Sermons

As part of a series on the Psalms I gave a message on the topic of Lament Psalms. Though I gave some overviews of the typical lament found in this book, the focus of the message was on Psalm 88. As this Psalm is the only Psalm of Lament that does not end with the thanksgiving and praise typically expected, we look instead to why it is important that this is included in the Bible, what it tells us about our sadness and lament today, and, most importantly, what it tells us about how God sees this emotion in us.

Start this video at 22:56 to see the scripture reading and sermon.

Originally, I had expected to focus this message specifically on Paul's conversion and how we also can experience change when we follow God. However, as I dug into the story, I was surprised at how this was not, in fact, a renaming story, and that rather than Paul just always had two names! stepping away from a renaming story allowed me to care more about the other characters in the story - namely Ananias - and how both he and Paul chose to follow God and because of that were changed.

This week was a family service, so you will notice that there is a children's message at the start followed by an adult message. Though they are given a bit differently, the main point of each is the same.

Start this video at 17:14 to hear the scripture reading, kids message, and adult message.

What is a church that is shaped by the spirit? Why do we find ourselves drawn to the "Acts 2 church model" and why do we all want to be it -- and how can we actually do it today? These are the questions I faced when working on this message. I think I found some things worth reflecting on, and that you are encouraged to find the ways that you are the same as others rather than your differences!

I especially appreciated being able to include references in this sermon that were more aligned with a female experience. It is something I hope to do more of as I grow as a speaker and allow women in the congregations I speak to feel seen and known where they have typically heard stereotypically male-focussed illustrations (ex. sports, action movies, etc.).

Start this video at 29:12 to hear the scripture reading and see the sermon.

This message was a part of a lenten series focusing on the last words of Jesus. It is focused on the story of the two men who were crucified with Jesus, and the promise given to the one man "Today, you will be with me in paradise." A large part of this message is the invitation that we have through Jesus' death to participate in what I call "the Celestial Dance" - one of my person favourite (and fascinating) aspects of the Godhead.

Start this video at 18:54 to hear the scripture reading and sermon.

This was part of a summer series focusing on the life of David in 2 Samuel (the previous summer had followed Saul through 1 Samuel). Speaking on David and Bathsheba was a challenge because I have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the way this story has historically been taught. Leaning into liberation theology, chatting with family about how many of the characters in the Old Testament aren't as "great" as Sunday School led us to believe, and allowing myself to ask questions of the text instead of assuming things based on what I had previously been taught led me to this as my final outcome.

Start this video at 36:04 to hear the scripture reading and sermon.

This is the first sermon I ever preached! It was a dream of mine for over 16b years before this date, and it felt surreal to step into a dream I had had for myself and see how God had been preparing me for this day for a long time. I learned a lot about the process of creating a sermon and loved being able to share what I had learned about the passage (along with what God had been teaching me!) with my church family. This was the beginning of a journey I am still on - one that led to many other sermons, a lot of learning, and the choice to go to Princeton a few years later.

Start this video at 34:52 to see the message.