Sermon Group

In the spirit of living out our baptismal call to ministry, we support lay preaching at St. John’s. All sermons are lectionary-based, following the scriptures appointed for the day. The Sermon Group meets a few weeks prior to a sermon to discuss and discern the readings, and to provide the preacher with ideas and perspectives to consider when preparing their sermon. They also meet afterwards to debrief the sermon and to provide feedback.

Preaching asks us to juxtapose scripture with modern events and values, an important, difficult, and rewarding task. A good sermon is not necessarily a comforting message, but one that challenges norms and strengthens our faith. Preaching from the pulpit is not a requirement to participate in the Sermon group; we welcome diverse knowledge, perspectives, and insights as we apply biblical scriptures to today’s world.

Sermon Archive

Text: James 2:8: “You do well if you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Today is our Homecoming. If you think…

The Knowledge Most Worth Having

September 23, 2012
It's the sunday after Labor Day. It has all started again, hasn’t it? In the old days, New Year’s day came in January; but in a knowledge-based economy, the New…

Heavy Light

August 23, 2012
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:17: “...this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure...” For a long time I have had it mind to preach…

The Puzzle

August 23, 2012
The Puzzle Text: John 3:9: “Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?’” Poor Nicodemus. He really is a smart man. He is a faithful student of the scriptures;…

Speaking sacramentally

August 23, 2012
Text: John 6:52: “The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ ” Yesterday I had the privilege of officiating at not one…