My work has been very heavily influenced by Fr. Alexander Schmemann and I think he has a great deal to say on the subjects of liturgy, sacraments, and the church. For those of you who may not know him: Fr. Schmemann was a priest of Russian descent in the Orthodox Church committed to liturgical theology and renewal. After a teaching period in Paris (1946-1951), he joined the faculty at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York where he remained until his... Read more
Every week I will share links and resources as a round-up for your weekend reading. The inclusion of a link or article in my posts does not indicate that I am endorsing the material or opinions of the author. This is designed to help keep things on your radar and to start meaningful conversations. From Around the Web From First Things, “Therapeutic Superstition” Also from First Things, “A Tiny Pieta” From NPR, “‘When God Talks Back’ to the Evangelical Community” “The... Read more
I’m beginning a new feature called, “Sundays with Schmemann.” My work has been very heavily influenced by Fr. Alexander Schmemann and I think he has a great deal to say on the subjects of liturgy, sacraments, and the church. Here is my first offering for you. “The only real fall of man is his noneucharistic life in a noneucharistic world.” Aleksandr Shmeman, For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy, 2nd ed. (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir, 1973 (1982 printing)). “Liturgical study of... Read more
Every week I will share links and resources as a round-up for your weekend reading. The inclusion of a link or article in my posts does not indicate that I am endorsing the material or opinions of the author. This is designed to help keep things on your radar and to start meaningful conversations. In Case You Missed It…From The Blog This Week “Bring Your Gifts to the Altar – Sermon Notes For Pentecost 9/Proper 12” “Help Me Lord. You’re My... Read more
If you’re new to my Sermon Notes, you can read about why I prepare them here. They aren’t just for preachers, they’re for everyone! Thesis Three concepts really leapt out at me from the collect and lessons this week: holiness, “increase and multiply,” and living lives of self-offering. The combination of 2 Kings and John 6 for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost allows us to delve into the meaning and nature of oblation even if we stop short of a... Read more
(This sermon was preached at Epiphany Anglican Church on July 29, 2012 in Mission Viejo, CA. The lectionary lessons were from Track 1 of the RCL: 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14, Ephesians 3:14-21, and John 6:1-21. My notes for this upcoming Sunday will focus on the lessons from Track 2.) I love Star Wars. I grew up watching the movie, reading the books and playing the card game. In the first movie produced, Episode 4, the Rebel Alliance is under... Read more
My goal is to have my sermon notes posted a full two weeks in advance. However, that has proven most difficult recently. Feel free to “Subscribe” to my blog on the right-hand side of the passage so you can receive automatic updates when I post my notes. If you’re new to my Sermon Notes, you can read about why I prepare them here. They aren’t just for preachers, they’re for everyone! Thesis To proclaim God’s truth (boldly) and minister... Read more
If you’re new to my Sermon Notes, you can read about why I prepare them here. They aren’t just for preachers, they’re for everyone! Thesis As I read through these lessons over and over there were two themes that jumped out at me: sin and promise. It is really just one theme with two sides but that’s ok! Everything points back and away from Genesis 3, in my opinion. We are entering into Ordinary Time—sure, we’ve been there since Pentecost... Read more
Our faith remains Trinitarian in nature even after Trinity Sunday. I found this old sermon while looking through my documents recently. May it be a reminder that we worship God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Content Advisory: Today is Trinity Sunday. Theologically it is important to wrestle through the particulars of the Trinity and how we can know God who is three-in-one and one-in-three. However, it is more essential that we come to know the Triune God and... Read more
I have only been a Patheos blogger for a month but when the opportunity came knocking to review a book I jumped at it quickly. My level of excitement was high when I learned that Arriving at Amen: Seven Catholic Prayers That Even I Can Offer by fellow Patheos blogger, Leah Libresco, was one of the options. As if the book’s title, cover, and content weren’t enough to entice me, Libresco uses Inspector Javert from Les Miserables as a powerful... Read more
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