Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Aug 11, 2019 |
A Metaphorical Look at the Journey of Faith
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
A Metaphorical Look at the Journey of Faith
Using a trip to an island in Lake Superior as a way to explore what it means to be on a journey of faith… the journey of a life.
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
The Scripture references are Isaiah 1:1,10-20, Psalm 50:1-8,23-24, and Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. The Gospel reference is Luke 12:32-40.
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
The Scripture references are Isaiah 1:1,10-20, Psalm 50:1-8,23-24, and Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. The Gospel reference is Luke 12:32-40.
Aug 04, 2019 |
The Danger of Greed
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Danger of Greed
Jesus warns us of the danger of greed when a person from the crowd asks Him to settle a dispute over an inheritance. Jesus takes the opportunity to invite us to reflect on what we get from God, and what we owe to God.
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
The Scripture references are Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9,43, and Colossians 3:1-11. The Gospel Reference is Luke 12:13-21.
Jul 28, 2019 |
God Comes As A Child: The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
God Comes As A Child: The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
An old friend reminds me that God came to us as a child on purpose. God as a friend and God as a child are powerful images that teach us much about God and how to learn from and interact with the creator of the universe.
The Scripture references are Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 138, and Colossians 2:6-15,(16-19). The Gospel reference is Luke 11:1-13.
The Scripture references are Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 138, and Colossians 2:6-15,(16-19). The Gospel reference is Luke 11:1-13.
Jul 21, 2019 |
Camp Chicago and the Way of Love: The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Camp Chicago and the Way of Love: The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
A week at Camp with youth from around the Diocese teaching them the way of love has given me hope for the future of the world. I just have to share!!
The Scripture references are Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 15, and Colossians 1:15-28. The Gospel reference is Luke 10:38-42.
The Scripture references are Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 15, and Colossians 1:15-28. The Gospel reference is Luke 10:38-42.
Jul 14, 2019 |
"Who Is My Neighbor?": The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
| Dawn DiVenti![Dawn DiVenti](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-5987-194_387_small.jpg)
"Who Is My Neighbor?": The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
How many opportunities do we have every day to love another as Christ loves us? We are called, brothers and sisters, to extend Christ's love to ALL, period.
The Scripture references are Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82, and Colossians 1:1-14. The Gospel reference is Luke 10:25-37.
Jul 07, 2019 |
We Are the Seventy: The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
We Are the Seventy: The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
What does it mean to be sent? What does it mean to be bringing good news to a people who apparently could care less? We have work to do!
The Scripture references are 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 66:1-8, and Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16. The Gospel reference is Luke 10:1-11,16-20.
Jun 30, 2019 |
The Cost of Discipleship: The Third Sunday after Pentecost
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Cost of Discipleship: The Third Sunday after Pentecost
To be a disciple of Jesus is not a position of power, it is a position of grace. One of the hardest parts about being a follower of Jesus is remembering that truth. And acting that way.
The Scripture references are 2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14, Psalm 77:1-2,11-14, and Galatians 5:1,13-25. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:51-62.
The Scripture references are 2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14, Psalm 77:1-2,11-14, and Galatians 5:1,13-25. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:51-62.
Jun 23, 2019 |
Witnesses to Baptism: The Second Sunday after Pentecost
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Witnesses to Baptism: The Second Sunday after Pentecost
On the occasion of a young child's baptism, Father Rosa gives us a "refresher course" on baptism and our shared covenant.
The Scripture references are 1 Kings 19:1-4,(5-7),8-15a, Psalm 22:19-28, and Galatians 3:23-29. The Gospel reference is Luke 8:26-39.
Jun 16, 2019 |
God's Being: The First Sunday after Pentecost - Trinity Sunday
| The Rev. Dcn. Douglas Rogers![The Rev. Dcn. Douglas Rogers](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/doug-rogers_27_small.jpg)
God's Being: The First Sunday after Pentecost - Trinity Sunday
God as Three in One is the basis of our triune belief, and on Trinity Sunday we wrap our heads around this unique way of seeing our Creator. Deacon Doug makes this heavy mental lifting quite a bit easier!
The Scripture references are Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31, Psalm 8, and Romans 5:1-5. The Gospel reference is John 16:12-15.
Jun 09, 2019 |
Following the Holy Spirit is Not for the Faint of Heart: The Day of Pentecost
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Following the Holy Spirit is Not for the Faint of Heart: The Day of Pentecost
This Sunday we ask the Holy Spirit to come among us. It takes courage to ask God to change your life, but we ask anyway. Come, Holy Spirit!
The Scripture references are Acts 2:1-21, Psalm104:25-35,37, and Romans 8:14-17. The Gospel reference is John 14:8-17.
Jun 02, 2019 |
Athanasius to the Rescue! The Seventh Sunday of Easter
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Athanasius to the Rescue! The Seventh Sunday of Easter
In these times of fracture and division, how do we restore the unity that Christ wants for us? Could it be as easy as breathing? Well, it may not be easy, but it is our job, and breathing sure helps.
The Scripture references are Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 93, and Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21. The Gospel reference is John 17:20-26.
May 26, 2019 |
The Times They are a Changin'! The Sixth Sunday of Easter
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Times They are a Changin'! The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sometimes we think of the church as a bastion against change, but really we change all the time. By following the Spirit we can be sure that we are changing for the better, and not changing to change.
The Scripture references are Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, and Revelation 21:10,22 - 22:5. The Gospel reference is John 14:23-29.
May 12, 2019 |
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want." The Fourth Sunday in Easter
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want." The Fourth Sunday in Easter
What does it mean to follow the Good Shepherd? How is a life with God lived out? Well, it's complicated, and it's simple.
The Scripture references are Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, and Revelation5:11-14. The Gospel reference is John 21:1-19.
The Scripture references are Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, and Revelation5:11-14. The Gospel reference is John 21:1-19.
May 05, 2019 |
The Trouble with Blindness: The Third Sunday of Easter
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Trouble with Blindness: The Third Sunday of Easter
One of the hard parts of the life of faith is blindness. A look at the characters of Saul, Ananias, and Peter help us to see the blind spots that hover around us as we struggle to see with the eyes of Christ.
The Scripture references are Acts 9:1-20, Psalm 30:1-6,12-13, and Revelation 5:11-14. The Gospel reference is John 21:1-19.
The Scripture references are Acts 9:1-20, Psalm 30:1-6,12-13, and Revelation 5:11-14. The Gospel reference is John 21:1-19.
Apr 28, 2019 |
Hear, And Believe: The Second Sunday of Easter
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Hear, And Believe: The Second Sunday of Easter
The apostle who came to be known as "Doubting Thomas" gets an unfair reputation for insisting on proof of Jesus' resurrection. All the other disciples also had doubts until Jesus appeared to them. Thomas only asked for the same thing the others had already received. He reminds us that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but rather the thing that helps us to reexamine, better know, and ultimately share our own faith.
The Scripture references are Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 150, and Revelation 1:4-8. The Gospel reference is John 20:19-31.
The Scripture references are Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 150, and Revelation 1:4-8. The Gospel reference is John 20:19-31.
Apr 21, 2019 |
Welcome to the Mystery of an Empty Tomb - Easter Day
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Welcome to the Mystery of an Empty Tomb - Easter Day
People come to church on Easter for a lot of reasons, some of them not the best. It really doesn't matter. We all come to the resurrection with a sense of disbelief, amazement, and faith in varying amounts. If you want all the answers, you might try somewhere else, but if you want to wrestle over great questions in search of wisdom, well this might be your new/old home!
The Scripture references are Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 118:1-12,14-24, and Acts 10:34-43.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 118:1-12,14-24, and Acts 10:34-43.
Apr 20, 2019 |
Easter's Greatest Hit! - The Great Vigil of Easter
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Easter's Greatest Hit! - The Great Vigil of Easter
Sixteen hundred years ago, John Chrysostom wrote the greatest Easter sermon ever! The Orthodox Christians hear this sermon EVERY year on Easter. Now you will know why!
The Vigil Readings are The Story of Creation, Genesis 1:1-2:4a; The Flood, Genesis 7:1-5,11-18, 8:6-18, and 9:8-13; Israel's Deliverance at the Red Sea, Exodus 14:10-31, 15:20-21; and The Valley of Dry Bones, Ezekiel 37:1-14. The additional Scripture reference is Romans 6:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 24:1-12.
The Vigil Readings are The Story of Creation, Genesis 1:1-2:4a; The Flood, Genesis 7:1-5,11-18, 8:6-18, and 9:8-13; Israel's Deliverance at the Red Sea, Exodus 14:10-31, 15:20-21; and The Valley of Dry Bones, Ezekiel 37:1-14. The additional Scripture reference is Romans 6:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 24:1-12.
Apr 19, 2019 |
What Are We to Make of the Cross? - Good Friday
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
What Are We to Make of the Cross? - Good Friday
Today the cross stands before us in all it's terrible glory. Bad theology has made it a "cross to bear" for the church long enough. In the words of Jesus, "It is Finished!" God's love wins, even on Good Friday.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 42:13-53:12, Psalm 40:1-14, and Hebrews 10:16-25. The Gospel is The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John, John 19:1-37.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 42:13-53:12, Psalm 40:1-14, and Hebrews 10:16-25. The Gospel is The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John, John 19:1-37.
Apr 14, 2019 |
Good News, Bad News: Short Sermon, but Homework! Palm Sunday
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Good News, Bad News: Short Sermon, but Homework! Palm Sunday
We have heard the Passion hundreds of times; so many times, in fact, that often we stop listening. And we shouldn't! Here are a number of things to ponder as we enter the darkness of Holy Week, and remember two things. God does some of his best work in the dark, and the light will come!
The Scripture references are Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 118:19-26, and Philippians 2:5-11. The Gospel references are Luke 19:28-40 and the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 118:19-26, and Philippians 2:5-11. The Gospel references are Luke 19:28-40 and the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.