Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Jul 17, 2016 |
Sister Act
| The Reverend Stephen Winsett![The Reverend Stephen Winsett](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/12311197-10208029042903235-4823192767753426386-n_551_small.jpg)
Sister Act
The story of Mary and Martha reminds us how easy it is for the demands of day to day living to make us neglect the truly important things in our lives: family, friends, and most of all, our relationship with God. As Martha stressed about keeping the household and entertaining Jesus and his disciples, Mary, in a radical act, sat at Jesus' feet and was taught along with His followers. This story's most important point is that there is a time for work, a time for play, a time for worship, and a time for learning; a successful life is a balanced life. We all need to take a break on a regular basis, and to sit at the feet of Jesus.
The Gospel reference is Luke 10:38-42.
The Gospel reference is Luke 10:38-42.
Jul 10, 2016 |
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
| The Reverend Stephen Winsett![The Reverend Stephen Winsett](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/12311197-10208029042903235-4823192767753426386-n_551_small.jpg)
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
The parable of the Good Samaritan rings truer than ever in these violent and stressful times. In it we learn of the kindness of the Samaritan, but also of the innkeeper who cared for the man who had been robbed, trusting that the Samaritan would indeed return to compensate him for his caring. We can appreciate their willingness to act with kindness and decency without disparaging the Priest and the Levite who passed by on the other side, but even today our response to those in need is determined too often by the response of others. This story calls us to renew our caring for the needs of those around us. God has set us as examples to the world; when we get involved, others will also, loving God by loving our neighbors without thought of reward.
The Gospel reference is Luke 10:25-37.
The Gospel reference is Luke 10:25-37.
Jul 03, 2016 |
Tepid Be Not
| The Reverend Stephen Winsett![The Reverend Stephen Winsett](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/12311197-10208029042903235-4823192767753426386-n_551_small.jpg)
Tepid Be Not
How do we avoid a tepid faith, a faith so bland, so meaningless and boring, that even God would not favor it? Like the seventy disciples sent out we must be committed, strong in our belief, and not hesitant to show and share our commitment to Jesus Christ. It takes the commitment of people for Jesus' Gospel to work; if we were willing to make even a small commitment to live that Gospel message, no one would doubt our power.
The Gospel reference is Luke 10:1-11,16-20.
The Gospel reference is Luke 10:1-11,16-20.
Jun 26, 2016 |
Looking Forward: Plow On
| The Reverend Stephen Winsett![The Reverend Stephen Winsett](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/12311197-10208029042903235-4823192767753426386-n_551_small.jpg)
Looking Forward: Plow On
Too often our love for tradition keeps us from seeing that the church is not an organization, but an organism that lives, breathes, and grows. We are called to look ahead and not back, at what lies before us and not at what is past. It is well and good to cherish the past, but our faith is all about living joyfully in the present, thinking about the future with God.
The Scripture references are 1 Kings 19:15-16,19-21, Psalm 16:5-9,11, and Galatians 5:1,13-25. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:51-62.
The Scripture references are 1 Kings 19:15-16,19-21, Psalm 16:5-9,11, and Galatians 5:1,13-25. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:51-62.
Jun 19, 2016 |
The Most Difficult Commandment
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
The Most Difficult Commandment
Jesus' commandment to love our enemies is perhaps the most difficult for us to embrace. It flies in the face of our wish to see our idea of justice done when we are wronged. When Jesus spoke of loving mankind, he used the word that translates into Greek as agape, an active feeling of benevolence toward others. This calls us not to compare ourselves to others, but calls us to compare ourselves to the perfection of God. As the Orlando shootings have shown us, even in the most horrific moments God is in the midst of it all.
The Scripture references are 1 Kings 19:10-15a, Psalm 43, and Galatians 3:23-29. The Gospel reference is Matthew 5:21-224,43-48.
The Scripture references are 1 Kings 19:10-15a, Psalm 43, and Galatians 3:23-29. The Gospel reference is Matthew 5:21-224,43-48.
Jun 12, 2016 |
Forgiveness, A Lifelong Practice
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Forgiveness, A Lifelong Practice
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces we have as Christians. Through honest confession and repentance we can leave our transgressions, and those of others, behind and be graciously forgiven by God's love.
The Scripture references are 2 Samuel 11:26-12:10,13-15, Psalm 32:8-12, and Galatians:15-21. The Gospel reference is Luke 7:36-50.
The Scripture references are 2 Samuel 11:26-12:10,13-15, Psalm 32:8-12, and Galatians:15-21. The Gospel reference is Luke 7:36-50.
Jun 05, 2016 |
Transformation Beyond Expectation
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Transformation Beyond Expectation
Jesus was moved to the very depths of His being by the suffering of the widow of Nain, as told in today's Gospel lesson from Luke. Claiming as his own that which Death had seized to carry away, Christ showed us that even in our most desolate and suffering times God can and will fill us and support us if only we let Him in.
The Gospel reference is Luke 7:11-17.
The Gospel reference is Luke 7:11-17.
May 29, 2016 |
Honoring Sacrifice
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Honoring Sacrifice
Fr. Thomas Rosa shares with us how honoring the sacrifice made by our servicemen and servicewomen on Memorial Day, reflects also the sacrifice we memorialize each time we celebrate the Eucharist. Both bear witness to a greater love than the love of self.
The Gospel reference is Luke 7:1-10.
The Gospel reference is Luke 7:1-10.
May 22, 2016 |
Trinity Sunday: The Prism of Our Faith
| The Reverend John R. Dolan![The Reverend John R. Dolan](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-4337_893_small.jpg)
Trinity Sunday: The Prism of Our Faith
The Reverend Deacon John R. Dolan of Trinity Episcopal Church, Aurora, joins us this Trinity Sunday and shares that our whole Christian life is caught up in the life of the Trinity. Jesus emphasized the Spirit's role of abiding guidance to us all. As we look at the One God through the prism of our faith, we see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Scripture references are Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 and Romans 5:1-5. The Gospel reference is John 16:12-15.
The Scripture references are Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 and Romans 5:1-5. The Gospel reference is John 16:12-15.
May 15, 2016 |
Pentecost: A Spectacular Start to Spreading Jesus' Word
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
Pentecost: A Spectacular Start to Spreading Jesus' Word
Father Thomas Rosa shares with us a vision of Pentecost, as exciting as any Hollywood blockbuster. As we grow in our faith, the Holy Spirit plants and nurtures in us the qualities of Jesus, transforming anyone who is faithful into a reflection of Christ.
The Scripture references are Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-21. The Gospel reference is John 14:8-17.
The Scripture references are Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-21. The Gospel reference is John 14:8-17.
May 08, 2016 |
"...That They May Be One, As We Are One"
| The Rev. Dcn. Douglas Rogers![The Rev. Dcn. Douglas Rogers](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/doug-rogers_27_small.jpg)
"...That They May Be One, As We Are One"
Jesus' last act of devotion was directed at us. How well have we acknowledged God's love for us as shown by Christ? We should always echo those words from Revelation, "Come, Lord Jesus! Amen."
The Scripture references are Acts 16:25-34 and Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21. The Gospel reference is John 17:20-26.
The Scripture references are Acts 16:25-34 and Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21. The Gospel reference is John 17:20-26.
May 01, 2016 |
Believing Is Seeing
| The Reverend William R. Lenters![The Reverend William R. Lenters](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/bill-lenters-2014_56_small.jpg)
Believing Is Seeing
The Reverend Bill Lenters, chaplain of the Rosecrance Health Network, shares with us the dance between faith and doubt, trust and skepticism. If we believe only what we can see, we will never see the truth of God's love for us. Because we believe, we can see all that we need to see.
The Gospel reference is John 14:8-14.
The Gospel reference is John 14:8-14.
Apr 24, 2016 |
"I Don't Like Half the Folks I Love"
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
"I Don't Like Half the Folks I Love"
When singer/songwriter Paul Thorn wrote those words he nailed the seldom discussed truth that liking someone and loving them are not the same thing. We see in John's Gospel Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you" taken in a new context; to love those we know, to love those who make it hard to be loved, who vex us and test us. We are commanded to love each other as Jesus loved all His disciples, Judas and Peter included. Jesus thinks we have it in us to commit ourselves to love - let's prove Him right.
The Gospel reference is John 13:31-35.
The Gospel reference is John 13:31-35.
Apr 17, 2016 |
Earth Week 2016: Hearing the Wild Voice of God
| The Reverend Jim Roberts![The Reverend Jim Roberts](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/ar-306159928_301_small.jpg)
Earth Week 2016: Hearing the Wild Voice of God
The Reverend Jim Roberts, pastor of Rockford's Emmanuel Lutheran Church for thirty-six years, helps us to remember that God is always and everywhere around us. He is not just in our churches or in our prayers, but is present throughout all His Creation. Opening our ears and our hearts to His presence reminds us that we are bound together and to all his creatures.
Apr 10, 2016 |
Good Intentions, Poor Results
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Good Intentions, Poor Results
As sincerely as we might pursue Christian charity and outreach, good intentions alone are often not enough. Some programs with the best intentions actually can hurt those they are meant most to help. But "top down" charity can be transformed into something that brings dignity and value, blurring the demarcation of donor and recipient. Our love for Christ is shown in how we feed in ways that actually nourish, clothe with dignity as well as garments, and give not only of our resources but of ourselves.
The Gospel reference is John 21:1-19.
The Gospel reference is John 21:1-19.
Apr 03, 2016 |
The Blessing in Belief
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
The Blessing in Belief
The familiar story of Doubting Thomas takes on an entirely different meaning when viewed through John's eyes rather than our 21st century lens. The absent Thomas asked only for the same opportunity as the other apostles; in John's time the words for belief meant giving one's heart and trusting fully, not just intellectual belief. Through John's eyes we recognize the core beliefs that guide and sustain us; in them we find God and where the Risen Christ appears in our lives.
The Gospel reference is John 20:19-31.
The Gospel reference is John 20:19-31.
Mar 27, 2016 |
A Bridge From Death Into Life: Easter Sunday
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
A Bridge From Death Into Life: Easter Sunday
As we celebrate Christ's Resurrection, we know that by his triumph we are no longer prisoners to sin and death. He has created a bridge from Death to Eternal Life, and released us from captivity; we need no longer fear death. We can walk out into the world with freedom and possibility, and see the power of the Resurrection all around. We are free to live deeply, love boldly, and choose the way of love as our new life.
The Gospel reference is Luke 14:1-12.
The Gospel reference is Luke 14:1-12.
Mar 25, 2016 |
We Shall All Be Changed: Good Friday
| The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa![The Very Reverend Thomas Rosa](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/img-3728_409_small.jpg)
We Shall All Be Changed: Good Friday
Sin always has repercussions, if not for the sinner then for the innocents damaged by the sin. In his Good Friday homily, Fr. Tom Rosa reminds us that through Jesus' surrender to a death on the cross for our sins, we are made whole once again, our own sins forgiven.
Mar 20, 2016 |
Palm Sunday: Stepping Into Sacred Time
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Palm Sunday: Stepping Into Sacred Time
Just as some in the crowd in Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday were seeing Jesus for the first time, we can choose to enter Holy Week with fresh eyes, allowing the story to change us. Many of those in the crowd were listening to the part of themselves that was ready for new life, the new way that Jesus represented. Let us listen with our hearts to His message as well.
The Gospel reference is Luke 19:28-40.
The Gospel reference is Luke 19:28-40.