John the Baptist told the people to take his lessons home and to live their lives justly, ethically, and generously. Part of what John was saying is that we too can prepare the way for Christ in how we act in our lives, with truth, compassion, justice, and mercy.

The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.

Fr. David Beauvais, former pastor of St. James Church, shares with us the mission of John the Baptist and what it means for us today. As John, in quoting Isaiah, called the Jewish people to prepare for the coming of Christ, we are called to prepare ourselves to receive God in our lives through Christ.

The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4 and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.

The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of the Diocese of Chicago, tells us our Christian faith is not about escaping, but engaging. Through our baptism and our Eucharist we are called to pay closer attention to the world around us, not as people lost in our fears but committed to meeting them with our faith in Christ.

The Gospel reference is Luke 21:25-36.

We look at our lives through the lenses of gratitude, and are better for it. This mindset positions us to do the ministry that Jesus has called us to do, and to see that all we need for God's Kingdom is here in front of us.

The Gospel reference is Matthew 6:25-33.

The widow who gave two small copper coins already knew her greatest happiness in living wholeheartedly for God. Giving our whole selves to God - our heart, soul, and mind - quite naturally flows from who we are to what we have - our time, talent, and treasure.

The Old Testament reference is 1 Samuel 1:4-20; the Gospel reference is Mark 12:38-44.

In this Stewardship Sunday talk, Senior Warden Robert Parker and Vestry member Phil James tell us that stewardship is so much more than mere fundraising. Stewardship is honoring the gifts that God has given us, the support and renewal of the mission of the parish, and continuing our outreach to our neighborhood and the community.

God has promised Resurrection Life not only for a chosen people, but for all. It is not only a promise for us when we die but also while we live, to help us move past all the things that keep us bound.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 25:6-9 and Revelation 21:1-6; the Gospel reference is John 11:32-44.

Stanley Campbell, Executive Director of Rockford Urban Ministries, shares his thoughts on mission: Speak from the heart; listen for God's call in all places, with all people; however you choose to serve, serve with love.

The Gospel reference is Matthew 5:43-48

Does a culture of entitlement affect our faith and what we expect from God? Jesus doesn’t promise that our lives will be wonderful, but He does turn our eyes to the needs of those around us. Our greatest reward is found not when we ask what God will give to us, but when we ask God what we can give to Him.

The Gospel reference is Mark 10:35-45.

Living a good life is more than just following the Ten Commandments. It is looking within ourselves to find the stumbling blocks that keep us from truly living as children of God, and then taking action that lets us move past them in service to God. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:17-31.