Sermons from October 2024

Sermons from October 2024

Reformation Sunday

Today we’re jumping back into John’s gospel.  While we hear this same text every year on Reformation Sunday, there are some deep facets to explore together as we celebrate 145 years of ministry at the corner of Hoyne Ave. & Le Moyne St. in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. We’re going to focus on those first two verses. Hear them again: Jesus said to those who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”…

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s gospel reading is uncomfortable. Jesus brings up a topic that most church-going folk do not want to talk about: money and possessions. And that is why so many pastors, theologians, and biblical scholars have spent time trying to explain away or manage the complexity of this text by softening or ignoring parts. Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson summarizes some of the management techniques used to soften the passage…

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

“Do not worry about your life,” says Jesus in today’s reading from Matthew.  Clearly Jesus did not know about Pandemic, or hurricane Helena, or other disappointment, tragedy or other unexpected event. “Don’t worry” – are you kidding?  There is so very much to worry about – the economy, school, my children, the election, my parents, the President’s health, democracy, systemic racism. (I could name more but you get the picture and probably have your own list of worries).  Worry is one of those things that can consume us overwhelm us, weigh us down with the sheer force of its load…