Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Mar 13, 2016 |
Feeding the Hungry: The Fifth Sunday in Lent
| The Reverend John Crist![The Reverend John Crist](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/5165efe4cb43dimage-1_670_small.jpg)
Feeding the Hungry: The Fifth Sunday in Lent
The Reverend John Crist enlightens us on the terrible waste of food in the world today. Fully one-third of the world's food production goes to waste, enough to feed two billion people! As Christians, and as stewards of God's bounty, there are many ways we can reduce this waste in our daily lives, so that those who are hungry may have food to eat.
The Gospel reference is John 12:1-8.
The Gospel reference is John 12:1-8.
Mar 06, 2016 |
The High Cost of Reconciliation: The Fourth Sunday in Lent
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
The High Cost of Reconciliation: The Fourth Sunday in Lent
When viewed through the eyes of Jesus' first century audience, we see just how many societal taboos were broken in the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son. The father's actions in the parable, with both the returned prodigal and the son who remained at home, were completely contrary to those that would be most expected. Just like that father, God has done the unthinkable on our behalf by taking on the shame and humiliation of the cross, lifting us up and making us worthy.
The Gospel reference is Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
The Gospel reference is Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Feb 28, 2016 |
"Who Am I?": The Third Sunday in Lent
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
"Who Am I?": The Third Sunday in Lent
When we are are troubled, oppressed, and in pain, God knows and shares in our suffering. God calls on human beings to effect the liberating change that will alleviate the injustices and suffering of this world. We must remember always that it is God who is with us, working through us. The question is not "who are we?" but "who is our God?", and it is He who can do all things.
The Old Testament reference is Exodus 3:1-15; the Gospel reference is Luke 13:1-9.
The Old Testament reference is Exodus 3:1-15; the Gospel reference is Luke 13:1-9.
Feb 21, 2016 |
Hearing the Truth: The Second Sunday in Lent
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Hearing the Truth: The Second Sunday in Lent
Like a loving mother, Jesus was willing to say to those listening in Jerusalem the hard truths that would make them better people, with stronger faith. He knew that it is necessary for us to hear those things that, while they may be uncomfortable to acknowledge, are so important for us as we grow in our love of God and for each other. The best place to start this conversation is with ourselves.
The Gospel reading is Luke 13:31-35.
The Gospel reading is Luke 13:31-35.
Feb 14, 2016 |
Facing Temptation: The First Sunday in Lent
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Facing Temptation: The First Sunday in Lent
We learn from Jesus' temptation in the wilderness that we are faced with Sin not when we are at our best, but most often when we are weary, compromised, and distracted. Decent people often fall into Sin when consumed with a shortsighted desire to have a human need satisfied, but without considering how it affects those we care most about. We all need to be honestly aware of our weaknesses, always remembering that God's forgiveness is greater than any of our failings.
The Gospel reference is Luke 4:1-13.
The Gospel reference is Luke 4:1-13.
Feb 07, 2016 |
Who Is This Jesus?
| The Rev. Dcn. Douglas Rogers![The Rev. Dcn. Douglas Rogers](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/doug-rogers_27_small.jpg)
Who Is This Jesus?
At the Transfiguration, some of the disciples witness Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah and receive Jesus' true identity as the Son of God. From that day onward, God is not remote from us on a mountaintop but with us always. We also become transfigured when we obey the mountaintop command and listen to Jesus, and hear the voice of God.
The Gospel reference is Luke 9:28-36.
The Gospel reference is Luke 9:28-36.
Jan 17, 2016 |
Signs: The Dawning of a New Age
| The Reverend Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows![The Reverend Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/39a4a1a2-2825-45a5-b9fc-d45ec2dc6ca6_585_small.jpg)
Signs: The Dawning of a New Age
At the wedding in Cana Jesus used everyday things and everyday people to give a sign that a new age had come to the world, and that God was in our midst. The waters of obligation became a drink of celebration, a sign that God truly does transform a new life out of the old. Jesus tells us not to worry: that there is more than enough of the best wine, of God's love, for everyone.
The Gospel reference is John 2:1-11.
The Gospel reference is John 2:1-11.
Jan 03, 2016 |
Home Alone, In My Father's House
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Home Alone, In My Father's House
Luke's Gospel reminds us that the Holy Family was still very much a human family; we don't have to go searching for Jesus, because Jesus is always with us. While we often think that God is not there unless we need Him, we need to remember that God is always in the room whether we see Him or not. We can learn to see God more clearly, more easily, with just a little practice.
The Gospel reference is Luke 2:41-52.
The Gospel reference is Luke 2:41-52.
Dec 24, 2015 |
Choosing To See Goodness: Christmas Eve
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Choosing To See Goodness: Christmas Eve
God staked everything on His profound capacity to see the good in His creation by sending His only Son, Jesus, to show us a way back from Darkness to Light. Faced with all the trials in our society and in our lives, now more than ever we can pray,"God, show me the goodness here, and help me to see it always."
The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.
The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.
Dec 20, 2015 |
The Power of Song: The Fourth Sunday in Advent
| Dent Davidson![Dent Davidson](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/images_327_small.jpeg)
The Power of Song: The Fourth Sunday in Advent
Dent Davidson, missioner for liturgy and the arts in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, tells us how The Song of Mary describes the very nature of a God who loves us beyond our wildest dreams. A God who chooses song, and babies, to change the world and our view of it.
The Gospel reference is Luke 1:39-45.
The Gospel reference is Luke 1:39-45.
Dec 13, 2015 |
Christ Transforming Culture: The Third Sunday in Advent
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Christ Transforming Culture: The Third Sunday in Advent
John the Baptist told the people to take his lessons home and to live their lives justly, ethically, and generously. Part of what John was saying is that we too can prepare the way for Christ in how we act in our lives, with truth, compassion, justice, and mercy.
The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.
The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.
Dec 06, 2015 |
Smoothing The Path To God: The Second Sunday In Advent
| The Reverend David Beauvais![The Reverend David Beauvais](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/12347777-10204083803014820-7204796159268410193-n_597_small.jpg)
Smoothing The Path To God: The Second Sunday In Advent
Fr. David Beauvais, former pastor of St. James Church, shares with us the mission of John the Baptist and what it means for us today. As John, in quoting Isaiah, called the Jewish people to prepare for the coming of Christ, we are called to prepare ourselves to receive God in our lives through Christ.
The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4 and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.
The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4 and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.
Nov 29, 2015 |
The "Next Year" Country: First Sunday In Advent
| The Right Reverend Jeffrey D. Lee![The Right Reverend Jeffrey D. Lee](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/12294884-489876747849087-4020743710621063085-n_108_small.jpg)
The "Next Year" Country: First Sunday In Advent
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of the Diocese of Chicago, tells us our Christian faith is not about escaping, but engaging. Through our baptism and our Eucharist we are called to pay closer attention to the world around us, not as people lost in our fears but committed to meeting them with our faith in Christ.
The Gospel reference is Luke 21:25-36.
The Gospel reference is Luke 21:25-36.
Nov 22, 2015 |
Thanksgiving Spirit: Thinking In Terms Of Our Abundance
| The Very Reverend Andria Skornik![The Very Reverend Andria Skornik](https://www.emmanuelrockford.org/uploads/images/skornik_883_small.jpg)
Thanksgiving Spirit: Thinking In Terms Of Our Abundance
We look at our lives through the lenses of gratitude, and are better for it. This mindset positions us to do the ministry that Jesus has called us to do, and to see that all we need for God's Kingdom is here in front of us.
The Gospel reference is Matthew 6:25-33.
The Gospel reference is Matthew 6:25-33.