The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid contrast between the Creator of all, who “sits above the circle of the…
The Bishop is coming to St. Matthew’s
The word “Episcopal” literally means “Bishop.” We are a church with Bishops, not unlike the Roman Catholic or Eastern Churches. Other Protestant churches often have leaders or committees with different…
Readings and Reflections for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 111 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28 Dear Friends, Deuteronomy 18:15-20. Surrounded by many nations who practiced witchcraft, consulted mediums, or cast fortunes in various ways, Moses reminds…
Readings and Reflections for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20 Dear Friends, The reluctant prophet Jonah, having learned that he could not run away from God (chapters 1 and 2), now…
Readings and Reflections for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Psalm 139 John 1:43:51 The boy Samuel is destined to be a great prophet of God. But he must first learn how to identify when the…
Readings and reflections for the 1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 1:1-5 Acts 19:1-7 Psalm 29 Mark 1:4-11 Dear Friends, The opening words of Genesis point us to the Creator/Father who speaks light into the dark and formless void. The Spirit/wind of…
Readings and Reflections on the First Sunday After Christmas
Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Galatians 3:23-25,4:4-7 John 1:1-18 Isaiah 61 celebrates with great joy the coming vindication/salvation of Zion/Jerusalem. Vindication, because the people of Israel will be lifted from disgrace and exile and…
When Christmas isn’t Merry
Thirteen years ago, Christmas was a sad and lonely time for me. My marriage was over, my toddler was living with my ex-wife in another state and I didn’t really…