Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Apr 07, 2019 |
The Return of Jesus, and His Snarky Sense of Humor: The Fifth Sunday in Lent
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Return of Jesus, and His Snarky Sense of Humor: The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jesus returns to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus for a little R & R, but Judas whines about expenses. With a vintage comeback, Jesus both puts him in his place and reminds him, and us, of the importance of the poor. If we are paying attention!
The Scripture references are Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, and Philippians 3:4b-14. The Gospel reference is John 12:1-8
The Scripture references are Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, and Philippians 3:4b-14. The Gospel reference is John 12:1-8
Mar 31, 2019 |
The Parable of the Loving Father: The Fourth Sunday in Lent
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Parable of the Loving Father: The Fourth Sunday in Lent
We know this parable more commonly as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but if you read and pay attention to the story, both sons are in need of redemption. The focus of the story is really the Father, and his irrational irrepressible love for both of his self-absorbed sons. Gee, I wonder who the Father represents?!?
The Scripture references are Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32:1-7, and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. The Gospel reference is Luke 15:1-3,11b-32.
The Scripture references are Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32:1-7, and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. The Gospel reference is Luke 15:1-3,11b-32.
Mar 24, 2019 |
One-Who-Stands-Before-His-People: The Third Sunday in Lent
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
One-Who-Stands-Before-His-People: The Third Sunday in Lent
Moses was a special person in the life of the Jewish people. He was special to God as well. At least, God spoke to him. What if God speaks to people all the time, and the problem is that we don't listen. An imaginary look at Moses through the lens of the life of Enmegahbowh, the first Native American ordained to the priesthood.
The Scripture references are Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 63:1-8, and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 13:1-9.
The Scripture references are Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 63:1-8, and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 13:1-9.
Mar 17, 2019 |
New Words for Old Ideas: The Second Sunday in Lent
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
New Words for Old Ideas: The Second Sunday in Lent
Of all the metaphors of spread wings to be found in the Bible, perhaps Jesus' use of the sheltering wings of a mother hen protecting her chicks best describes God's love for us. There's a lesson there for us all to look at the Scriptures with new eyes from time to time, putting aside our belief that we already know the lessons to be learned.
The Scripture references are Genesis 15:1-12,17-18, Psalm 27:1-7, and Philippians 3:17-4:1. The Gospel reference is Luke 13:31-35.
The Scripture references are Genesis 15:1-12,17-18, Psalm 27:1-7, and Philippians 3:17-4:1. The Gospel reference is Luke 13:31-35.
Mar 10, 2019 |
Meeting Temptation: The First Sunday in Lent
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Meeting Temptation: The First Sunday in Lent
Tempted three times by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus stayed true to His nature as the Son of God. He resisted the urge to use His power to alleviate the suffering inherent in His humanity, to put anyone or anything above God, and kept His faith and trust in God. As Jesus well knew, and as we should remember this Lent, God is with us in every aspect of our lives. We are never alone, and Jesus is proof of that.
The Scripture references are Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:9-16, and Romans 10:8b-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:1-13.
The Scripture references are Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:9-16, and Romans 10:8b-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:1-13.
Mar 06, 2019 |
The Wild Abundance of God: Ash Wednesday
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Wild Abundance of God: Ash Wednesday
The ashes we wear each Ash Wednesday are the ashes of our misplaced confidence in our own wishes, the ashes of our choices that take us away from the will of God, and the ashes of our own egos. They are also the ashes of new hope, of rebirth and rejuvenation, of the saving spirit of Jesus Christ, and of the redeeming life God has for us.
The Scripture references are Joel 2:1-2,12-17, Psalm 103:8-14, and 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10. The Gospel reference is Mathew6:1-6,16-21.
The Scripture references are Joel 2:1-2,12-17, Psalm 103:8-14, and 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10. The Gospel reference is Mathew6:1-6,16-21.
Mar 03, 2019 |
Being the Church: The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Being the Church: The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
At the Transfiguration Peter, James, and John see the Law and the Prophets - Moses and Elijah - with Jesus on the mountaintop. This melding of the old traditions in a new Word, the Living Word in Christ, changed the disciples forever. Their glimpse of the road ahead, the work yet to be done, was their own transfiguration. When we embrace our baptismal vows and live the life to which we are called we too are transfigured, becoming more and more like the body of Christ.
The Scripture references are Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, and 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:28-36.
The Scripture references are Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, and 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:28-36.
Feb 24, 2019 |
The Point Is Love: The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
The Point Is Love: The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
How could Joseph ever forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery and telling his father that he was dead? How powerful must that love be to break through the walls of hatred we can build around our hearts? Jesus tells us that we must love, do good to, bless, and pray for those that hate us. It is that love called agapao, the love that is wholly unmotivated by any hope of return, that we are expected to show for those that despise us. That's the point of it all: We are loving not to save their souls, but ours. Once we love like that, fully and wholly with the love God has for us, there is no turning back.
The Scripture references are Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-9, and 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50. The Gospel reference is Luke6:27-38.
The Scripture references are Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-9, and 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50. The Gospel reference is Luke6:27-38.
Feb 17, 2019 |
"You Mind The Lord": The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
"You Mind The Lord": The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
In the Beatitudes found in the Gospel of Luke, the blessings and the warnings given by Jesus are meant to be considered in the moment, and equally in the future. How then are the poor to be blessed, and rich to be woeful? Our duty as Christians is to trust in God's goodness, and our goal is to be ready to share His love with all who may come into our lives. It is to be ready to listen for God's word, and to be ready to act, for God's grace is enough today and will always be enough.
The Scripture references are Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, and 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. The Gospel reference is Luke 6:17-26.
The Scripture references are Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, and 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. The Gospel reference is Luke 6:17-26.
Feb 10, 2019 |
Are You Ready For A Miracle? The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Are You Ready For A Miracle? The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
We are too often too willing to be skeptical of miracles. We explain them away, discount their importance, or don't even take the time to acknowledge them at all. But we live in an age of miracles. Faith is taking the time to see the miracles around us, and to reclaim the wonder at the world we had as children. God is there, waiting for us. Are you ready for a chance to wonder?
The Scripture references are Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 5:1-11.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 5:1-11.
Feb 03, 2019 |
Who, Then, Are We?: The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
| The Rev. William Nesbit![The Rev. William Nesbit](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/nesbit-head-shot_163_small.jpg)
Who, Then, Are We?: The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
In Luke's Gospel lesson, who best describes us? The people of Capernaum who readily accept Jesus and His works, or the people of Nazareth who have known Him since he was a child but reject His teachings that threaten the comfortable predictability of their lives? Or will be like Jesus, trusting in God to give us the strength to speak truth to power and the courage to see our duty done no matter the risk. Even Jesus had to wait on God in prayer; certainly we can take comfort in being in His good company.
The Scripture references are Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:21-30.
The Scripture references are Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:21-30.
Jan 27, 2019 |
Bringing the Good News: The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Bringing the Good News: The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
As Emmanuel enters its 170th year and we prepare for our annual meeting and the calling of an interim rector, Father Tom Rosa reminds us of the role we all play in our community and the world. The acts of love and charity the church performs are the result of all the members working together. We live out the word of the Great Commission in our daily lives, and our power is in the redeeming love of God. When we are at our weakest, the strength of Christ sustains us and supports us so that we may continue in His good works.
The Scripture references are Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10, Psalm 19, and 1 Corinthians 12-1231a. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:14-21.
The Scripture references are Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10, Psalm 19, and 1 Corinthians 12-1231a. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:14-21.
Jan 20, 2019 |
A Sacred Adventure: The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
A Sacred Adventure: The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana - His first sign, as John called it - came not as an announcement of power, but at a moment of need. The new, better wine is God's gift of His Son Jesus. Just as the wedding party needed the wine to continue the celebration, we need Jesus as the purest symbol of God's love for us. Jesus intimately concerns Himself not with our wants, but with our needs.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. The Gospel reference is John 2:1-11.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. The Gospel reference is John 2:1-11.
Jan 06, 2019 |
Arise! Shine!: The Epiphany
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Arise! Shine!: The Epiphany
The Magi were the first to see the star announcing the newborn Christ, and the first Gentiles to seek him out and offer homage. This hiddenness of Christ is so typical of God's relationship with us; so seldom does he appear to kings in palaces, and so often to the lowly and the poor, the powerless and unprepared. When we follow the light of our individual epiphanies we are led smack into God, and we can see clearly God's vision for us. Guided by the star of Christ's presence, we experience a life of light and love.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7,10-14, and Ephesians 3:1-12. The Gospel reference is Matthew 2:1-12.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7,10-14, and Ephesians 3:1-12. The Gospel reference is Matthew 2:1-12.
Dec 30, 2018 |
The Living Word: The First Sunday after Christmas
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
The Living Word: The First Sunday after Christmas
Through the Word, "Abba" - God the Father - made all of Creation, and through the Word made incarnate - Jesus the Christ - He brought and still brings life, light, love, and hope to those in darkness. This living Word is the source of our physical, spiritual, and eternal life and is the greatest gift from our loving God.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147:13-21, and Galatians 3:23-25,4:4-7. The Gospel reference is John 1:1-18.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147:13-21, and Galatians 3:23-25,4:4-7. The Gospel reference is John 1:1-18.
Dec 24, 2018 |
Wonderful Possibilities: Christmas Eve
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Wonderful Possibilities: Christmas Eve
Isn't wonderful and fitting that the shepherds tending their flocks as the lambs were born were the first to see the Lamb of God? His lowly birth shows us just how much God loves us and all His creation, and willingly came into the world to bring us to Himself.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.
The Scripture references are Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.
Dec 23, 2018 |
A Shared Miracle: The Fourth Sunday of Advent
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
A Shared Miracle: The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Mary the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist, kept each other company as they shared the miracle of motherhood. One a woman well past childbearing age and the other a virgin, they could each appreciate the hand of God on them and could acknowledge the truth of His handiwork in their lives. We too can support each other as a church family, and to reach out in support of those around us who need proof of God's love and healing help in times of trouble. It is at Christmas that we celebrate the birth of our Savior who came to us so that we can welcome him into our lives every day.
The Scripture references are Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, and Hebrews 10:5-10. The Gospel reference is Luke 1:39-45(46-55).
The Scripture references are Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, and Hebrews 10:5-10. The Gospel reference is Luke 1:39-45(46-55).
Dec 16, 2018 |
True Joy: The Third Sunday of Advent
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
True Joy: The Third Sunday of Advent
Being receptive to joy takes some readiness, but at this Advent season we are preparing ourselves to be ready to welcome the One who took on our humanity to give us His divinity.
The Scripture references are Zephaniah 3:14-20, Canticle 9 (The First Song of Isaiah) Isaiah 12:2-6, and Philippians 4:4-7. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.
The Scripture references are Zephaniah 3:14-20, Canticle 9 (The First Song of Isaiah) Isaiah 12:2-6, and Philippians 4:4-7. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.
Dec 09, 2018 |
Children of Promise: The Second Sunday of Advent
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Children of Promise: The Second Sunday of Advent
The lessons today tell us we are to clear a path for God to enter our lives, which He so desires to do. We need to remove the impediments that keep God out. We are children of promise, God's promise, and by opening our lives to transforming grace we open ourselves to the possibility that our hearts and our world can be a place for Jesus to live in us and abide with us always.
The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4, The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79), and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.
The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4, The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79), and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.