Musings on Faith

In this homily on the Second Sunday of Easter, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses what can be called the charter of the Church. When Jesus appeared to his disciples following his resurrection, he told them that he was sending them out into the world like his Father had sent him into the world. It is the Christian’s responsibility to deliver Christ’s mess...

In this episode, Dale Dreps, a parishioner at St. George Episcopal Church, interviews Erik Guzman who joined the staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida in late 2020, Erik explains what his responsibilities are as Director of Communications, the challenges he has faced, and shares his goals for the future.  Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: · htt...

In this Easter Sunday homily, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, states that the resurrection is the promise we have been looking for, that God is not dead and that there is hope for us for eternal life. He then discusses that there are so many who need to hear this good news and expounds on why we may not be evangelizing the way Christ intended. He concludes that...

In this Good Friday homily, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, asks how we carry our cross. When we wear or display a cross, do we look at it as a piece of jewelry or a decoration or do we appreciate the significance of the cross. The cross should serve as a visible reminder of what Jesus has done for us – the sacrifice he has made for each of us by dying on the cross to...

In this Maundy Thursday homily, The Rev. Marnie Silk Wright, Adjunct Clergy at St. George Episcopal Church, shares a meditation focusing on Jesus’ washing of his disciple's feet. She says that we are the Lord’s disciples and as such are called to serve one another. We serve because our God loves us so much and he calls us to spread our love until we can love more and more like Jesus. She encourage...

As we enter the final three days of Holy Week – known as the Paschal Triduum – Father Ed Bartle of St. George Episcopal Church discusses the events that occurred during Christ’s final week on earth. A closer look at the Gospel of Mark suggests many of the events were more than mere coincidences, but rather divine intervention. Mark describes events that we may know but haven’t given much thought u...

In this Palm Sunday homily, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, discusses Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on Sunday and his betrayal, torture, humiliation, and crucifixion by the end of the week. Jesus riding on a young colt was a statement of kingship, deliverance and prophetic fulfillment. Jesus had to fulfill his purpose to prove that God loves us so m...

Rejoice! This is Holy Week and The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, tells us about the most important week in the Christian calendar. Our religion is based on the events of this week, culminating with Easter Sunday – the day of Christ’s resurrection. Father Ed describes the services that will take place at St. George this week.  Please send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail...

In this homily delivered on the Fifth Sunday in Lent, The Reverend Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, challenges listeners to be willing to follow God and fulfill what he has in mind for you.  She states that true living is to let go of who we think we are and to risk doing what God has planned for us and will help us to become. We should never be content to be...

Today our podcast series, “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” focuses on Maundy Thursday, an enlightening service filled with symbolism and reverence that will be held on April 1 this year, and Good Friday, set for April 2. The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, tells why these special services are important components in Holy Week observances. Please send your comments to musings...

In this homily delivered on the Fourth Sunday in Lent, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, expounds on the means of deliverance that God has provided. When humans turn their thoughts to Jesus and believe in Him, they will find eternal life. If we refuse the cross that every Christian is called to bear, there is no glory. Fr. Ed concludes that if we have been forgiv...

This month our podcast series, “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” focuses on Holy Week and why it is the most important time in the Christian calendar. The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, begins this series with a discussion about Palm Sunday and Tenebrae, which mark the beginning of Holy Week for many Episcopalians. Please send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or lea...

In this homily on the Third Sunday of Lent, The Rev. Janet Richardson, Assistant to the Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, discusses this familiar phrase and its meaning as a sign of spiritual purity and goodness. For Christians today, she points out that we are the living church. However, we still need to be cleaned of things like prejudice, greed,  pride, hatred, and envy. Through the d...

In this podcast, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church,  tells us about Mary Magdalene, who was the first to proclaim Jesus' resurrection after she discovered his empty tomb. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message .

Are you curious about the process an Episcopal church uses to select a rector?  Listen as Dale Dreps, chair of the St. George Search Committee, talks with The Rev. Dan Smith who is assisting St. George find a priest to be in charge of the parish. Fr. Smith outlines the process, which is pretty standard for Episcopal churches, and shares how the members of the parish can and should be involved...

In this homily The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George, discusses the Gospel for the Second Sunday In Lent.  The passage is often referred to as the hinge of the Gospel of Mark as the writing shifts from Jesus’ preaching the Good News to Jesus' path to Jerusalem. Fr. Ed suggests that we too face daily temptations – sometimes from those who love us or well-meaning friends - that cau...

In our latest podcast, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, tells us about several African-American leaders who have influenced the Episcopal Church, beginning with Absalom Jones. A former slave in the 1700s, Jones’ unwavering faith helped him to become the first ordained African-American priest in the Episcopal Church. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a...

In this homily on the First Sunday in Lent, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, shares her experience as a former teacher and Head of School at a local Episcopal School preparing the students for Lent. They discussed that Jesus needed to go into the wilderness to prepare his heart for ministry. Also, Jesus had to experience the good things in life – like his baptism, as w...

In this Ash Wednesday homily, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, discusses the history of Lent, the importance of this penitential season and what Episcopalians should do to have a holy Lent. He closes with some ideas of what you can “give up” for Lent. Send questions or comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-...

In this homily which was part of the Mardi Gras service at St. George, The Rev. Janet Richardson, Assistant to the Rector, reminds us of the futility of worrying. As the gospel reading for the day points out, we are loved by God and He will take care of our needs. She states that nothing can be gained by worrying and that worrying may cause us to miss out on the happiness of today. She concludes t...

· In this Valentine’s Day homily, The Rev. Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector of St. George, discusses the transforming power of Jesus to change us. She discusses how we, as disciples of Christ, are to walk toward that brilliant light – the love of Christ which is given to us as a gift – by allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and grow our faith. Send comments to: musingsonfaith@gmail.com or l...

This Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of Lent, 40 days leading up to Easter. In this new episode of “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” the Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, discusses the importance of the Lenten season.  Observing Lent doesn’t always mean giving up something… it could be taking on something. · Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or lea...

In this homily, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, discusses where Jesus got his authority and the authority Jesus has given Christians. Fr. Ed cites the cornerstones of the Episcopal faith: scripture, tradition, and reason. These three things woven together, enable Episcopalians to grow spiritually and fulfill our marching orders - to teach others about Jesus. Se...

In this homily, The Rev. Beth Hall, Assistant to the Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, shares examples of Christ’s disciples and how they answered the challenge Jesus gave them to follow him. She says as Christ’s disciples we should be “on fire” for Christ and use our gifts to bring more people to God. Send comments to: musingsonfaith@gmail.com .

In this homily, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George Episcopal Church, explains that we are called to exemplify to believers and non-believers what it means to be a Christian. We are called to imitate Christ and to spread His word. He points out that personal witness and friendship are the primary means by which people are brought to Christ. Send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail...