Episcopal Church Of The Holy Communion University City

The Rev. Hope Jernagen, Executive Director of Magdalene House joined us as we inaugurated our new partnership housing Magdalene graduates.

What is True Religion? God has heard the cry of the people. God is coming. Go hope somebody.

The Rev. Marc Smith asks: "Who do you say Jesus is?"

Words matter. We saw this week the power of words, as our president stumbled and failed to use the words that were necessary, required, given the mess our country is facing. I don't know that I always have the best words, but I hope to leave you with a little hope.

Bishop George Wayne Smith preaches at Holy Communion.

Today’s odd story has a deep truth to teach us: "No situation is un-transfigurable." God brings hope, and beauty, and love to the most painful times. God invites us to be a people of transfiguration, to bring healing, and hope, and love to the most unlikely people, the most unlikely situations.

As Jacob, that trickster, discovered, sometimes the best adventures occur when we venture into unmarked terrain.

I know it may come as a surprise for some of you, to hear me ask: “Is there room for conservatism in America?” But on personal levels, national levels, and global levels we could learn to slow down, to consider the ramifications of our actions.

Two Questions for America start off our sermon series: To whom does America belong? and Can protest be prayer?

Rebecca Hatelid Performs for Pride Sunday (apologies for the mic noise).

The Ven. Mark Sluss preaches on Pride Sunday.

Considering Fathers, Abraham, and Fathers' Day.

We live in a time that is uncomfortable with doctrine, that makes jokes about doctrine, but the teaching of Trinity can bring hope in a world of broken relationships.

“Spirituality” isn’t a nebulous concept. Spirituality is specific. It refers to God’s Spirit, living with us. That very wind which blew over the waters of creation, that wisdom which brings depth to God's followers, that Spirit of truth and justice which was upon Jesus as he proclaimed good news to the poor.

How will WE talk about God? Will speak words of God’s love to those who desperately need them? Will we speak of God’s justice in the courts that are judging so many unjustly? How will we talk about God?

Jesus offers a way in this world: Jesus stands before God’s people and declares that the oppressed should go free, the poor should be lifted up. Jesus stands with us in our pain, and offers us a way forward. Jesus stands in the midst of our growing diversity and longs to gather us together. That is a way that we can choose to follow.

Jesus the Good Shepherd finds us, even in the most difficult of circumstances...

Whether you’re on the road to Emmaus, or El Maizal, or you are just headed down Delmar Boulevard later. May you be prepared to encounter the miraculous, even in the most mundane moments.

Doubt, in the right measure, is crucial for survival. But be careful, because too much doubt can bruise your soul.

God can and does make new life out of the worst of human circumstances.. Life continues to triumph. Love continues to win. Light continues to shine, even in the darkest corners. Happy Easter!