Musings on Faith

In his farewell homily on the occasion of his retirement, The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George, shares some of the ups and downs of a parish priest and special moments he has experienced over the years and while at St. George. He comments on the richness of parish life and that each moment is a spiritual moment. Send comments to: musingsonfaith@gmail.com .

In this Christmas Eve homily, The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, shares that the many challenges and stresses of the year have caused us to lower our sights and turned our holiday hope into Christmas cope. He explains that whatever we are hoping to receive as Christmas gifts, we have set our expectations too low. We need to realize that Jesus was the greatest gift of all....

In this homily on the First Sunday after Christmas, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, suggests that we should view Christmas as a verb rather than a noun. He states that Christmas cannot be limited to a single event. As Christians we need to recognize that we are holy and intended to be holy – not as an achievement of our own- but as a gift from God; this is the...

In this homily on the 10th Day of Christmas, The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, offers three important elements for renewal and spiritual growth in 2021: 1.) a song we can sing; 2.) a star we can follow; and 3.) a Savior we can worship. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com.

Two important feasts occur during the 12 Days of Christmas that many Episcopalians commemorate although not with the same jubilance as Christmas Day or the Epiphany. In this podcast, Father John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, explains the history of the Feast of the Holy Innocents and why it’s important to remember this day on Dec. 28. He also explains the Feast of the Holy Name, wh...

In this homily, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, discusses Mary’s grace and the importance of her time tested response “Here am I” found throughout the Bible and used by many Biblical figures often before they knew what God was going to ask them to do. She states that every Christian has a call to share his or her God-given gifts and asks whether others can see God in...

In this homily on the Third Sunday of Advent, The Rev. Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses John the Baptist’s role in foretelling that Jesus is the Christ. She explains that John points to the light of Christ who will show us what it is to love, and that John’s legacy is to bring us from the darkness of the wilderness to the light. Send your comments or que...

In this homily on the second Sunday of Advent, The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, explains that Advent is about preparing our hearts for the child of Bethlehem.  He also points out the role of John the Baptist as a herald of Christ’s coming to remind us not only of God’s love but also His expectations. We live in a fallen world but not on an abandoned planet.  Du...

Are you already thinking about taking down your holiday decorations next weekend? Not so fast. The 12 Days of Christmas actually begin on December 26. The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, talks to parishioner Mary Ann DeSantis in another “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church” podcast about the importance of the church’s Christmas season and the significance of Epiphany on Ja...

In this homily on the First Sunday of Advent, The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church explains that the season of Advent is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to prepare for his return. Jesus brought light and hope into the world and helps us to put aside darkness symbolized by estrangement and sin. We should turn on our lights to show that Jesus is the reason for the se...

In this episode of “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” The Rev. Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector at St. George, tells listeners about the two holiest sacraments: Baptism and Holy Eucharist. Learn why these sacraments are the cornerstone of the Episcopal faith. Please send comments or questions to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or post them on the St. George website at: https://stgeorge-episcopal.n...

In this Thanksgiving Day homily, The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church discusses how easy it is to get used to our blessings after we have enjoyed them for a while and to take them for granted and feel they are deserved. Often the more we have, the less gratitude we feel. However, gratitude frees us to see the beauty in everyday things. Send your comments to musingsonfaith@gma...

Have you ever wondered about the significance of the liturgical colors or the meaning behind the nine white crosses on the Episcopal shield? In this week’s “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church” podcast, the Rev. Janet Richardson, Assistant to the Rector at St. George, answers these questions and more about the symbolism often found in the Episcopal faith. Please send comments or questions to musi...

This week marks the beginning of Advent, the important season leading up to Christmas Day. In this new episode of “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” the Rev. John Kelly, Rector at St. George, reflects on the meaning and significance of the 4-week Advent season. In addition, he recommends several books with inspirational Advent readings, including Max Lucado’s “Because of Bethlehem” and Adam H...

On this Christ the King Sunday, The Rev. Ed Bartle discusses those things that as Christians we should be doing. He suggests that we should ask ourselves what is it that Jesus would have us do today. Christ’s teachings indicate that we are to be givers and to care for others in need and that we are accountable to the One who gave us life. Send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or post them...

In the latest “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church” podcast, the Rev. Nancy Bryson of St. George talks with parishioner Mary Ann DeSantis about the unique architecture found inside many Episcopal churches. In this episode, you’ll learn about the significance and symbolism found in different areas of the church. Please send comments or questions to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or post them to the St....

Have you ever wondered why Episcopalians use the Book of Common Prayer?  Did you know that approximately 70 percent of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible? In the latest "Getting to Know the Episcopal Church" podcast, St. George parishioner Mary Ann DeSantis talks with The Rev. Peg Davis who explains why the Book of Common Prayer is such a crucial part of the Episcopal fai...

The Rev. Ed Bartle, Assoc. Rector at St. George Church, encourages us to always pray and not lose hope. Even if our prayers are unanswered, we should not give up hope. Prayer helps us to break out of our ordinary existence and become open to God. Send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or post them to the St. George website at: https://stgeorge-episcopal.net/musings-from-the-pulpit-always-p...

In this homily, The Rev. Peg Davis, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, The Villages, FL, examines the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. She explains that the story provides guidance for us to prepare for the second coming of Christ.  It is our responsibility to be spiritually prepared at all times as we do not know when He will come. It also, is our responsibility to  pr...

Do you remember your first worship service in an Episcopal Church? Were you confused about when to kneel or stand? Did juggling between the Book of Common Prayer and a hymnal seem overwhelming?  In our second “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church” podcast, parishioner Mary Ann DeSantis interviews The Rev. John Kelly of St. George about the key Episcopal service, Holy Eucharist, and some of th...

This All Saints Day homily by The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, The Villages, FL., explains that saints are regular, everyday people often flawed but trying to live a decent and Christian life. Fr. John says God has our future well in hand and despite our present sufferings, lowly stature, or imperfections, we are meant for glory and called to be saints out into the world...

In this episode St. George parishioner Mary Ann DeSantis and The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, The Villages, FL., discuss the origins of the Episcopal Church and its structure. What is the relationship of the Episcopal Church to the Church of England? To the Roman Catholic Church? How is the Episcopal Church organized and how does it function? Send comments and q...

In this homily, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the two simple rules Jesus gave us to live by: to love God and to love our neighbors as our selves. He states that to be truly religious, we must love God and love those God has created in his image, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnicity. These rules we need to follow more than ever in these divi...

In this homily, The Rev. Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector, St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the transforming power of Christ when we are dealing with adversity. When Christ is in the equation, Christ transforms it and can make something glorious out of the mess we see. When we go to Jesus we are freed to love; He gives us new insight, direction, and strength. Send comme nts to musingsonfai...

In this podcast, Deacon Peg Davis, St. George Episcopal Church, discusses what or who is the “pearl of great price”. Why did Jesus select a pearl rather than a diamond or some other gemstone for this story? Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or post them to the St. George blog at: https://stgeorge-episcopal.net/musings-from-the-pulpit-the-pearl-of-great-price/ .