All Souls Parish Sermons

The Rev. Phil Brochard The sermon contrasts two moments of radical love: Mary anointing Jesus's feet with perfume before his death, and EPA retirees showing up with coffee and comfort for current employees during a time of deep despair. Both acts—though they don’t change the larger crisis—carry immense emotional and spiritual weight. The message emphasizes how extravagant, seemingly small acts of...

The Rev. Marguerite Judson The sermon re-examines the Parable of the Prodigal Son, suggesting it should instead be called the Parable of the Prodigal Father's Love. Using insights from Rev. Dona Naveen Saws, the preacher shows how, in a shame-honor culture, the father's actions break social norms to offer forgiveness and restoration. The story, paired with the parables of the lost sheep and lost c...

The Rev. Phil Brochard In her farewell sermon last week, Emily Hansen Curran shared a personal transformation from culture-war Christianity to a love-centered faith, which deeply moved her father, Randy. He responded by publicly confessing his own past rigidity and thanking the church for helping him rediscover love and grace. Their story of reconciliation paralleled Jesus’ parable of the barren f...

Emily Hansen Curran The speaker confesses their past as a devoted Republican, raised to believe in a Christian culture war. Over time, they realized that political victories do not equate to living out Christianity. Instead of seeking power, they argue, believers should follow Jesus' example of love and service. Drawing from scripture, they emphasize that Christian citizenship is in heaven, not in...

the Rev. Phil Brochard The speaker recalls a fear they had 25 years ago about losing themselves in New York City while attending seminary. Looking back, they realize that their time there—especially during 9/11—tested and shaped them. This connects to Deuteronomy, where the Israelites preserve their identity through remembrance and action. Likewise, during Lent, Jesus is tested in the wilderness,...

Michael Drell

the Rev. Emily Boring Karl Barth, a Swiss theologian, preached in Basel Prison between 1954 and 1964, finding deep meaning in bringing the gospel to the outcasts of society. He focused on the idea that looking to Christ brings radiance and removes shame, emphasizing joy and divine light rather than suffering. The sermon then explores the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ face and clothing shine glorio...

Harlowe Zefting

the Rev. Emily Boring

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Michael Lemaire

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Emily Boring

Harlowe Zefting

the Rev. Emily Boring

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Michael Lemaire

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Emily Boring

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Phil Brochard

Harlowe Zefting This sermon reflects on eschatology, exploring how Jesus describes the world's suffering as the "birth pangs" of a new creation. It emphasizes the "already and not yet" tension of God's promise, encouraging Christians to act against pain and oppression while awaiting the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan. Despite fear and anxiety, the message is one of hope, imagination, and activ...

The Rev. Emily Boring This sermon was preached the Sunday after the 2024 presidential election. The Rev. Emily Boring draws on the themes of light, resilience, and justice, encouraging the congregation to reflect on how Christ’s teachings call them to protect the vulnerable, stand against injustice, and find unity amid divisive times. Using the story of the widow’s humble offering, she urges follo...