St. Mark's New Canaan

The Fourth Sunday of Advent. 

What if God doesn’t come through perfection, but through protection? On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we encounter the often-overlooked courage of Joseph, a man who chose mercy over fear and sanctuary over shame. As Mary and Joseph face public judgment and social risk, we discover a God who enters the world not through moral policing, but through brave compassion. In a culture still addicted to shaming, Advent reminds us that Emmanuel means God is with us, offering shelter, not condemnation.

The Third Sunday of Advent. 

We’re good at hustling. We’re bad at waiting. But what if waiting is exactly where God is at work? Fr. John invites us to slow down, resist instant gratification, and trust the unfinished work of God.

The Second Sunday of Advent. 

Advent begins with a call not just to repent, but to metanoia — a lifelong turning of heart, mind, and spirit toward new life. Fr. Peter invites us to pray maranatha (“Come, Lord Jesus”) as a daily Advent mantra that quiets the soul and makes room for transformation.

The First Sunday of Advent. 

What happens when the life we’re living starts to feel like “all there is”? On the first Sunday of Advent, Fr. John invites us to hear Jesus’ urgent call—“Keep awake”—and to wake up to the deeper life God is offering now.

The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King. 

Christ the King Sunday asks us to take a final look back before Advent begins. But the King we celebrate is nothing like the rulers of this world. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is crowned not with gold but with suffering love — serving, healing, reconciling, and welcoming all as friends and children of God. His Kingdom isn’t a place we wait for; it’s a way of living the love already within us.

As Advent approaches, The Rev. Dr. Maggi Dawn invites us to step out of panic and polarization and into faithful presence. Jesus warns of falling stones—but promises we will not be overcome. What does it mean to live with courage, mercy, and justice in uncertain times?

The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Questions for Discussion & Reflection:
1. Jesus shifts attention away from disaster and toward justice, mercy, and humility.Which of these three practices feels most challenging in today’s polarized climate? Why?
2. What modern “false prophecies” or fear narratives tend to shape your thinking?How might we discern truth with humility and prayer?
3. Julian of Norwich said, “You will not be overcome.”What does that promise mean in concrete terms for your life?
4. Jesus warns that listening to panic-driven predictions distorts our faith.How does doomscrolling impact your capacity to live in hope and compassion?

Many of us wonder what happens after we die…so what Jesus meant when he said we “will be like angels.” Fr. Peter takes us beyond the grave, into the mystery of divine life that never ends — and shows how living with angelic love today prepares us for eternity.

The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

The Golden Rule seems like common sense. But Jesus takes it further. In this sermon, Rev. Elizabeth explores how Christ calls us into Golden Love — a divine, grace-filled love that expects nothing in return and loves even our enemies. How do we live this love in a world that rewards self-interest?

All Saints' Sunday

In a world divided by judgment and contempt, what does Jesus teach us about the posture of our hearts? Fr.John reflects on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, and how humility, honesty, and love—not self-righteousness—lead us to true healing. Discover how the way of Christ can mend hearts and communities, starting from within.

The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Fr. Peter explores Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow — a story that reveals what real faith looks like when life gets hard. When we’re weary, anxious, or unsure, Jesus calls us to pray always and never lose heart, reminding us that the strength of our faith is not in perfection, but in perseverance.

The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost