Meet Our Clergy
The Rev. Kelly Kirby
Rector
The Rev. Suzanne Barrow
Dir. Congregational Life
The Rev. Jan Scholtz
Deacon
Listen to Sermons
Click on the links for SERMON to listen.
All are videos or mp3 audio files, unless the link says “Text” or “PDF."
Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (c.1616), oil painting on canvas by Hieronymous Francken II (1578-1623). The Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Read the Illuminations
Illuminations on the Lectionary readings for Pentecost 24A, Sunday, November 8, 2026
First Reading: Joshua 24:1-3a,14-25
As we approach the end of the season after Pentecost and the arrival of Advent and a new lectionary year, the Sunday readings continue to challenge us. In this first reading we follow the people as they conclude their long journey toward the promised land. Now led by Joshua after the death of Moses, they swear their allegiance to God, the Lord of Israel. Declaring the God of Israel “a jealous God,” Joshua emphasizes the people’s theological separation from the gods of their new neighbor. He calls them to a new covenant, reinforcing the covenant that they had made with God through Moses at Mount Sinai.
Psalm: Psalm 78:1-7
We sing only the first seven verses of a long, 72-verse Psalm in this reading. Read in full, it provides an extensive account of the people’s sins and failures. This is a dark narrative indeed, but it turns at the end to a happy conclusion under the love and guidance of God. The psalm’s confident beginning in these verses tells little of what is to come. It sings of the good news of God’s gifts to humankind, God’s words and teachings, which we should pass down to our children and their children’s children.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Paul’s imaginative description of the coming of Christ, complete with an archangel’s shout and trumpet blast, the dead rising from their graves and the people of God rising into the air, has become the basis for a lot of colorful theories about what the return of Christ might look like. Some Christians read this passage as a literal prediction of the last days. But most scholars offer a simpler explanation: At the time of this letter – the earliest in the New Testament – many Christians still thought that Jesus would return and establish God’s kingdom while they were still alive to see it. Now, though, they were upset because some members of the church were dying. Would they miss out on the promise? No, Paul assures them. Know this and encourage one another: All will be saved.
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
When Matthew tells us that Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven will be like this,” we can expect the following parable to challenge our expectations. Sure enough, this story is just as unsettling as the other kingdom parables that the Lectionary has offered in recent weeks. In this parable, the bridesmaids who didn’t plan ahead were locked out of the banquet, dismissed by the bridegroom, even though he was late himself! Is Jesus warning us that the kingdom of heaven is unfair? Not at all. Rather, the parable offers simple wisdom to early Christians who expected Christ to come back soon: Jesus, the bridegroom, will come, but we know neither the day nor the hour, so be ready always!
First Reading: Joshua 24:1-3a,14-25
As we approach the end of the season after Pentecost and the arrival of Advent and a new lectionary year, the Sunday readings continue to challenge us. In this first reading we follow the people as they conclude their long journey toward the promised land. Now led by Joshua after the death of Moses, they swear their allegiance to God, the Lord of Israel. Declaring the God of Israel “a jealous God,” Joshua emphasizes the people’s theological separation from the gods of their new neighbor. He calls them to a new covenant, reinforcing the covenant that they had made with God through Moses at Mount Sinai.
Psalm: Psalm 78:1-7
We sing only the first seven verses of a long, 72-verse Psalm in this reading. Read in full, it provides an extensive account of the people’s sins and failures. This is a dark narrative indeed, but it turns at the end to a happy conclusion under the love and guidance of God. The psalm’s confident beginning in these verses tells little of what is to come. It sings of the good news of God’s gifts to humankind, God’s words and teachings, which we should pass down to our children and their children’s children.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Paul’s imaginative description of the coming of Christ, complete with an archangel’s shout and trumpet blast, the dead rising from their graves and the people of God rising into the air, has become the basis for a lot of colorful theories about what the return of Christ might look like. Some Christians read this passage as a literal prediction of the last days. But most scholars offer a simpler explanation: At the time of this letter – the earliest in the New Testament – many Christians still thought that Jesus would return and establish God’s kingdom while they were still alive to see it. Now, though, they were upset because some members of the church were dying. Would they miss out on the promise? No, Paul assures them. Know this and encourage one another: All will be saved.
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
When Matthew tells us that Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven will be like this,” we can expect the following parable to challenge our expectations. Sure enough, this story is just as unsettling as the other kingdom parables that the Lectionary has offered in recent weeks. In this parable, the bridesmaids who didn’t plan ahead were locked out of the banquet, dismissed by the bridegroom, even though he was late himself! Is Jesus warning us that the kingdom of heaven is unfair? Not at all. Rather, the parable offers simple wisdom to early Christians who expected Christ to come back soon: Jesus, the bridegroom, will come, but we know neither the day nor the hour, so be ready always!
Dimensions of Faith Lectures
Dimensions of Faith invites thinkers and writers to explore the interface of religion and culture, as we continue as a parish to challenge our minds and renew our spirits.
Upcoming Speakers: Jeff Chu, October 11, 2026
Previous Speakers Include:
Nadia Bolz-Weber / Diana Butler Bass / Sarah Bessey / Steve Crump Ruby Sales / Dr. Amy-Jill Levine / Marcus Borg / Sara Miles
Robert Putnam / John Dominic Crossan / Brian McLaren / Scott Gunn
John Philip Newell / Silas House/Bishop Marianne Budde / Elizabeth Schrader-Polzcer / John Dear / Dr. Lewis Brogdon / Bob Hower and Ted Wathen
Upcoming Speakers: Jeff Chu, October 11, 2026
Previous Speakers Include:
Nadia Bolz-Weber / Diana Butler Bass / Sarah Bessey / Steve Crump Ruby Sales / Dr. Amy-Jill Levine / Marcus Borg / Sara Miles
Robert Putnam / John Dominic Crossan / Brian McLaren / Scott Gunn
John Philip Newell / Silas House/Bishop Marianne Budde / Elizabeth Schrader-Polzcer / John Dear / Dr. Lewis Brogdon / Bob Hower and Ted Wathen
