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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Stewardship, Relationships, and Eternal Implications

In this sermon by Reverend Katie Gould, delivered on September 21, 2025, she primarily discusses the meaning and implications of biblical parables, particularly focusing on stewardship and eternal consequences. Reverend Gould emphasizes two key takeaways: first, that everything belongs to God, meaning individuals are managers or stewards of gifts like wealth, time, and talents, which should be used to build relationships and love people; and second, that everything done in the present moment has eternal implications. The sermon warns against the human tendency to compartmentalize spiritual life from daily life, citing the prophet Amos, and stresses that these responsibilities—to uplift others and practice good stewardship—are never suspended, even outside of worship. Finally, the text underscores the importance of prayer for all people, including enemies, as a means of working toward God's peaceable kingdom.

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The Relentless Pursuit of God's Love

In his sermon, Father Stuart Bates focuses on the Biblical concept of God's relentless search for the lost, drawing heavily from Luke 15 and the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. He challenges the notion that certain individuals are "unworthy" of God's attention, highlighting the Pharisees' confusion over Jesus's inclusivity and connecting it to modern-day judgments. Bates emphasizes God's "prevenient grace," actively seeking out individuals before they even respond, and illustrates this through the transformations of Zacchaeus and the Apostle Paul, both once considered "lost." The sermon concludes by urging listeners to reflect on who they might have deemed beyond God's reach, stressing that "lostness" transcends social or economic status and that God's love continuously seeks everyone.

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Counting the Cost of Discipleship

This sermon explores the challenging teachings of Jesus, specifically the concept of "hating" family and possessions and "carrying one's cross." Father Wismer clarifies that these are not literal commands for hatred or self-harm, but rather metaphorical calls to prioritize Christ above all else. He uses pop culture references and parables, like the "City Slickers" scene and the "big rock" analogy, to illustrate the importance of identifying and focusing on that "one thing" in life. The sermon emphasizes that following Jesus requires active engagement and commitment, not passive observation, and that counting the cost of discipleship ultimately leads to profound joy and purpose.

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From Ailment to Awakening: The Healing Call of Jesus

In this episode, Mother Emily Hylden begins with a personal anecdote about the speaker's long struggle and eventual healing from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which she then uses as a metaphor for other "maladies" that shape people's lives. She draws a parallel to a biblical story from the Gospel of Luke where Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, much to the chagrin of the Pharisees, to illustrate how deeply ingrained conditions and human judgments can obscure a fuller, healthier life. Mother Emily emphasizes that Jesus sees and calls to heal people from their deeply ingrained issues, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It contrasts the fearful experience of Mount Sinai with the comfort and new covenant of Mount Zion, symbolizing a shift from a life bound by rigid rules and fear to one of grace, healing, and acceptance through Christ. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to consider what Jesus might want to heal in their own lives, leading them toward a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

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Special Edition

Join us in person for worship!

https://www.sfch.org/worship

Father Wismer's sermon explores the multifaceted reasons individuals attend church, likening the experience to a doctor's visit where one seeks healing and guidance. He emphasizes that unlike a human doctor, God already knows our troubles and desires, even those we wish to conceal. The sermon highlights the transformative power of God's word, comparing it to fire and a hammer that refines and reshapes us, even through pain, for our ultimate good. Father Bob challenges the congregation to embrace this refining process and to live out their faith actively, sharing God's love and word with the world, much like athletes prepared for a demanding game. Ultimately, the sermon encourages attendees to view their presence at church not just as a personal experience but as a preparation to be vessels of God's life and word for others.

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