Sermons from St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC.
Oct 01, 2023 |
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
| Guest Speaker
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
In her reflection on the Israelites' journey in Exodus, Rev. Nancy Lee Jose draws striking parallels to our modern struggles with faith. Using a poignant tale of baby turtles braving their way to the sea, she paints a vivid picture of nature's affirmation of divine plans. But as the sermon concludes, an enticing challenge emerges: do our lives genuinely reflect God's presence, or are we lost in our desires? What truth will we discover if we dare to look within?
Lessons for this Sunday:
Exodus 17:1-7
Matthew 21:23-32
Lessons for this Sunday:
Exodus 17:1-7
Matthew 21:23-32
Sep 24, 2023 |
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
| The Rev. Joseph "Gray" Hodsdon
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
The Rev. Joseph "Gray" Hodsdon brings to the forefront an evocative exploration of fairness through the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16. Presented at St. James Episcopal Parish, this homily challenges the listener to reevaluate earthly perceptions of justice in light of God's profound and unexpected generosity. Hodsdon beautifully underscores the contrast between worldly inequities and divine grace, prompting a reflection on the true nature of fairness in God's realm. Join us for an enlightening journey that will reshape your understanding of what it truly means to be just and merciful.
Sep 17, 2023 |
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
| Guest Speaker
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
In this profound homily, Dr. Catherine Meeks unravels biblical narratives, shedding light on the tales of Jacob and Esau and their relevance today. She underscores the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of examining our 'inner community'. Emphasizing pressing societal issues like race and poverty, she implores listeners to be present and conscious of their inner drives. Drawing from her recent book on racial healing and referencing Howard Thurman and Naomi Shihab Nye, Dr. Meeks offers a poignant reflection on life's challenges and the perennial need for kindness. A homily guiding us toward profound understanding and introspection.
Sep 10, 2023 |
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
| The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
Join Rev. Phillip Craig as he explores the essence of our relationships with God and our fellow beings. Drawing from Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20, he illuminates the beauty of love, the intricacies of conflict, and the unwavering presence of Christ in our moments of strife. Realize the profound significance every situation holds, even in conflict. Answer the call to nurture our connections with God and with one another. Embark on this spiritual journey with the St. James Parish community.
Sep 03, 2023 |
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
| Jay Sidebotham
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
"True Religion: An Invitation to Encounter the Living God" by Rev. Jay Sidebotham
Drawing from Romans 12:9-21 and Matthew 16:21-28, Rev. Jay Sidebotham's sermon from St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC, dives into the heart of what true religion embodies.
Inspired by Evelyn Underhill's candid letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1930s, which emphasized that God should be the center of our religious focus, Rev. Sidebotham suggests that too many view religion as mere routine or ritual. He contrasts this with the teaching of Jesus and insights from Richard Rohr that separate the constructs of religion and the gospel: while religion is the path to encounter God, the gospel is the transformative realization and embrace of God's grace once met.
Highlighting the call of Moses, Rev. Sidebotham notes that sacred encounters aren't reserved for mountaintop moments. Instead, they can be found in daily acts of worship, love, giving, and forgiving. Just as Moses' initial willingness to serve ("Here I am") shifted to uncertainty ("Who am I?"), Christians are also reminded of God's assuring promise, "I will be with you."
Through the Eucharist, hymns, and everyday interactions, believers are invited to see the world as full of divine possibilities, echoing Barbara Brown Taylor's sentiment that the Earth is abundant with "altars" for worship. Howard Thurman's words remind us that everything has the potential for holiness.
In conclusion, Rev. Sidebotham beckons the congregation to reflect on their understanding of true religion, urging them to remain open to encounters with the Living God. Only then can the essence of true religion - an invitation to a deeper relationship with God - truly flourish.
Drawing from Romans 12:9-21 and Matthew 16:21-28, Rev. Jay Sidebotham's sermon from St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC, dives into the heart of what true religion embodies.
Inspired by Evelyn Underhill's candid letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1930s, which emphasized that God should be the center of our religious focus, Rev. Sidebotham suggests that too many view religion as mere routine or ritual. He contrasts this with the teaching of Jesus and insights from Richard Rohr that separate the constructs of religion and the gospel: while religion is the path to encounter God, the gospel is the transformative realization and embrace of God's grace once met.
Highlighting the call of Moses, Rev. Sidebotham notes that sacred encounters aren't reserved for mountaintop moments. Instead, they can be found in daily acts of worship, love, giving, and forgiving. Just as Moses' initial willingness to serve ("Here I am") shifted to uncertainty ("Who am I?"), Christians are also reminded of God's assuring promise, "I will be with you."
Through the Eucharist, hymns, and everyday interactions, believers are invited to see the world as full of divine possibilities, echoing Barbara Brown Taylor's sentiment that the Earth is abundant with "altars" for worship. Howard Thurman's words remind us that everything has the potential for holiness.
In conclusion, Rev. Sidebotham beckons the congregation to reflect on their understanding of true religion, urging them to remain open to encounters with the Living God. Only then can the essence of true religion - an invitation to a deeper relationship with God - truly flourish.
Sep 03, 2023 |
Lebanon Chapel: The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
| The Rev. Joseph "Gray" Hodsdon
Lebanon Chapel: The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
Rev. Joseph "Gray" Hodsdon at Historic Mount Lebanon Chapel
Rev. Hodsdon addresses the human desire to be victorious, comparing it to our longing to be atop the social ladder. He challenges this perspective, proposing a shift: what if true success meant greater sacrifice? Drawing from Jesus's teachings, he underscores that genuine victory might require us to give more of ourselves. Inspired by Saint Augustine, he speaks of the difference between selfish living and a life of sacrificial love. True love, Rev. Hodsdon argues, has no conditions. By living this selfless love, we find a deeper, more fulfilling victory in life.
Rev. Hodsdon addresses the human desire to be victorious, comparing it to our longing to be atop the social ladder. He challenges this perspective, proposing a shift: what if true success meant greater sacrifice? Drawing from Jesus's teachings, he underscores that genuine victory might require us to give more of ourselves. Inspired by Saint Augustine, he speaks of the difference between selfish living and a life of sacrificial love. True love, Rev. Hodsdon argues, has no conditions. By living this selfless love, we find a deeper, more fulfilling victory in life.
Aug 27, 2023 |
Lebanon Chapel: The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
| The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
Lebanon Chapel: The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
In this sermon from Wilmington's Historic Lebanon Chapel, Rev. Phillip Craig explores the significance of the word "church" as first mentioned by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Reflecting on the journey Jesus and his disciples took, Rev. Craig highlights the moment Peter recognizes Jesus as the Son of the Living God. This isn't just about St. Peter's acknowledgment but a profound insight into what the church truly means.
Rev. Craig emphasizes that the church isn't just a building or institution; it represents the body of Christ. It's the community of believers who gather in Christ's name, serving to increase faith, enhance humanity, provide accountability, and commit to service. Through anecdotes and scripture, he underscores the importance of community and shared faith. Concluding with Jesus's pivotal question to his disciples, Rev. Craig prompts listeners to reflect on their personal beliefs, underlining the power of faith and community.
The scripture for this service includes: Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20.
Rev. Craig emphasizes that the church isn't just a building or institution; it represents the body of Christ. It's the community of believers who gather in Christ's name, serving to increase faith, enhance humanity, provide accountability, and commit to service. Through anecdotes and scripture, he underscores the importance of community and shared faith. Concluding with Jesus's pivotal question to his disciples, Rev. Craig prompts listeners to reflect on their personal beliefs, underlining the power of faith and community.
The scripture for this service includes: Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20.
