Sermons by Rev. Carl Taylor (Page 7)

4th Sunday after Epiphany

In the ongoing roller-coaster weather, we are having lately, and the slight possibility of snow again, I hope and pray that y’all are safe and warm and praying for those who are not. — As we are 29 days into 2022, let us continue to give thanks for the warmth of God’s love that surrounds…

3rd Sunday after Epiphany

God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there…

2nd Sunday of Christmas

This weekend, we gather along with Christians throughout the world to celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Christmas (Day #9 of the joyous ongoing 12-day season of Christmas). Unlike much of society, which has “packed away” Christmas, the sanctuary remains decorated to celebrate the birth of Christ – and our hearts continue to celebrate the joy…

Christmas Eve Worship

On Christmas Eve, we celebrate the Good News of peace & great joy announced by the angels: Good News that still comes to us amidst all the challenges of life in a tumultuous world. We marvel at a child born for us: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace! And the angels’ chorus rings out…

Fourth Sunday In Advent

This Sunday, as we light the 4th candle on the Advent wreath, we ponder Mary’s visit with her relative Elizabeth after receiving the news form the angel Gabriel that she will carry God’s child. We join our voices with Mary’s voice in proclaiming, “My soul magnifies the Lord, my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”…

2nd Sunday in Advent

This Sunday, we gather in our sanctuary now decorated for this joyful season, and we light the 2nd Advent candle to continue prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. We worship Sunday morning at 8:15 & 10:30 – and then Sunday afternoon, the entire congregation is invited for a time of singing and fellowship with our…

Christ the King Sunday & Planting of 2021 Commitments

On the weekend before Thanksgiving, we begin to pause & ponder the many blessings God has given us for life (too many to process!): not only basic needs like food, shelter, clothing; but profound blessings like relationships, family, love, forgiveness, grace, and the joyful promise of eternal life through Christ our Lord! Thanks be to…

All Saints Sunday

Of all three years of the lectionary cycle, this year’s All Saints readings have the most tears. Isaiah and Revelation look forward to the day when God will wipe away all tears; in John’s gospel, Jesus weeps along with Mary and all the gathered mourners before he demonstrates his power over death. On All Saints…

Reformation Sunday

Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to…