The Gift of the Present Moment

In this sermon, Father David Price address than themes of eschatology—the study of final things—and the importance of the present moment in the Christian faith. He encourages listeners to focus on giving thanks and depending on God in their daily lives, viewing the present as a gift ("the present is a present"). He contrasts the impermanence of physical structures, such as the Jewish temple, with the permanent reality of Christ as the cornerstone of God's reign. Furthermore, he explores the three comings (advents) of Christ: his past arrival, his second coming in the future, and his most vital "advent" into the current, day-to-day experience of believers, urging them to apply their hope practically rather than simply waiting passively.

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Getting Heaven into Us

In this sermon, Father Bob Wismer offer a theological discussion focusing on the concept of heaven and the Kingdom of God, drawing from various biblical narratives and popular cultural references. He uses quiz questions about songs referencing heaven and a joke about St. Peter at the pearly gates to introduce the topic, emphasizing that while people speculate about heaven, the Christian focus should shift from simply getting into heaven to realizing the Kingdom of God on earth. Hecritically examines the views of the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, and asserts that following the Lord's Prayer means working to align life on earth with God's will as it is in heaven. Father Bob argues that the Christian mission is to be a channel for God's grace and power in the world, believing that by bringing "heaven into us," one is fulfilling the path to eternal life.

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The Vocation of Sainthood

In her sermon, Rev. Katie Gould emphasizes St. Clare's quote that we become what we love and clarifies that imitating Christ is a transformation into the image of the beloved, making us vessels of God's love. She challenges the common perception of saints as distant historical figures, arguing that a saint is simply a person whose life has become a prayer and profound service, asserting that holiness is achievable by ordinary people today. She encourages listeners to embrace their unique path to sainthood, which requires prayer, humility, compassion, and courage, and connects this vocation to the inheritance sealed by the Holy Spirit as described in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Ultimately, her message is that the saints serve as proof that holiness is possible for everyone, urging listeners to realize their potential as "saints in the making."

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Confidence in God: Humility and Mercy

In this sermon by Father David Price delivered on October 26, 2025, Father David primarily discusses the nature of confidence versus arrogance in a Christian context. Father Price uses the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector to illustrate the difference between self-justifying pride and humble reliance on God's mercy. The Pharisee's confidence in his own spiritual performance is presented as a negative example of arrogance and self-congratulation, while the Tax Collector’s plea, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner," is praised as true humility and effective faith. The sermon also analyzes the Apostle Paul's confident statements near the end of his life, concluding that Paul’s assuredness stems from his reliance on God’s strength and mission, not from personal merit, reinforcing the central theme that confidence should only be placed in God.

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This sermon was delivered by Rev. Katie Gould on Episcopal School Sunday, celebrating the deep connection between the St. Francis church and school communities. The sermon emphasizes that the school's Episcopal identity is rooted in fellowship, prayer, and generosity, ensuring that no one feels alone or unseen. Drawing heavily from the Acts 2 reading about the early church, the message illustrates how the school models this ancient pattern through shared learning, inclusion in hallways and lunch tables, and sincere prayer. The core concept is that mutual flourishing and sharing, whether of knowledge, resources, or presence at a table, makes God's love and kingdom tangible in the community. The sermon concludes by urging the community to continually commit to this model of inclusive teaching, fellowship, and generosity.

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Finding Goodness in ExileMother Emily Hylden uses biblical narratives and personal anecdotes to discuss the concept of "exile." She begins by teaching an adolescent audience about the historical exile of the Jewish people, drawing parallels between the ancient experience and modern-day discomforts such as unwanted jobs or health crises. The central message revolves around the idea that God can transform circumstances of suffering and upheaval, turning an unwanted "exile" into a place of growth, community, and home through gratitude and seeking God's purpose within the hardship. The sermon concludes by referencing a Gospel lesson about a healed leper who returns to give thanks, illustrating that transformation and redemption are found not in escaping the circumstances, but in returning to God with gratitude.

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The Church's Mission and Ministry

In this sermon, delivered by Father Stuart Bates on October 5, 2025, in observance of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, and the 75th anniversary of the St. Francis mission in West Houston, Father Bates emphasizes that the church's foundation is Jesus Christ, who is the head of the body, and that the parishioners of St. Francis are members of this body. The core of the sermon centers on the church's mission—to restore unity with God and one another—which is carried out primarily by laypersons (the ministers of the church). The sermon concludes by urging the congregation to prioritize prayer and service, drawing inspiration from St. Francis's spiritual transformation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Do It Scared: Belief Despite Evidence

This sermon by Mother Emily Hylden, delivered on September 28, 2025, discusses the nature of faith and evidence through scriptural stories. Hylden focuses on a passage from Luke where Jesus states that some will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead, which she calls a "ruthful joke" about human stubbornness. She contrasts the rich man in the story, who seeks more evidence, with Abraham, who obeyed God’s call despite having little prior evidence or assurance. The central theme is a call to trust God and "do it scared," emphasizing that God desires surrender and companionship rather than perfection or a comfortable life.

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