Sermon: "We Are Here", 1 Kings 19:1-18 (November 2, 2025)

By the time that we arrive at this point in scripture, Elijah has only been an active prophet for two chapters, but he’s already made quite an impression on the local royalty. After three years of drought, he pops up out of nowhere, blames the king, and proceeds to humiliate the prophets of Ba’al in the most ostentatious way possible (you can read about it yourself in chapter 18). He’s not kidding when he says he’s been zealous for the Lord - he’s made it absolutely impossible for anyone to ignore God’s power, including the queen.

But now, he’s feeling the full weight of his actions. Jezebel’s threats have left him feeling afraid, burnt out, and utterly alone, to the point that he’s ready to throw in the towel completely. God sends an angel to force Elijah to practice some self care, but the message that accompanies these provisions isn’t especially reassuring: “Eat something, because you have a difficult road ahead of you.” Great. Just what a person approaching wit’s end wants to hear.

Liturgy: God Speaks to Elijah, 1 Kings 19:1-18 (November 2, 2025)

   *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*

Hymns

Hymn GTG #761, “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”

Hymn GTG #326, “For All the Saints”

Liturgy: 1 Kings 17:1-16 (November 3, 2024)

       *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*

Hymns

Hymn GTG #730, “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God”

Hymn GTG #732 “Rejoice in God’s Saints”

Liturgy: Elijah at Mount Carmel, 1 Kings 18:20-39 (November 5, 2023)

 *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*

Hymns:

GTG #409, “God Is Here!”

GTG #326, “For All the Saints”

Sermon: “Momentary Saints”, 1 Samuel 3:1-10/Revelation 21:1-6 (November 7, 2021)

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In Christian circles, we talk about “God’s kindom” or “the kindom of heaven” all the time, but we tend to have a limited understanding of what it is, precisely, that we’re talking about. We know it’s really, really good, that it’s “already and not yet” here (whatever that means), and that it will mark Christ’s return. Other than that, we’re pretty clueless.

That’s where apocalyptic literature like Revelation comes in handy. Hopefully, you remember that, theologically speaking, an apocalypse isn’t actually defined as a catastrophic event. Our English word is derived from a Greek verb meaning “to uncover or reveal”. And in the context of scripture, apocalyptic literature refers to writings that uncover or reveal God’s kindom to us.

Sermon: "Markarioi", Matthew 5:1-12 (November 1, 2020--All Saints Day)

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Over the past several weeks, my sermons have been discussing some of the values that God holds and expects us to hold. Through the lens of the lectionary readings, we’ve explored integrity, obedience, and holiness—and found that holding these values doesn’t always look the way we might expect. We’ve been working hard to reframe our assumptions of what God considers important so that we can better conform our lives to God’s will. And this week’s lectionary reading continues to challenge us in this regard. The title of this sermon, “Markarioi” comes from the very first word in the Beatitudes; it literally means “You are blessed.” The word “Beatitude” itself comes from the Latin word for blessing. And of course, we use this word liberally in our everyday life: “What a blessing!” “I’m so blessed!” “God bless the USA!” (or, if you’re more concerned with your immediate surroundings, “God bless this mess!”). But how often do we take the time to really think about what blessing really is?

Sermon: "Holy Imperfection", Luke 19:1-10/Philippians 3:12-16 (November 3, 2019)

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As I'm sure all of you with doorbells at your house are well aware, last Thursday was Halloween. That doesn't mean a lot with regards to the Church, but what it does mean is that Friday was All Saints' Day. Since most Protestants don't do much with mid-week celebrations, today is the day that Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, and many other denominations all over the world observe this liturgical event. Traditionally, it's the day when we remember people of faith who have died, particularly in the past year, and celebrate the fact that we're still connected to them through Jesus Christ as eternal members of God's Kingdom.