Faith Propelled by a Desire for a Better Country

Readings for Independence Day Deuteronomy 10:17-21 Hebrews 11:8-16 Matthew 5:43-48 Psalm 145:1-9 This sermon was preached at Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka CA on July 5, 2026. In celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we read today the Propers for Independence Day, which means we take a break from reading the story of Abraham in the book […]

To Desire a Better Country

Readings for the Feast of Independence Day Inspired by Bishop Rob Wright’s weekly practice of writing a 150-word reflection on the upcoming Sunday’s lectionary readings, I’m going to try to write a reflection on the readings each week in 250 words or less…(this week, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary) To Desire a Better CountryThe Feast […]

That We May Be Made a Holy Temple

Inspired by Bishop Rob Wright’s weekly practice of writing a 150-word reflection on the upcoming Sunday’s lectionary readings, I’m going to try to write a reflection on the readings each week in 250 words or less… That We May Be Made a Holy TemplePentecost 5 – Year A – Proper 8 (Track 1) – June 28, 2026 […]

The Sword and the Sparrow

Readings for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7 – Track 1 – Year A) Genesis 21:8-21Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17Romans 6:1b-11Matthew 10:24-39 This sermon was preached at Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka CA on June 21, 2026. Happy Father’s Day! Ironically, Jesus’s message for us this Father’s Day is, “I have come to set a man against his […]

Blessed are Bert and Sheena

Readings for the Wedding of Ralph Herbert Hafar III and Sheena Marie Ruchte Song of Solomon 2:10 – 13; 8:6 – 7 Psalm 67 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 13 Matthew 5:1 – 10 This sermon was preached at the Wedding of Bert and Sheena on Saturday June 13, 2026 at Christ Episcopal Church Eureka CA Blessed are […]

Three-Point Sermon about the Trinity

Readings for the Feast of Holy Trinity (Year A) Genesis 1:1-2:4a 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20 Canticle 13 This sermon was preached at Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka CA on May 31, 2026. On this Trinity Sunday, I feel inspired to preach a three-point sermon about the great mystery of our Triune God. And in order to […]

Discipleship as Birdwatching

Readings for the Feast of Pentecost (Year A) Acts 2:1-21 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23 Psalm 104:25-35, 37 This sermon was preached at Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka CA on May 24, 2026. Happy Pentecost! It’s good to see the dove flying again. Thank you, Heidi. We gave the dove a break at Christmas and Easter this […]

One Heart

Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (Year A) Acts 1:6-14 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11 Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36 This sermon was preached at Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka CA on May 17, 2026. Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so […]

“We Must Have the Courage to Meddle”

A Reflection for The Feast Day Frances Perkins (1880 – 1965) on Wednesday May 13, 2026 Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve a President of the United States as a member of the cabinet. Born in Boston on April 10, 1880, and educated at Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University, Perkins was passionate […]

“Be Kind to My Mother” – Jesus (in the Quran)

Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A) Acts 17:22-31 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21 Psalm 66:7-18 This sermon was preached at Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka CA on May 10, 2026. Happy Mother’s Day to you all! On this day when we celebrate motherhood in all its many forms and give thanks for our moms, […]