Category: Sermons

Trinity Sunday
First Sunday after Pentecost:
Year C

First Reading: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Psalms 8
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Gospel: John 16:12-15
Romans 5:5

God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Trinity Sunday

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit

God our Heavenly Father, God is in us all around us, in everything that is seen and unseen, He is the creator of Heaven and Earth. As the earth breaths and moves…. we are dancing around with it; and we are divinely connected to Heaven and Earth.

Jesus the Christ, the Son transformed from God born to be the savior of the world, to bring light into darkness. The promised Messiah, who was promised by God to bring salvation to the world.

And

The Holy Spirit has been written about throughout the Bible. In (Genesis 1:2), the Holy Spirit is moving about the surface of waters. 

From the beginning of the bible Genesis to the end of the bible Revelations, The Holy Spirit, flowing around and through us, tending to us, to help show us the way, to guide us and comfort us, teaching us, moving along the side of us, counsels us and intercedes for us, because the scriptures tell us that God will send an advocate to be with us. 

I have had many experiences with The Holy Spirit sometimes it is a visual feeling, sometimes it’s a profound spiritual feeling and sometimes it is a gut feeling.

One day I had this strong desire to contact a friend, I had a gut feeling something was wrong…I emailed her, just saying are you doing, OKAY? It turns out the ambulance was at her house getting ready to take her to the hospital for unexplained chest pain.

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

(Romans 8:16)

The Holy Spirit will connect with your internal human spirit, the question is being aware of it. 

Knowing that the Holy Spirit is communicating with you, is and will be life changing.

The most recent experiences I had with the Holy Spirit, was when I was given the news that I had cancer, but they didn’t know where the primary tumor was and I would have to have more testing. 

I was of course worried, where was the primary tumor? I woke up during the night thinking about it, suddenly I heard God say, “I am the primary” in other words, do not worry about it. God was with me and he was the primary.

Gospel: (John 16:12-15)

This Gospel is packed with wonderful messages!

Jesus said to his disciples, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

All that the Father has is mine. For this reason, I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Jesus has been with his disciples for 3 years and they have been taught many things during that time, throughout the John’s gospel, he focuses on The Holy Spirit many times.

John the Baptizer gives witness to the fact that, after baptizing Jesus, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove” (John 1:32).

Jesus introduced the Spirit into his conversation with the Pharisee… Nicodemus….” he declares “no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3-5) 

Jesus explained to the unnamed Samaritan woman “God is spirit….” (John 4:24) 

And finally:

In Jesus’ farewell message “He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22)

Jesus tells his disciples “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 

John 15:15, 

The disciples are his friends! He wants to tell them and maybe he feels a little bad about it, because he can’t. Just like we would, if we wanted to tell our friends something, but we can’t tell them for some reason.

Jesus…says…so listen to me! When the Spirit comes, he will guide you into all the truth. The Spirit!!! They need to listen to Jesus now, pay attention to the Spirit…he will declare to you the things that are to come! He will glorify me, Because! He will take what is mine and declare it to you.! The Holy Spirt will take what is in Jesus and declare it to them! All that the Father has is mine. For!! This reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Wow! You see…. we are left with this message years and years later. We just have to trust in what we have been taught through the living Word!

We are told that, in the future; in the unfolding of time, we will be told and we will hear what the sprit is saying to us, the Spirit will guide us, speak to us, and declare all to us all that we need to know! We are given a picture of the three persons of the Trinity. Jesus speaks of himself, of the Spirit’s activities and of the Father. 

Conclusion:

The Holy Trinity is an invitation to a relationship with God, Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit and internal and external relationship.

It is okay to be a Christian and not know everything, believe me, I for-one have worried about not knowing as much as I think I should know.

The Good News:  

We have been given an invitation to continue to dance our way through all that he has created in and around us. To learn to love and expose ourselves again and again to the presence of God in our lives, to listen to the teachings of Christ Jesus, and to be aware and open to The Holy Spirit, guiding and leading us to be good disciples for Christ Jesus.

Amen

Rev. Lola Culbreath

Seventh Sunday of Easter, The Sunday after Ascension Day 
Year C
May 29, 2022

First Reading: Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Second Reading: Revelations 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Gospel: John 17:20-26

Collect:

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

Jesus Ascension

The Ascension Day happen on Thursday and we remember that Jesus ascended into heaven, that was heaven’s affirmation that he had accomplished everything he had come to do.  

In Luke’s Gospel 24: 50, Jesus led them out as far as Bethany and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshipping him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple praising God.”

Gospel: John 17: 20-26

Lifting his eyes up to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”

We hear the conclusion of Jesus’s great “priestly prayer,” in which he calls for unity within the church, so that Christians can witness to the presence of God in their lives. 

Jesus prays for himself, then for his disciples and for those, “who will believe in me through their message” This is a prayer for all who will come later and believe in him, as Lord and Savior.

It is a prayer of intercession, an act of asking or requesting something on behalf of someone else.

When we pray at home to God our Father, for others, our family or friends, and those known and unknown to us, we are interceding on their behalf.  And as we pray and it involves talking and listening to God.

Jesus “I have given them that glory which you gave me.” These are powerful words when you think about the fact that Jesus is saying: The love that he and his Father have for each other, is what He wants for us. 

This gospel of John… it portrays a prayer of Jesus, as he addresses his Father, it takes place before his betrayal and crucifixion, theses’ events refer to as his “glorification”.

The disciples are about to experience great trauma at Jesus’ death. They have failed to understand. They expect a Messiah of worldly power, like King David and have not been able to grasp the very different person of Jesus’ and his ministry. 

Jesus gives a final testimony prayer for his beloved followers and all that come after them, the future believers.

Jesus prays, “that they may all be one; even as you Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me” 

In this prayer for the disciples, he prays for unity and indwelling of divine presence that will challenge the world to believe. I like to think of it as a Divine unity! But are we?

Conclusion:

Because of our Faith, we believe in things that we cannot see. God’s love is rooted and grounded in our beliefs.

The love then… can only come, as we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit; as we allow ourselves to be filled, we know and experience God’s love for us. And we are filled so much with the Holy Spirit, that everyone will see the love that God has for us and them.

Our intercession prayer today, where we what to intercede on behalf of others, where we cry out for mercy, where we cry for more of God’s love, then hate and for God to comfort the families and friends in Uvalda, Tx and Buffalo, Ny.

On this Ascension Sunday, Jesus led them out as far as Bethany and he lifted up his hands and blessed them.

Let me leave you with part of his prayer: “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” 

Amen
Rev. Lola Culbreath

Sermon Lent 4^th

Friday March 25 was the Annunciation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was willing to accept God’s call and paved the way for God to accomplish the salvation of the world. Mary is called “Blessed”/ she served as God’s human agent within the mystery of the incarnation.   (This is why my stole does not match the altar. (Explain a tribute to Mary)

Joshua 5:9-12

The Israelites have finally entered the Promise Land lead by Joshua. We are invited on this Lenten Journey to a deeper awareness of our sins; and the moments in our lives when we are are at a threshold, between the wilderness and our Promise land.

Joshua place twelve large stones from the riverbed and set them up at the encampment near Gilgal as a memorial of the miracle that made there crossing the Jordon River and into a land of freedom.  12 Stones12 tribes.

Psalm32 is a prayer of thanksgiving; it affirms when we do not hide our sins from God, we can discover the blessings of true forgiveness. The psalm reminds us that when we withhold shameful secrets it can place a physical toll on our bodies. Our bodies and our faith are inseparables. God is a strong hiding place and will deliver us from trouble.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

We are reminded from this passage of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, the primary mission is for reconciliation. When we are adopted as children of God, we are a new people and “Everything” has become new”. As a child of God, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Our call is to be ambassadors for Christ to lead others to peace.

Luke’s message for us today is a combination of passages from Luke that focus on reconciliation, forgiveness, and joy of finding that which has been lost. This came from the scribes and Pharisees because Jesus ate with sinners. The focus of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the joy of finding what was lost are in response to the grumblings of the Pharisees and scribes because Jesus, ate with the sinners. These phrases appear to answer some of the parables of grace, they are the answer to judgement. A wonderful experience is to be with homeless at holiday time, to experience not just the food but the companionship and for the beautiful looks of thanks that they have.

We started this today’s sermon with the lost person who went on his own and is lost. It is about reconciliation being ambassador for Christ to lead other in peace. 

Just remember “Grace strikes us when we are in great restlessness. It strikes when we walk the dark valley of a mean less and empty life. Remember the voice above is saying you are accepted.

Second Sunday in Lent
Year C
March 12, 2022

First Reading: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalms 27
Second Reading: Philippians 3:17, 4-1
Gospel: Luke: 13:31-35

Collect:

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God for ever and ever. Amen

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord”

Our prayers for the people of Ukraine, should be constant. We realize just how blessed and grateful…for what we have here in the United States, realizing how quickly things could change. 

Prayer and turning to scriptures can help and I did find comfort in the scriptures for this Sunday. And while we are together, there is nothing wrong with seeking comfort from others.

Thessalonians 5:11 tells us that we are to encourage each other. However, it is true we can’t rely on earthly things to bring real lasting comfort, but the Psalmist tells us that there is a place we can go to find real lasting comfort.

Todays Psalms

Psalms 27 1-5

1. The Lord is my light my salvation; whom then shall, I fear? * The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
2. When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, * it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell.
3. Though an army should encamp against me, * yet my heart shall not be afraid;
4. And though war should rise up against me, * yet will I put my trust in him.
5. One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; * that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Those who have lost their lives in Ukraine will dwell in the house of the Lord.

The Gospel:

Luke 13:31-35

Jesus is busy, he’s out and about working and doing his job, that he was sent to do. 

As He, passes through Galilee, he is in the territory of Herod and he is warned by some of the Pharisees “Get away from here, for Herod what’s to kill you.” 

Jesus has no intention of leaving, He is not afraid of this threat and in fact He calls Herod a fox, and to them, this is unflattering.

Jesus lets them know, He is not giving up his ministry, which has not reached its goal, his mission and his redemption.

Jesus adds by saying, yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.

Why does he say this? because, for hundreds of years, prophets made this journey only to meet their end in Jerusalem?

Jesus isn’t going to be killed outside Jerusalem, it has to end in Jerusalem. But he is the only one who knows this.

Instead of getting angry and wanting revenge, this is not how Jesus lives. He laments, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! He wants to protect his people like a mother hen protects her chicks.

Jesus does know His cross is coming, in Luke 9:53, we read “when the days draw near to Him to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem.” 

Jesus recognizes the threat from Herod, but He also knows the greater threat to His life: Jerusalem. And Jesus is not worried about Herod, because Herod has no Jurisdiction over Jerusalem, only Galilee. And Everywhere Jesus goes, there were always religious authorities who opposed Him and viewed him as a threat.

Again, Jesus is not concerned but continues to do the work He is called to do, which is the will of God.

He ends with…

“And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” 

Conclusion:

The mother hen is not a fighter who always emerges victorious, when she sees an eagle or a falcon, that puts her chicks in danger, she can only stand in front of danger, spread her wings and offer herself in defense of her young.

Today, president Zelenskyy of Ukraine, once an actor and a comedian, took on the role and was elected by the people as their president.

He has work to do, for the country he was elected to serve and now, he has been threatened and in danger of being killed, but instead of fleeing the country, like so many others have done, he has no intentions of leaving his people, he rolls up his sleeves and practically scoffs at the President of Russia. If he could, he would spread his arms out around his people to protect them, this man, this president shows tremendous courage.

Jesus offers himself for us, he spreads His arms out on the cross to save all of God’s children.

Romans 15 tells us that “For what so ever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

We may not understand exactly why Christ has to die in order for humanity to be redeemed, but we must allow God’s purposes to be fulfilled whether or not we fully understand or agree with what takes place.

In our own lives, we often make judgments about why certain things happen to God’s people without fully knowing the breath of God’s plan for us.

So, as we travel this road in lent with Jesus and in real life, let us remember the best comfort we find in Scriptures is that Christ died for us and God’s word has the ability to give us life in the midst of any circumstance, life that is made up of hope, joy, praise, and strength, in this ever difficult and changing world.

Psalms 27: 1, 4 The Lord is my light my salvation; whom then shall, I fear? * The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? And though war should rise up against me, * yet will I put my trust in him.

Amen
The Reverend Lola Culbreath

Sermon Lent 1,2022

The lesson from Deuteronomy calls upon God’s people to give thanks for Divine blessings and deliverance from Egypt. Moses reminds the people of God’s mighty acts on their behalf. Moses also warns of the temptation that the people will have in Canaan. To show that they do remember and celebrate, they were to bring an offering to God’s sanctuary form the first harvest they gather. This offering of first fruits is to acknowledge that the land they are in possession of are God’s gifts. As we begin this lesson of season of lent, lets look deep within our hearts and seek God’s guidance to resist the temptation that we encounter. Lent gives us both divine invitation and a map that embodies the first three elements of the way of love; Turn.    Learn.    Pray.

During Lent we need to be able to Worship, Bless, Go and Rest in a very deep fashion. 

The invitation is to follow Jesus’ lead by taking the 40-day Lenten journey to the wilderness of our own temptations’. During the time Jesus followed the Spirit into the very places that we would ty to avoid—– Temptation.

We are custom to praying “Lead us not into temptation.” The following slogans lend a script to turn to in times when the mind isn’t quick enough for a defense from unhealthy urge. “Do the next right thing” “One day at a time.” Just for today.”  Let our Holy Scriptures serve as a beacon of light when we are floundering. Remember time spent praying helps us to know what is what when we are confused. 

We are called during the Lenten season to prepare, take time, go to the wilderness (even if it is just in our mind.) We need time to practice in our busy life’s. Lenten season is a time of reflection and regular confession are rules we should live by.

Temptation can sneak upon us when we are not paying attention to what is going on. In faith communities we would do well to follow Jesus’ lead. We are blessed. But I wonder how the church’s role has affected abuse children, the elderly. Spiritual Inventory helps keep people of, God humble and communities of God honest. 

Lent gives us an opportunity to come clean with ourselves and God. It is the time to prepare ourselves for the ministry of the year ahead. God knows the ways that we have gotten off base. The reason for this Lenten journey is not for God’s Devine edification – but our own.

At the end of Luke’s passage in describing the temptation of Jesus, the phrase, “When the devil had finished every test, he departed from Jesus until an opportune time. This isn’t just about Lent. Lent gives us an opportunity to “re-subscribe to our faith.” When we are least prepared. When we let our spiritual guard down. We need regular habits staying close. Like “Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go and Rest.

Rev. Kathyleen Funk

The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Year C

February 27 ,2022
First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99 
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Gospel: Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] 

Collect:

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Be Changed into His Likeness

Imagine Jesus on a normal day, walking with three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John.

Jesus had taken the three disciples with him to the mountain while he prayed.

Jesus appears to them to be normal… when he asked them to come with him, but this was far from an ordinary morning, or an ordinary walk, because, as he prayed a light that appeared was so bright, it was almost blinding.

We all at one point in our lives have looked at a light, so bright, that we had to look away or close our eyes, because, it was so bright.

For the disciples right before their eyes, and while he prayed, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.

The disciples, Peter, James, and John were tired, as a matter of fact, they were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they were able to see his glory. 

And

Suddenly they see Elijah and Moses talking to Jesus…they were so terrified by this, that Peter, not really knowing what else to say…says, Master or “Rabbi, maybe we shouldn’t be here, do you want us to go and prepare three dwelling places, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”? 

This may have been his way to honor them, by putting up three dwelling areas of worship for them.

Then, a great cloud overshadowed them…and a voice came from the cloud.

“This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

Let’s go back, they climb this mountain and are separated from the other disciples, then Jesus is transformed before them in bright light, and two of God’s greatest, are there talking to Jesus about his own departure, his own exodus, the new exodus, that leads to his death, resurrection, and ascension.

Next comes the shadow of heavy clouds and a Thundering voice out of the clouds….” This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 

After this transformation, Jesus was found alone, how do you think he was feeling? Did he feel any different? The transfiguration is an important moment, it is set on the mountain, where the human meets God and Jesus is the connection.

They start down the mountain and when they reach everyone else…they say nothing, they kept silent.

I think they talked coming down and they agreed to this, who would believe them and how would they explain it…after all Jesus is still there and they don’t really know what is going on! 

But it is a key to the fact, that the identity of Jesus as the Son of God is reviled to some of his disciples.

Peter, James, and John have experienced the past, the present, and the future all in an instance.  

Conclusion:

I wonder how we would find that experience? I would hope we would be transformed in our own lives.

It is possible, that some of us have had different experiences in life, maybe not as clear and involved as the three disciples, but we… all have had our own time on the mountain of life. 

We all have connected to God in different ways, through experiences of our own, through our faith.

And there are people who are still waiting for that one experience in life, that will help transform their lives, and believe more than they do. 

We will have times in our lives when our faith is being tested and challenged. It is not until we faced our own mountain to climb, the challenges and struggles, so we can discover our courage and then we are able to understand, that we will always rely on the Lord’s strength to give us confidence.

Jesus will always be there to help us transform ourselves, we can’t just have one experience and then say, okay, I made it, and I can stop there. 

No, we have to come down the mountain with him and turn around and go back up again and again.

There is plenty of growing to do, and we have to be ready for that invitation from Jesus to go. 

Keeping a strong spiritual life will help us to be ready when he says, come, we have another mountain to climb.

God spoke twice, when Jesus was baptized and, in this scripture, God says, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

Listen to him in Sunday worship, listen to him when reading the scriptures, Listen to him when you’re in personal prayer.

Say to yourself every morning…Lord I am Listening! Let yourself be transformed. Be changed into his likeness.

Amen
The Reverend Lola Culbreath

The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple
Year C
February 6, 2022

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 84 or 84: 1-6
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Gospel: Luke 2:22-44

My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, is to officially, to induct him into Judaism, and that is celebrated by many Christian Churches with the Candlemas…like we had this morning.

Malachi 3:1-4

I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to the temple.

Gospel: Luke 2:22-44

Following the Commands of God:  

The Holy Family has come to Jerusalem, the big city of many people. 

The law says, that the first male is sacred. Jesus is to be presented in the Temple, an important tradition in Judaism. 

Mary has given birth 40 days ago and she has to wait to go to the temple for purification.

I close my eyes and imagine the sights, the smells, the sounds of Jerusalem. They are selling and trading goods, the markets are busy! As this family moves through the city… do you think there is just…

Maybe…. a little excitement on their part, because they know their son is special and they want to follow what God’s Word has commanded them to do, their bringing the Child to be presented in the Temple, in obedience to the Torah. 

I think of it today… when a family is preparing their child for baptism or their first communion. How excited the entire family would be.

Along the way, they need to pick up a couple of turtledoves or two young pigeons, as an offer of a sacrifice, according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, and the turtledoves or young pigeons is all they could afford.

Two Prophets:

In the temple, we have two prophets……. waiting patiently for Israel’s people to be restored and looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

As Joseph Mary and baby Jesus enter Jerusalem, there is a very old man named Simeon.

The scriptures tell us, this man was righteous and devout, and he is looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit…rested on him.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah and The Holy Spirit led this righteous man, to the temple; where he waited years.

Also, in the temple is Anna, she is very old herself, and for years she has never left the temple, she worshiped there fasting and praying night and day.

The Holy Family is met by Simeon first, who sees them “Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; “for my eyes have seen your salvation” which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people of Israel.”   

Simeon has been promised that he will see the Messiah, the Christ, whose name means salvation and promise. 

He has waited decades with hope and trust and the fulfillment of God’s promise.

I don’t think it was because he could finely die and be set free to go in peace, but the promise of salvation for all God’s people. 

Anna, at the moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Holy Family is faithful to the Law of Moses, and…the two prophets, devoted and dedicated to God’s promise.  

Conclusion:

In our ancient biblical days having occurred a long time ago, they wanted and waited for the messenger of God to come into the temple.

They waited for years, decades, and when you go by biblical years maybe centuries.  

We can’t wait 10 minutes in lines at the store or bank. We want fast food, faster service, faster internet…. can you imagine if we had to wait, so “our” world and lives could be restored?

The New Year is well on its way, we are looking to the promises of God to bless us with a new and healthy new year because we have a loving heavenly Father who wants only good things for us, and a Lord and Savior who is with us in our good times and in bad times too. 

Today, right now, we have received Jesus in the Temple of our “hearts”. Keep in mind that God is still at work, we know when prayers are not answered as soon as we need them answered, it’s in God’s time, he continues preparing us for the gifts he has given us and prayers will be answered.

He dwells within each of us, we give thanks today, that we have our salvation, because God allowed Jesus into our lives. Good things come to those who wait, just like Anna and Simeon.

We do not have to wait for Jesus to come…but we have to show up! 

“In order for our eyes to see our salvation”, given to us!

Amen
The Rev. Lola Culbreath

January 23, 2022
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Year C

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6-8-10
Psalm 19
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21

We are in the third Sunday of Epiphany, a time to hear stories Old and New about the miracles of God.

Ezra opened the book and Jesus unrolled a scroll.

Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10

In our Old Testament reading today, imagine all the people gathering in the square before the Water Gate.

The location of the Water Gate in the City of David is still debated, but it’s believed it likely lays near the Gihon Spring, perhaps as a distribution point for water. 

It provides an interesting and powerful metaphor, he faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand.

All the people listened closely to the Book of Law. (Neh. 8:3) 

Ezra is a scribe and priest he returns to Jerusalem in 458 B.C., 14 years before Nehemiah returned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, “Ezra returned to rebuild the people” 

He did it, by calling them to return to the “Word of God”. Ezra’s teaching of the “Word of God” combined with a life that “modeled the Scriptures” assisted the people to reignite their devotion to the Lord.

Ezra opened the book, the law of Moses…. in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 

Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen.”  Lifting up their hands. 

Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 

They were instructed to “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not grieve, for the joy of the lord is your strength.”

1 Corinthians 12-12-31a

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, through many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

For in the Spirit, we were all baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 

“If one member (of the body) suffers, all suffer together with it.”

Paul is writing to the people in Corinth, his local church and the congregation was divided and relationships were hurt and they struggled for power and competing factions. 

Just like our body, some parts don’t work without the other and we have to work together in our Christian beliefs, because, we the people are the body of God’s church.

And all of this was in a richly gifted community that proclaimed Jesus as their Lord.

“For in the Spirit we were all baptized into one body” We are in this together 

and we all need each other, not just here in church but in our community and 

world.

Gospel of Luke 4:14-21

JESUS, FILLED WITH THE POWER of the Spirit.

Like Ezra who returned to Jerusalem to read to the people from the book of Moses 

(a scroll most likely).

In Luke’s account, we have Jesus who returned to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day and like he normally did, he stood up to read, the scroll he was reading from was of the prophet Isaiah, which was given to him.

He….unrolls the scroll and found the place he wanted to read.

Isaiah 61: 1

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives; and release to the prisoners.

Isaiah 42: 6-7

I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

When he is done, he rolls up the scroll, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down.

The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 

Then he began to say to them. “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

Jesus is saying to them that these things are now done and accomplished in himself.

Conclusion:

In the New Testament. The term Holy Spirit appears at least 90 times. The sacredness of the Holy Spirit to Christians is affirmed in all three Synoptic Gospels. 

I… personally felt the power of the Holy Spirit when the bishop laid his hands on me and spoke these words. “Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your “Holy Spirit” to Lola Annette Culbreath; Fill her with grace and power, and make her a priest in your Church.”

This was very powerful and I felt it throughout my body, a feeling of love, joy and peace but most of all, I felt responsibility.

“Ezra returned to rebuild the people” He did it, by calling them to return to the “Word of God”.

The Gospel of Luke: 

In Luke’s Gospel, the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, was to empower him to bring good news to the poor recover sight to the blind; to let the oppressed go free. 

St. Paul’s powerful injunction in Philippians 2:5 “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus”

The word calls us up, as to what we are actually supposed to be doing on this path: 

not just admiring Jesus, but acquiring his consciousness.

How do we put on the mind of Christ? How do we learn to respond to the world with the same wholeness and healing love? 

That’s what Christianity really is all about. It’s not about right belief; it’s about right practice.

When we say we are faithful or spiritual? we have to practice this in our daily lives, not just… saying we are faithful; we live with the mind of Christ.

When you feel the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily lives, let people see that you are filled with the Holy Spirt, by your actions.

Good-News

I started today’s sermon with the third Sunday of Epiphany, a time to hear stories Old and New about the miracles of God.

All things we know eventually get old, cars, furniture, clothes, almost everything. The one thing that does not get old, is the Word of God. His Word continues to be renewed in us, to read, to dwell, to teach, and to share.

We are on a mission and Jesus left us with a mission statement. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, we are filled with the Holy Spirit through our baptism. 

But we are not to let ourselves be filled and then emptied of the Holy Spirit, like a leaky bucket, only to be refilled later on. Rather, the Holy Spirit should flow within us constantly.

Jesus left us with a mission statement and St. Paul gave us a road map, the body of Christ, the church, we the people, are the church, just like a body part, one can’t do without the other and because of our baptism, we carry out Jesus’ mission, to care for the poor and the oppressed. 

We follow our hearts; we have the responsibility to fulfill God’s plan.

Feel the Holy Spirit in you, open your hearts and let the “Holy Spirit” whisper to you. 

Amen
The Rev. Lola Culbreath

Second Sunday after Christmas Day (Epiphany Sunday)
Year C
January 9, 2022

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

The Collect:

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the people of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 

Epiphany Sunday, The Feast Day is January 6^th, on which the Christian church celebrates the Feast of Epiphany.

It recognizes the revelation of Jesus Christ to the entire world as represented by the coming of the Magi to worship the Christ child.   

Personal Story:

I was raised by wonderful parents that worked hard. My dad was working for the US government in the fish and wildlife and my mother was a cook at a boarding school and she was the one who took us to church.  

We didn’t have much, but we had all we needed.

Dad being a “trapper” would be gone for sometimes weeks, alone in the wilderness. He was a baptized Christian, but didn’t attend church that much. He told us he found God in nature.

We children, would go with dad camping and hunting. Being with him, we would leave the truck and all follow him, in a line, what seem to me miles and miles, I am sure it was only a quarter of a mile, I always wondered how he knew where he was going? He never got lost and we always found his way back.

He would sleep out many times in just his bedroll and he watched the stars and studied them. 

My father, who only had a second-grade education, knew the bigger picture about God way before I did. 

Which brings us to the story of the Gospel of Matthew.

God’s Greatest Gift to Us and The Gifts of The Magi 

A year or more after Jesus’ birth, three kings arrived to worship Him. Their lavish gifts symbolized Christ’s identity and mission; gold for a king, incense for God, and myrrh to anoint the dead.

The mysterious Magi, or three Kings, are mention only in the Gospel of Matthew. Few details are given, and our ideas about them mostly come from tradition and speculation.

Scripture doesn’t say how many wise men there were; it is generally assumed three, since they brought three gifts.  

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

King Herod was not happy, as a matter of fact he is worried and so are the people of Jerusalem. 

He calls all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he questions them!!! where was this child, the one they call the Messiah? Where was he born? 

“They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; because it had been written by prophets. 

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” 

Herod has worked hard in gaining his kingdoms and he is not about to let someone take it from him.

The king secretly summons the wise men and learned from them, the exact time when the star had appeared.  

The Christmas message was first given to the shepherds, considered to be lower class people of Israel. And now it was given to the wise men from the East, they were not Jewish, but Gentiles.

Remember the message from the angels to the shepherds! 

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2: 8-11

Maybe the glory of the Lord that shone around the shepherds was the same star…the same light of Jesus. 

The light was the light of Jesus Christ in the world. John 1:5-8 “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not absorb the light. It was too bright; it was the light that would lead the shepherds to Jesus and later it was the same light that would lead the wise men to him.

Jesus was going to be the true light for everyone, Jews and Gentiles.

“The king sends them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay homage.”

It’s reported that they could have traveled anywhere from 500 to 1500 miles to find the child and some historians and scholars say, it took a year or two before they found him.

They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. 

Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Magi had to be very prominent in their regions to bring such lavish gifts. And they were certainly men of great learning.

Today, we would call them astronomers and would have followed the patterns of the stars religiously. Most likely, they would have been rich and held high in their own society by people who were from their region.

Conclusion:

• The three gifts had spiritual meaning; 
• Gold as a symbol of kingship on earth. 
• Frankincense (Incense) as a symbol of deity. 
• Myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. 
• Why did God choose first the shepherd’s and then the Magi? They were from different back grounds! 
• The shepherds were the poor lower class of Israel and perhaps! the poor shall be first.
• The Magi were wealthy, but from other regions. They were Gentiles!

The Good news:

Jesus came into the world for all people, for All Jews, Gentiles, Muslims “all people”.  

It sounds pretty fitting to me. God manifest himself through his son Jesus Christ, he comes here not as a King, but as one of us. And, His Kingdom is not of this world, but of the spiritual world. 

On this Epiphany Sunday, where Christians celebrate the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ, we have been given the greatest gift of all, the gift of Jesus Christ. 

We are reminded that he brings us Hope, Joy, Love and the promise of our Salvation.

Just imagine the Magi, when they first laid their “tired” eyes on the incarnate Son, and how overwhelmed with Joy they were! 

As I leave you today, a reminder that we are called to follow the bright light of Christ Jesus, rejoicing in the same way of the Magi, with overwhelming joy! 

Let’s kneel down and pay homage to Him always.

Amen
The Rev. Lola Culbreath

God came in Jesus of Nazareth to reveal the power of God’s love and healing. In the birth of Jesus, we realize that God shares life with us intimately. We meet God “in the flesh” of human struggle and most especially in the midst of human love. Christmas celebrates the incarnation of God; God “in the flesh of” human life.

At their entry into the church for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Celebrant (and other ministers) may make a station at a Christmas Creche. The figure of the Christ Child may be carried in the procession and placed in the creche. Other figures may also be brought in if desired.

Prelude: The First Noel, Harp solo

All Standing:

Processional Hymn: #79 O little town of Bethlehem

Celebrant: V. The glory of the Lord has been revealed.

People: R. And all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.

Let us pray.

Almighty and ever-living God, you have given us a new revelation of your loving providence in the Coming your Son Jesus Christ to be born of the Virgin Mary: Grant that as he shared our mortality, so we may share his eternity in the glory of your kingdom; where he lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen

The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

The Word of God:

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of you Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen

When appointed, the following hymn or some other song of praise is sung or said, all standing

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you,

We give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Lessons: 

First Reading: Isaiah 62:6-12

Psalm 97

Second Reading: Titus 3:4-7

Hymn: Before/after the Gospel 102 Once in Royal David’s City, vs 1, then vs  2 after

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 2: [1-7], 8-2

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Homily:

The Rev. Lola Culbreath

On Sundays and other Major Feasts there follows, all standing

The Nicene Creed:

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, he is worshiped and glorified. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen

The Prayers of the People  

Deacon or leader

Come let us adore Christ, the Lord. Let us pray,

“Glorious Lord, grant us your peace.”

Christ the Lord, we humbly adore you: make joyful our hearts. Strengthen your Church with humility and faith that we might triumph over the power of evil.

Silence

Glorious Lord,

Grant us your peace.

Christ the Lord, we humbly adore you: you abhor neither the simple nor the lowly.

Shine your light on all the world that the nations may look upon your truth and find their salvation.

Silence

Glorious Lord,

Grant us your peace.

Christ the Lord, we humbly adore you: may all of creation burst forth in songs and praise.  May all the works of your hand glorify you.

You may add your own thanksgiving.

Glorious Lord,

Grant us your peace.

Christ the Lord, we humbly adore you: summon the people of the city to yourself.

May all of the distractions and heartache of our lives fade away in the joy of your presence.

Silence

Glorious Lord,

Grant us your peace.

Christ the Lord, we humbly adore you: you love us so dearly. Grant your healing grace to sinners, to the poor, to those in need of love. Open your arms to the sick and the lonely.

Add your own petitions

Silence

Glorious Lord,

Grant us your peace.

Christ the Lord, we humbly adore you: all glory be given to you. You blessed our earthly bodies with your birth; and you promise to raise us to new life by your death and resurrection.

Silence

Glorious Lord,

Grant us your peace.

Celebrant:

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of the Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, on God, in glory everlasting. Amen 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Minister and People

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

Have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways,

Celebrant:

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins though our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen

The Peace

Hymn: 89 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

The Holy Communion

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer A

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says.

The Lord be with you.

And also, with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

+Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The people stand or kneel.

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, you only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciple, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died.

Christ has risen.

Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

+ Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. + Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say.

Our Father, who ae in heaven, 

Hallowed be thy Name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done.

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those

Who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

And the power, and the glory,

For ever and ever. Amen

The Breaking of the Bread

(Alleluia) Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; 

Therefore, let us keep the feast. (Alleluia)

The Gifts of God for the People of God. 

Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven.

The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.

(During Communion: Harp/Cello Duo, Silent Night)

Let us pray.

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God, who sent his angles to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the gospel. Amen

+ The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever.

Amen 

Final Hymn: 87 Hark, the Herald Angles

Postlude: Harp and Cello Carol Medley