Simply the Sermon for February 1, 2026: Fourth Sunday After Epiphany

The Gospel reading today is The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), the familiar blessings shared by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. Guest Pastor Ellen Ayres gives us a fresh experience on this passage by reading it from the "First Nations Version New Testament," a Native American translation. The term "Creator" is used to refer to Jesus. For example, here is verse 3: "Creator's blessing rests on the poor, the ones with broken spirits. The good road from above is theirs to walk." Jesus, God with us, blesses the unlikeliest ones - and that  includes us.

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Simply the Sermon for January 25, 2026: Third Sunday After Epiphany

Our readings for Sunday, January 25  are Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23.

Upon hearing of his cousin John's arrest, Jesus moves his residence into the land of Herod and begins his public ministry by repeating and amplifying John's call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!" He then calls fishers to leave their nets and follow him. 

In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by oppression, sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.

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Simply the Sermon for January 18, 2026: Second Sunday of Epiphany

Our texts for Sunday, January 18, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and John 1:29-42

Today’s gospel opens with a reflection on Jesus’ baptism; there isn't actually a baptismal scene in this gospel rather, John discusses his memory of Jesus' baptism. John relates that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed and indwelt by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.

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Simply the Sermon for January 11, 2026: Baptism of Our Lord

Our Bible texts for Sunday, January 11, the Baptism of our Lord, are Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; and Matthew 3:13-17 

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany (AKA revelation or sudden insight), Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In our reading from Acts, we see the Holy Spirit acting in the lives of Gentile new converts even before they can be physically baptised. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.

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