St. Thomas Episcopal Church Sermons

Longing for Home | March 30, 2025 | The Rev. Liz Costello

Mar 30, 2025 #StThomasMedina #EpiscopalChurch #Lent2025
 
Have you ever felt homesick for something deeper—something sacred? On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Mother Liz Costello invites us to reflect on the longing that lives in each of us: the longing to come home to God. Drawing from the parable of the Prodigal Son and the wilderness themes of Lent, this sermon explores the places we lose our way and the grace that calls us back. Whether you feel close to God or far off, this is an invitation to rest in the arms of the One who is always ready to welcome you home. 🕊️ This message is for anyone seeking peace, perspective, or a renewed sense of connection during the Lenten season.
Readings: Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32, Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 13:31-35
#StThomasMedina #EpiscopalChurch #Lent2025 #FourthSundayOfLent #ProdigalSon #ComeHomeToGod #FaithJourney #LentenReflection #AbideInChrist #HomeInGod #SpiritualLonging #EpiscopalWorship #LiturgyAndLife #WildernessSeason #GodsGrace #SacredBelonging

Jesus, Our Only Mediator: A Love That Bridges the Divide | The Rev. Paul Barthelemy | March 23, 2025

#SpiritualReflection #ChristianLove #FirstCorinthians13
What do ancient words like mediator and advocate have to offer us in 2025? In this special sermon from guest preacher Father Paul Barthelemy, we explore the powerful phrase from the 1982 Book of Common Prayer—"Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate"—and ask how it still speaks to our lives today.
Father Paul unpacks what it means for Jesus to bridge the divide between humanity and the divine—not with judgment, but with love. Drawing from scripture, tradition, and his own reflections on language, liturgy, and life, Father Paul explores how love—patient, kind, and enduring—can be the foundation for holy mediation in a divided world.
A retired priest and longtime educator, Father Paul has served as parish priest, Episcopal school chaplain, headmaster, and Executive Director of the Portland Youth Philharmonic. He and his wife Mary recently made St. Thomas their parish home after moving to Washington in 2024. We are honored to share his sermon with you. 📖: Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 63:1-8, Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:31-35 #MediatorAndAdvocate #ChristianLove #FirstCorinthians13 #BookOfCommonPrayer #FaithIn2025 #JesusOurBridge #InclusiveChurch #EpiscopalChurch #StThomasMedina #FatherPaulBarthelemy #LoveBuildsBridges #SpiritualReflection #ModernFaith

Lament & Action: Jesus’s Call to Hope | The Rev. Edmund Harris | March 16, 2025

What does it mean to lament without falling into despair? In this Second Sunday of Lent sermon, Rev. Edmund Harris reflects on Jesus's lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35) and the difference between grief that paralyzes and lament that leads to transformation. Just as Jesus did not turn away from the brokenness of Jerusalem, we are called to see, name, and respond to the injustices in our world with courageous love. But lament is not passive—it moves us toward action. Inspired by Teresa of Avila’s words—"Christ has no body now but yours"—this sermon challenges us to step into Christ’s work of healing, justice, and reconciliation. #Lent #LamentToHope #ProgressiveChristianity #EpiscopalChurch #FaithInAction #FollowingJesus #LentenJourney #HopeInHardTimes #SocialJusticeFaith #TeresaOfAvila #StThomasofMedina

Wilderness as Teacher | Rev. Liz Costello | March 9, 2025 | The First Sunday of Lent

Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Luke 4:1-13 Lent leads us into the wilderness—a place of dislocation, but also renewal. In "Wilderness as Teacher," Mother Liz reflects on the biblical role of the wilderness, from Israel’s formation in the desert to Jesus’s time of testing. She invites us to consider our own wilderness journeys: times of uncertainty, challenge, and transformation. What does it mean to find hope in the wilderness? How do we learn to trust in God’s provision, even when it looks different than we expect? Join us as we explore the spiritual resilience the Lenten season offers.
 
#Lent #WildernessAsTeacher #FindingHope #EpiscopalChurch #LentenJourney #SpiritualResilience #FaithInTheWilderness #SeattleEpiscopal #BellevueWA #ChristianFormation #Liturgy #AnglicanTradition #FaithJourney #GodWithUs #ChurchOnline

Practicing Hope | March 2, 2025 | The Rev. Liz Costello

Scripture Readings: 
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-36

Love Your Enemies | February 23, 2025 | The Rev. Edmund Harris

Scripture readings:
Luke (6:27-38)
Corinthians (15:35-38,42-50)
Genesis (45:3-11, 15)

Take a Sad Song and Make it Better | The Rev. Liz Costello & The Rev. Shane Carlson | February 16

Scripture Readings:
Prophet Jeremiah (17:5-10)
Corinthians (15:12-20)
Luke (6:17-26)

We Are Designed to Need God

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah (6:1-8)
Corinthians (15:1-11)
Luke (5:1-11)
 

The Light of Christ | February 2, 2025 | The Rev. Liz Costello

Scripture Readings:
Prophet Malachi (3:1-4)
Hebrews (2:14-18)
Luke (2:22-40)

Flourishing in God's Grace | January 26, 2025 | The Rev. Jim McEachran

Scripture Readings:
Nehemiah (8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10)
Corinthians (12:12-31a)
Luke (4:14-21)