Musings on Faith

In this podcast, The Rev. Dr. James E. Taylor, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the epistle for the Third Sunday After the Epiphany. He says that we understand from Paul’s teaching that every member of the Body is crucial. Every member here at St. George is important and has value. This is true for every person, and because it is so linked to the bedrock of our faith,&nbs...

On The Second Sunday after the Epiphany, The Rev. Dr. James E. Taylor, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, says that just as the grace of God can change water into wine, the grace of God can transform our lives.  But there is more—the future with a life in Christ is now. The glory, grace, and love of God are available now for all.  Jesus was about changing lives; therefore, it seems o...

This homily given by The Rev. Dr. James E. Taylor, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, calls us to think about our own baptism and its meaning as we celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ. Several things came together at Jesus’ baptism just as it did at our own. Like Jesus, we are called to persevere in resisting evil; proclaim by word, deed, and example in all that we do in our lives, the good...

In this homily given on the Feast of the Epiphany, The Rev. Dr. James E. Taylor, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, shares his hope that each of us will have an Epiphany experience this year that leads us to a new understanding of how Christ can be within our spirit and soul to mold us and shape us for the future.  In this season of light, we must be willing to travel from our current sit...

In his inaugural homily as rector of St. George Episcopal Church, The Rev. Dr. James E. Taylor expounds on the choices that confronted Joseph that could have taken Jesus’ life in different directions. As we begin 2022, each of us similarly has choices to make. When God presents new options, we need not be afraid: “Emmanuel” - God is with us. God calls us not to  live in resentment and anger b...

In this homily on the 1st Sunday after Christmas, The Rev. Janet Richardson, Assistant to the Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, looks at the Gospel of John which is a  reflection looking back at the life of Jesus. Rev. Janet compares it to the other gospels and the first five books of the Old Testament. She notes that unlike the other gospelers, John’s Christmas story begins with creatio...

Associate Rector Ed Bartle encourages us in his Christmas Day homily to take stock of what this day is about. He suggests that during this season of frenzy looking for the perfect gift for family and friends we stop and recognize that God gave us the most perfect gift – the babe in the manger. We can give this perfect gift to others by imitating Christ in our thoughts and actions. Until we experie...

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, discusses how the lighting of the Advent candles has brought more light into the world as daylight shortens and there is more darkness and sadness in our world. As believers we know that along with this darkness shines the light of God – Jesus. God always is with us and will remain with us until we reach...

On this Third Sunday of Advent, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the “joy” found in the readings for this Rose or Gaudete Sunday. He explains the difference between happiness and joy. We should feel joyful and secure as the Lord is our stronghold and defense. Advent is not only a time of repentance but also a time of total transformation that bears fru...

In this podcast, LaVerne Collins, a parishioner at St. George, talks with the newly called rector of St. George Episcopal Church, The Villages, FL - The Rev. Dr. James E. Taylor. Fr. Jim, a "cradle"  Episcopalian, was born in Wilmington, NC and received degrees from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington and Virginia Theological Seminary.  For the past 18 years he has served as rec...

In this homily on the First Sunday of Advent, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the readings during Advent and how they encourage us to be faithful rather than fearful until Christ returns. He suggests that the first two weeks of Advent are a time of evaluation and preparation; the following 2 weeks begin a time of joy and excitement in anticipation of...

In this homily on Christ the King Sunday, The Rev. Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, reflects on the Gospel for the day. Rev. Beth discusses the stark contrasts contained in the Gospel and asks who will you call when life is tough. She states that some might run from God’s provision of atonement fearing what He might do to them. However, God’s plans are for good, n...

In this homily on the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, looks at the widow in the Gospel reading for the day. Jesus observed the widow giving all that she had in contrast to many scribes who focused on legalisms and upon their own personal gain, losing sight of the true meaning of God. The widow’s heart on the other hand was in the...

In this homily given in honor of All Saints’ Day, Fr. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the meaning of this high holy day. It is a day to commemorate the patriarchs, prophets, and heroes of old who in time of persecution and tribulation stood strong in their faith, becoming martyrs to preserve the faith and paving the way for generations to come.  However,...

In this homily The Rev. Marnie Silk Wright, Pastoral Care Associate at St. George Episcopal Church, discusses how Jesus opens the door between the sacred and profane, the holy and human. Jesus teaches us how to live, how to love and who to love. He is our intercessor and savior. Jesus is our great high priest because of his reverent submission to God’s will – even unto death. His example shows us...

In this homily, The Rev. Janet Richardson, Assistant to the Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, elaborates on the Gospel for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost. In the Gospel reading we learn of Jesus restoring Bartimaeus’ vision because of his faith. She points out that in addition to physical sight, there are other God given “sights” equally important: hindsight, foresight and insight....

In this homily on the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, examines the Gospel for the day about the young rich man who is unwilling to give up his wealth and position to follow Jesus. Fr. Ed states that the passage does not condemn us for having wealth and respectability, but that Jesus calls us to act. The passage is a warning not...

On this Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector of St George Episcopal Church, discusses the Gospel reading for the day. She states that this passage often has been used to keep people in abusive, loveless relationships. However, Jesus wants the best in life for each of us. She states that we must claim the gift of God’s love like a little child would. As we...

In this homily on the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the readings of the day and their importance to  Christian life. He points out that if we are not careful, we can develop an attitude of privilege or feeling that we have an advantage over others and that this can be a stumbling block to our Christian life. J...

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most well-known saints because of his love for animals and nature. Each October, many churches commemorate the Feast of St. Francis with a Blessing of the Animals to honor this beloved saint. In our latest Musings on Faith podcast, the Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, tells the story of St. Francis and explains some of the myths a...

On this Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the Gospel reading of the day in which Jesus’ disciples are discussing amongst themselves which one of them is the greatest. Jesus explains to them that if anyone wants the greatness of the Kingdom, he must be last of all, that he must serve and do things for others. Jesus war...

As the International Day of Peace is commemorated on September 21, we take a look at the peacemakers in the Bible, and how we can achieve peace -- both with others and within ourselves with the help of God. Father Ed Bartle talks about the four Gs of resolving conflict, based on readings from "The Peacemaker," a book by Ken Sande. He closes with Psalm 37 to help us find peace in our own hearts. Em...

In this homily on the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, expounds on the Gospel for the day which begins with Jesus asking, “Who do people say that I am?” Jesus made it clear to his followers that to follow Him meant making a choice to pick up the burdens and pain of others even when you don’t have to. Deacon Nancy cites the actions of F...

Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of reading the Bible. It dates back to the early centuries of the Christian Church. It is a way of praying the scriptures that leads us deeper into God’s word. Our guest for this episode, The Rev. Beth Hall, talks about the practice and leads listeners in a sample of the practice. If you are interested in learning more about Lectio Divina, here are some resourc...

In this homily on the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Janet Richardson, Assistant to the Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the gospel reading in which the Gentile woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. Rev. Janet ponders whether Jesus’ exhaustion led to what many have interpreted to have been an abrupt response, showing the human side of his existence. The women’s respons...