On Sunday 3/1, the Second Sunday in Lent at the 5pm Celtic Service at St. David’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jim Quigley reflects on John’s Gospel and Nicodemus’ three appearances (John 3, 7, and 19) to describe a progressing faith: seeing the signs, being intellectually challenged by Jesus, breaking out of an old paradigm, dropping into a new one, and “doing a new truth.” He notes Jesus’ message that he came not to condemn the world but to save it, contrasting this with the Sanhedrin’s condemnation. Rev. Quigley connects the theme to his 1987 experience living with a gay roommate and to recent ordinations at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, then quotes Richard Rohr on moving from judgment about sin to acknowledging brokenness and seeking healing.00:00 Welcome and Wisdom01:02 Why Nicodemus Matters03:15 John 3 7 19 Roadmap07:55 Four Step Faith Shift09:25 Roommate Story 198711:45 Church Change and Ordination13:30 Richard Rohr on Healing15:44 Invitation and Blessing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com

Rev. Kristen Hawley preaches an Ash Wednesday sermon at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., reflecting on the prophet Joel’s call to return to God, who is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. She contrasts the ways congregants may experience Ash Wednesday as either a joyful invitation or a daunting summons to repent, fast, pray, and give alms, emphasizing that God extends both the invitation to feast in being marvelously made and the invitation to confront how people fall short and grow distant from God, neighbor, and self. She critiques reducing Lent to minor sacrifices and urges congregants to do the harder, embodied work of self-examination and real spiritual practices—especially fasting joined to prayer—framed as a “tithe” of the year meant for transformation rather than punishment. The sermon culminates in the church’s traditional Ash Wednesday invitation, recalling Lent’s origins in preparing converts for baptism and reconciling those separated by sin, and calling the congregation to observe a holy Lent through self-examination and repentance, prayer, fasting and self-denial, and reading and meditating on God’s word.00:00 Ash Wednesday Call: “Return to the Lord” 00:23 The “Who Knows?” God: Fear, Mercy, and Taking Repentance Seriously01:45 What Kind of Invitation Did You Receive? Feast vs. Fast04:15 Marvelously Made… and Yet We Fall Short: Why Lent Gets Uncomfortable05:51 How We’ve Softened Lent: More Than Giving Up Chocolate07:17 Lent as a Tithe of the Year: The Hard Work That Heals08:47 The Three Pillars in Practice: When You Fast, Pray, and Give10:12 Take the Invitation Home: Lent Can Change Your Life11:26 The Church’s Formal Invitation to a Holy Lent This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David's Episcopal Church on Sunday, January 18th, on the Second Sunday After the Epiphany. In this sermon, Rev. Jim Quigley delves into the transformative power of the questions posed by Jesus in the Gospels, particularly focusing on the question 'What are you looking for?' The sermon encourages the congregation to reflect on their deepest desires and motives, emphasizing that asking the right questions can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth. Rev. Jim encourages parishioners to seek God sincerely and to recognize the divine economy that shapes our lives and desires.00:00 Opening Invocation00:11 The Power of Questions01:51 Jesus' Question: What Are You Looking For?03:03 Reflecting on Our Desires06:32 The Influence of Our Wants08:37 Jesus' Different Approach11:14 Invitation to Follow Jesus12:49 Epiphany: A Time to Begin14:18 Closing Prayer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com

In her sermon on the First Sunday after the Epiphany at St. David's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Kristen Hawley reflects on her journey from feeling like a 'fish out of water' during her seminary years to finding meaning in everyday occurrences. She shares a personal anecdote about placing nativity figures in her home and how her child's curiosity about the wise men's journey led her to deeper reflections on faith. Drawing parallels between the magi's journey to find Jesus and the unpredictable paths our own faith journeys take, she encourages the congregation to embrace the unexpected signs from God. Finally, she underscores the significance of the Epiphany as a revelation of God's presence in the world and encourages everyone to stay attentive to God's revealing signs in their lives This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com

In this sermon delivered on the First Sunday of Christmas at St. David's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jordan Rippy reflects on the continuing celebration of Christmas, recounting the humorous confusion over the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' gifts. She then shares anecdotes from a recent nativity play, highlighting an unexpected encounter with a Flemish Giant Rabbit. Moving into deeper theological discussions, Rev. Rippy explores the varied narratives of Jesus' birth in the Gospels, focusing particularly on John’s cosmic perspective. She emphasizes the importance of the concept of 'Emmanuel,' or 'God with us,' and how this divine presence is a central theme throughout the Bible. Rippy concludes by urging the congregation to embrace the idea of God’s presence in their lives, illustrating that God's desire to be with humanity is at the heart of the Gospel. Amen.00:00 Introduction and Christmas Greetings00:17 Funny Story: Three French Hens00:37 Saint David's Nativity Play03:03 The Cosmic Birth Narrative in John's Gospel04:53 The Theology of the Incarnation07:18 God's Desire to Be With Us10:18 Conclusion: Love is Always Born This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 14th, the Third Sunday in Advent. In this sermon, Seminarian Daniel Bentley reflects on the significance of ‘Joyful Sunday’ during the penitential season of Advent. Bentley delves into the scriptural narrative, focusing on John the Baptist’s question about Jesus’ true identity. He explores themes of doubt, unmet expectations, and the true essence of Jesus’ mission. Through the story of John the Baptist’s imprisonment and unwavering faith, Daniel encourages the congregation to see signs of the kingdom breaking through even in times of suffering and to remain hopeful in anticipation of Jesus’ advent.00:00 Introduction and Significance of the Pink Candle01:09 Questioning Jesus’ Identity02:08 John the Baptist’s Expectations and Doubts04:47 Jesus’ Response to John’s Doubts06:22 The True Meaning of Jesus’ Kingdom08:48 Faithful Witness and Signs of the Kingdom10:09 Advent Hope in a Broken World This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com

Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell shares a poignant reflection on her faith journey. Through a significant moment when her son Sammy questions the crucifixion of Jesus, Rev. Amanda draws parallels to the current struggles faced by her community, emphasizing the importance of holding fast to the confession of hope. She explores the deep Christian belief in God’s faithfulness, encouraging her congregants to remain anchored in hope despite life’s challenges.00:00 Introduction and Personal Background00:38 Bedtime Stories with Sammy02:27 Sammy’s Curiosity About Jesus04:19 Reflections on Faith and Hope06:13 Holding Fast to Hope08:31 God’s Faithfulness and Promises10:27 Conclusion: Anchored in Hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, 11/23, Christ the King Sunday. In this sermon, Rev. Kristen Hawley reflects on the significance of Christ the King Sunday and Thanksgiving, highlighting the importance of gratitude, humility, and community. Through the story of her shared birthday experience with her brother and historical insights, Hawley underscores how both holidays remind us that we are not the sole authors of our lives. She encourages the congregation to recognize their dependence on God, value their relationships, and adopt a stance of humility and thankfulness. The sermon connects personal anecdotes with broader spiritual lessons, emphasizing the need for a shift away from entitlement towards a kingdom of love and humility.00:00 Introduction and Christ the King Sunday00:33 Dorothy Day’s Reflection on Life01:44 A Memorable Birthday Story04:24 The Significance of Thanksgiving05:38 Christ the King and Thanksgiving: A Shared Message07:22 The Origins and Purpose of Thanksgiving09:57 The Feast of Christ the King: A Historical Perspective11:54 Personal Reflections on Entitlement and Humility16:30 The Call to Serve in Christ’s Kingdom17:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stdavidsepiscopaldc.substack.com