Sermons from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

For the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, The Rev. Deacon Don
Burr reflects on the Gospel of Matthew to remind us that Jesus calls all of us
to get out of our boats and go into the Wilton Center and surrounding
neighborhoods united--in the same mind and the same purpose--to seek the face
of God in our neighbors.

Rev. Marissa tells a story about the handprints left behind after some monkeys make a mess. God's love is messy in the same way - God comes to earth to be with us in the midst of our lives - and asks us to leave little loving handprints along the way.

Advent is a season of waiting and of preparation. And our texts are trying to show us something special about how we prepare for Christmas. So, on this first Sunday of Advent, Marissa explores the idea of time and how we experience the passing of time. How does that figure into our preparing in this season?

On the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Marissa tells a few stories about trees. She shares that the story of Zacchaeus is one of her favorites - and asks who the hero really is. Climb up into the tree and see the view, then help us spread our branches.

The Rev. Deacon Don Burr talks about how top pray without ceasing. Act in the interest of justice and the preservation and restoration of dignity for all.

What do Groot and Jesus have in common? How does that have anything to do with baptism? Rev. Marissa explores the meaning of baptism, the heroism of Groot, and the love of Jesus.

In this sermon, Meg Stapleton Smith invites us to consider the ways in which our fear of vulnerability keeps us from Lazarus. We can use money to create shields and attempt to create a chasm between us and Lazarus. Or we can consider that our salvation, and Lazarus’ salvation are one in the same.

On St. Matthew's Day, Rev. Marissa explores the calling of St. Matthew. What must it have been like for him to get up from the tax booth and follow Jesus? Why would he do that? And what is it like to be seen by Jesus?

With three tough readings, Rev. Marissa tries to explain some images, context, and what Paul is really saying to Philemon. If God is the potter and we are the clay, what is God trying to make out of us? And what do we do with Jesus' words in the Gospel?

In the Gospel, Jesus is at a dinner party with the Pharisees. He criticizes them and the way they order their table. What table does he see? And why is his vision so much different than ours? Can we learn to see what he sees?

On the tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Rev. Marissa explores the image of God's vineyard as reminiscent of the Peace God intended for all of us in the Garden. What do we make of sour grapes, good wine, and paradise lost?"