August 2023 – Storied Grace

Confession’s Response

A sermon for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 16
Education Sunday
August 27, 2023

Every Wednesday, one of my duties is to send a sermon title to Sallie Culbreth. If you don’t know Sallie, you should. She’s an angel among us. I send her my sermon title, and she sends it on to the Sentinel Record. She often even makes graphics advertising what to expect, like this week. Well, today I’m going rogue. If you came expecting me to preach on “Presenting our Sacrifice,” I am sorry to disappoint.

Just Who Do You Think You Are?

A sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 15
August 20, 2023

Just who do you think you are? Has anyone ever asked you that, perhaps with a tone revealing that they certainly don’t think of you in the same way?

The question is central in today’s gospel–who do you think you are? I’ll be honest: this passage has always been a challenge for me. Maybe it has for you, too. Let’s dive in and take a close look.

I Dare Ya

A sermon for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 14
August 13, 2023
First Sunday at St. Luke’s

Do you remember learning to swim? I learned at a summer daycare program. The day I learned, I went up to the edge of the pool. Johnny, the swim teacher, was in the water waiting for me to jump in. “Hey, Mr. Johnny! Should I jump in?” “I dare ya!” Johnny replied. Even as a child, I had my pride. I couldn’t turn down a dare. So without any other options, in I went. Splash–right into the arms of Johnny.