Church of the Incarnation Sermons

On Mother’s Day and Good Shepherd Sunday, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck shared the story of Tabitha—an ordinary woman whose life revealed the power of Christ’s resurrection. Through her acts of love, service, and community with the vulnerable, we see a life transformed by Jesus. But more than that, we see that God invites us to participate in His ongoing work of renewal. Like Tabitha, our everyday faithfu...

On Good Shepherd Sunday and Mother’s Day, Bp. Brewer shared how Jesus, our Good Shepherd, offers us both tender care and fierce protection. In our messy, imperfect families, His mercy makes healing and forgiveness possible. No matter where we are, we belong—welcomed, led, and loved by Him.

Rev. Joe Dewey reflects on Peter’s restoration in John 21, where Jesus meets him in the very place of his failure—not with shame, but with grace. Rather than punishment, Peter receives healing and a renewed calling. Each week at church, we rehearse this story, encountering a God who meets us in our shame and clothes us with mercy.

Bishop George Sumner’s sermon highlights Peter’s restoration after his denial of Jesus, calling it the “Uh-oh Gospel.” Despite failure, Jesus forgives Peter and calls him to lead, showing that the Church is made of forgiven sinners. As we age, we come to see that even life’s hardships can glorify God. Through it all, Jesus welcomes us with grace.

In John 20:19–21, Pastor Shawn Torres reminds us that Jesus’ first words to His fearful disciples were, "Peace be with you." Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished reconciliation with God, offering peace to all who believe. But this peace isn’t just for us to receive — it’s also a mission to share. As Jesus was sent by the Father, so He now sends us to proclaim that same peace to a...

In John 20:19-31, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reminds us that even after Easter, the disciples were still locked in fear, doubt, and disappointment — until Jesus broke through their walls with unexpected peace. This sermon calls us to see how God's grace still surprises us today, breaking old patterns and breathing new life into places we thought were dead. We are invited to let the winds of God's mercy...

Rev. Joe Dewey reflects on the darkness of grief and fear, comparing it to entering a tomb—but reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus transforms even death into a doorway to life. Easter is not just about one man rising—it's the promise of a new world, free from sorrow, sin, and fear. Christ's resurrection means that the darkest places in our lives are not the end, but the beginning of somethin...

Bishop Gregory Brewer proclaims the resurrection of Jesus as a real, historical event that still transforms lives today. He invites listeners—whether certain or seeking—to trust the risen Christ, who offers peace, forgiveness, and purpose. Through the witness of ordinary people, especially the women at the tomb, we’re reminded that Jesus meets us where we are and never turns us away.

Pastor Shawn Torres reflects on Isaiah 53, revealing how Jesus—once considered insignificant—carried the weight of humanity’s sin in humility and suffering. Despite being rejected and misunderstood, His death brought healing, redemption, and access to eternal life. Through the sacrament, we remember not just His death, but the living gift of His resurrection.

Bp. George Sumner reflects on the profound mystery of Good Friday: the death of Jesus and its meaning for humanity. He explores how Christ’s death opens a new path for us at the intersection of divine love and human weakness. At the cross, God does something utterly beyond our comprehension—creating a way through death into eternal life.

Bp. Greg Brewer shares how Holy Week confronts us with Christ’s relentless love—a love that exposes our rebellion yet invites us into mercy. Despite discomfort and distraction, we’re called to receive Jesus with open hands, walk to Calvary, and live as true heirs of God’s kingdom.

Fr. Cody Turner invites us to see Holy Week as a question of identity. When the crowd chooses Barabbas—whose name means “son of the father”—over Jesus, they choose a reflection of themselves over the true Son of God. Today, we face the same temptation: to reshape Jesus in our image. But Christ resists our control and instead invites us to follow him—to sit, listen, and be transformed as we walk wi...

Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reminds us that Hosanna is not praise, but a plea: “Save us now.” On Palm Sunday, the crowd welcomed Jesus with hope but misunderstood the kind of salvation he brought. As Holy Week begins, we’re invited to see that our deepest need is not for quick solutions, but for the transforming love of Christ—who enters Jerusalem ready to give his life so we might be truly saved.

Fr. Joe Dewey challenges us to examine what we treasure most: our resume virtues or our relationship with Christ. Drawing from David Brooks’ critique of meritocracy and Paul’s renunciation of worldly status, the sermon contrasts public success with the inner life God desires. Through Mary’s heartfelt offering at the feet of Jesus, we’re invited to bring our attentive presence—not our achievements....

In the wilderness of exile and distraction, God is already at work—bringing rivers to dry places. In this sermon, Bishop Greg Brewer invites us to awaken, to notice the quiet unfolding of divine promise, and to join in the grace already being poured out.

Rev. Joe Dewey reflects on the parable of the prodigal son, illustrating how our disordered appetites lead to spiritual emptiness. He contrasts the consuming hunger of vampires with the Christian feast on Christ, which makes us more fully human. True satisfaction is not found in the world’s fleeting pleasures but at the Father’s table, where mercy gives us “bread enough” and grace welcomes us as b...

Rev. Cody Turner reflects on Luke 15:11-32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, illustrating how it transcends time and culture. He emphasizes that the story is ultimately about the overwhelming grace of the father, who welcomes his lost son with open arms. Whether we identify with the younger son's rebellion or the elder son's resentment, we are all called to accept God's radical love and forgivenes...

Pastor Shawn Torres’ sermon highlights God’s call to Moses, showing that God often calls us when we least expect it. Moses, stripped of his former identity, encounters God in the burning bush and is confronted with God’s holiness. Though Moses doubts his ability to deliver Israel, God assures him of His presence. Like Moses, we are called to fulfill God's mission, not by our own strength, but thro...

Rev. Oliver Lee’s sermon reminds us that, like Moses, we often resist God’s call, feeling unprepared. Yet, God equips those He calls, stretching us beyond our comfort zones for His greater purpose. Our mission isn’t for personal gain but to share the Gospel through word and action, bringing healing and hope to the world.

Rev. Jon Jordan reflects on Philippians and Luke, showing that Lent is about becoming more human, not just giving things up. Jesus calls Herod a "fox," warning of what happens when we let our cravings control us. Paul warns that those who live apart from God become ruled by their desires, leading to destruction. Lent helps us train our hearts to submit our passions to God’s will. Through prayer, f...

Bp. Brewer reflects on Philippians and the Psalms, showing that God's greatest trait is His mercy. While struggling to prepare his sermon, he realized his need for stillness was part of the message itself. Instead of condemning us, God offers kindness and compassion. True repentance isn’t just feeling bad about sin—it’s turning toward God’s love. When we seek Him, His mercy gives us confidence, gr...

Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reminds us that temptation thrives in loneliness, but we are never truly alone. Satan seeks to isolate us, yet Christ has faced every trial, the Spirit dwells within us, and Scripture reassures us of God’s love. Instead of striving harder, we must trust that God is already fighting for us. Our baptism secures our place with Him forever.

Rev. Oliver Lee reflects on Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, reminding us that the devil’s tactics are subtle but real. Jesus overcame by trusting the Holy Spirit, not just by knowing Scripture. As we journey through Lent, we too must rely on God’s strength to resist temptation, standing firm in faith, knowing He is always with us.

Bp. Greg Brewer reflects on the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ glory is revealed. This moment affirms His divinity and calls us to follow Him, even when it costs us. True discipleship means embracing His values over the world’s, bearing our cross, and saying yes to His transforming work in us. As we enter Lent, may we see it not as a burden but as an adventure of deeper faith.

Rev. Joe Dewey reflects on 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 and the Transfiguration, emphasizing that true change comes through the Holy Spirit, not self-improvement. As Christ was transfigured in prayer, we are transformed by conversation with God and the communion of saints, shining His light—often through our weakness. Will we answer His call?