Sermons
Clicking the links below will send you to sermons hosted on wherethewind.com, the website of our rector, the Rev. Adam Thomas. Here’s a quick prayer to pray in preparation for listening to or reading a sermon.
Gracious God, help me to be open to an encounter with your living Word through the words of the preacher. Make me attentive to the moment in the sermon that is about me, and grant me the grace to live each day of my life attentive to your Word speaking to me in myriad ways. In the name of that Word, your Son Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.
The Time That is Given Us
In a world weighed down by conflict, injustice, and deep fatigue, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—to want to retreat and let the chaos play out without us. But Paul’s words to the Galatians cut through that weariness: “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right.” This week’s reflection names the exhaustion many of us carry, while reminding us that faith doesn’t ask us to ignore it—it asks us to keep going anyway. We don’t have to pretend the world isn’t hard; we just have to decide, day by day, what to do with the time we’ve been given.
Drawing on wisdom from Scripture and the quiet courage of Tolkien’s characters, we’re reminded that even in the darkest moments, goodness still glimmers. The shadow is not the end of the story. Together, in community and in faith, we press on—not because it’s easy, but because we believe that love, justice, and beauty are still worth the effort. There is good in this world—and it’s worth fighting for.
The Flow of God’s Love
Jesus’ call to “love your neighbor as yourself” isn’t just a rule to follow—it’s a way of life, a constant flow of grace in action. Whether it’s doctors jumping in to help someone in need, or simply taking time to notice the needs of those around us, this kind of love shows up both in big moments and in quiet, everyday ways.
But to truly love our neighbors, we must first learn to love ourselves with grace and compassion. This isn’t selfishness or narcissism—it’s the kind of self-love rooted in the eternal love of God. From that source, love becomes a river, not a lake. It moves through us, sustaining us and reaching out to others, even those we might consider enemies.
This week, reflect on where that river of love might be getting blocked in your life. Are you struggling to love yourself, those nearby, those far away, or even those who oppose you? Ask God to help you become a channel of love and mercy—because to love your neighbor is to live in the flowing rhythm of God’s own heart.
As we enter the long stretch of Ordinary Time — what Godly Play beautifully calls the “green and growing Sundays” — we’re invited into a quieter, deeper rhythm of renewal. In a world marked by division, violence, and uncertainty, it’s tempting to retreat into isolation. But instead of withdrawing, we are called to the spiritual discipline of the deep, cleansing breath — a catharsis that renews without disconnecting.
This week, we reflect on the Gospel story of Jesus casting out the unclean spirit known as Legion — an act of true catharsis, a purging of torment and restoration of peace. Elijah, too, finds his catharsis not in thunderous signs but in sheer silence — a quiet so full it reveals God’s voice and purpose anew.
As we grow through this season, consider: what kind of catharsis do you need to stay rooted in love and engaged in healing? Whether it’s a breath, a prayer, or a break from the noise, may you find strength, not just solace, at Christ’s table — where renewal, not retreat, is our true sustenance.
Nine years ago on Trinity Sunday, I preached a sermon called “God and Not-God: A Short History.” This year, I return to that story—the story of a God who is eternal, perfect, and love itself, and of Not-God, the fragile, impermanent world we inhabit. From Abraham’s trust to Moses’ awe, from the commandments on the mountain to the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ, God has been drawing us away from idols and back into relationship. And in the great mystery of the Holy Trinity—Parent, Child, and Spirit—we glimpse the perfect love that holds all things together and invites us in. Though we live in Not-God, our being rests in God, who empowers us to love, to resist sin, and to join the eternal flow of divine love.
On Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit—and the many ways the Spirit continues to move among us. In this special sermon, we explore nine distinct ways we encounter the Spirit: as wind, breath, peace, fire, spark, truth, companion, advocate, and connector. Accompanied by a stunning stained glass sculpture by Alison Ives, each element is both a visual and spiritual reminder of the Spirit’s presence. This interactive reflection invites us to recognize and deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
In case you missed our Youth Sunday last week, Clint Cramer, one of our graduating high schoolers, delivered an amazing sermon. With a beautiful comparison between his time rowing crew and growing up at St. Mark’s, he delivered a reminder we all need - “we are all in the same boat”.
This week, we’re picking up where last Sunday left off—moving from embracing new life to understanding why we so often resist it. We explore the concept of negligent inertia—the tendency to stick with what’s “just fine” until it quietly turns into “what other option do I have?” Whether it’s doomscrolling, addictive behaviors, or global issues like climate inaction, we all fall into patterns that drain us. But Jesus steps into our stuck places with a simple, life-giving command: “Get up.” In obeying, we rediscover movement, renewal, and the abundant life we were made for.
In this week's sermon, we explore the mystery and hope of newness—not as something entirely separate from the past, but as something deeply rooted in it. Drawing from Revelation and the ancient thought experiment known as the Ship of Theseus, we reflect on how change and continuity coexist in our bodies, minds, and spirits. With insights from Scripture, science, and personal journey, we are invited into a deeper understanding of spiritual renewal: not a one-time transformation, but an ongoing process of becoming. As God continually makes all things new, we too are called to embrace change—knowing that the eternal Christ walks with us every step of the way.
On a spring morning full of new life, we reflect on the one thing we all face, death. While we can't know exactly what comes after, we hold onto hope in the resurrection and the promise of Christ.
This sermon explores four reasons we fear death: the unknown, unfinished lives, the pain we leave behind, and, most deeply, fear of punishment. But Scripture tells a different story. The gates of heaven are never shut. God's love isn’t a reward for perfection, it’s a reality we live in now and forever.
With Psalm 23 as our guide, we remember that even in the valley of the shadow of death, the Shepherd is with us—leading us home.
On this May 4th, instead of Star Wars references, this sermon shares a powerful final conversation with a 101-year-old man who offered simple yet profound wisdom: “Always remember to cast your net on the other side of the boat.” Drawing from John 21, the sermon invites us to break free from routine, stay open to God’s guidance, and trust that the Risen Christ always calls us toward new, lifegiving paths.
Jesus endures pain and injustice not to satisfy divine punishment but because he remains faithful to his mission of love. He stays with those he loves, even at great cost, refusing to abandon them. His relationship with humanity transcends suffering and death, leading to resurrection and renewed life.
Jesus endures pain and injustice not to satisfy divine punishment but because he remains faithful to his mission of love. He stays with those he loves, even at great cost, refusing to abandon them. His relationship with humanity transcends suffering and death, leading to resurrection and renewed life.
Jesus endures pain and injustice not to satisfy divine punishment but because he remains faithful to his mission of love. He stays with those he loves, even at great cost, refusing to abandon them. His relationship with humanity transcends suffering and death, leading to resurrection and renewed life.
This sermon explores three types of power: "Power Over," characterized by dominance and oppression; "Empowerment," fostering agency; and "Power With," emphasizing collaboration and mutual support. It advocates embracing "Power With" for collective justice and peace.
This sermon is about shame and about how God's reconciling love can overcome it.
This sermon explores God's identity in response to Moses, emphasizing the significance of God's name "I Am Who I Am." It highlights the importance of recognizing our connection to God and responsibilities towards creation and each other.
A story sermon about being willing to take risks to protect the vulnerable when you are safe beneath the shadow of Jesus' wing.
The sermon discusses the misuse of scripture by the devil and individuals to justify harmful actions. It encourages reflection on personal morals, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between life-giving and death-dealing choices while following Christ's path toward abundance and peace.
On Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes symbolizes both our mortality and our identity as God's beloved children. This ritual reveals our baptismal marks, reminding us of our commitment to follow Christ each day of our lives.
The sermon explores Jesus' radical command to love our enemies, emphasizing three paths: recognizing their humanity, maintaining healthy boundaries, and embracing nonviolence. It challenges listeners to embody authentic love, despite the complexities of hatred and conflict.
The sermon explores the metaphor of roots, emphasizing the significance of where we establish our foundations. Using the Prophet Jeremiah's teachings, it contrasts trust with fear, abundance with scarcity, justice with retribution, and compassion with isolation.
The sermon explores the concept of grace, highlighting its significance through the Apostle Paul's transformation from a persecutor to an apostle. It compares grace to the beauty of movement in dance and emphasizes God's support in overcoming life's falls. Ultimately, it illustrates how grace prompts genuine actions rooted in love and mercy.
When we come to altar rail, we bring our whole selves. In these tumultuous days, I'm bringing a flurry of emotions and asking the Holy Spirit to transform them so I can be about God's work of justice and peace in the world.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of deepening connections with others as a remedy against societal fractures. Using 1 Corinthians, it advocates practicing gratitude, fostering "I-Thou" relationships, and nurturing close bonds. By engaging with others meaningfully, we can strengthen our connections and embody God's love, ultimately countering isolation and dehumanization.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in fostering a sense of commonality among believers for the greater good. It reflects on the decline of shared values and experiences in society while urging the Episcopal community to rekindle common cause through collective prayer and action, addressing social fragmentation with love and unity.
On my 42nd birthday, my sermon is a list of 42 things I've learned in my life so far.
A sermon about biblical role models, centering on a reflection of Joseph, my biblical role model as a parent.
A sermon about the Song of Zechariah with a little help from The Lord of the Rings