Sunday Sermons

Rev. Kristen Hawley’s sermon at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. on February 15th, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, invites congregants to reflect on their own “mountaintop moments,” both joyful and difficult, marked by awe and transformation. She connects a family conversation about Harry Potter’s “Divination” and “Transfiguration” to Transfiguration Sunday, describing Jesus’ transfiguration before Peter, James, and John and the fear and disorientation it caused, including Peter’s impulse to impose structure by proposing shelters. She highlights the lectionary’s added context that this occurs six days after Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah and then resists Jesus’ prediction of suffering and death. Rev. Hawley argues the transfiguration is not Jesus changing into something new but a revealing—God “drops the veil”—and that the ‘transfiguration light’ changes the disciples’ perception, enabling them to see as God sees. Citing St. Gregory’s teaching that the disciples’ senses were transformed beyond mere flesh into spirit, she suggests this light reveals what is already true rather than magically altering the world. Drawing on a prior illustration about recognizing people as images of God, she challenges congregants to practice an internal “gasp” of attention in the days leading to Ash Wednesday, trying to see people and creation through God’s eyes. She concludes that this transfiguration light gives strength and courage to face the coming cross and offers a Eucharistic prayer petition: for God to open our eyes to God’s hand at work in the world, encouraging congregants to pause, be still, and pay attention when such flashes occur.00:00 Welcome + What Are Your Mountaintop Moments?01:26 A Car Ride, Harry Potter, and ‘Divination’ as a Real Word03:43 Transfiguration Sunday: Jesus Revealed on the Mountain04:44 Why ‘Six Days Later’ Matters: Peter’s Confession & the Coming Cross08:18 Peter’s Very Human Response: Trying to Build Structure for Mystery09:20 Transfiguration Light: Not Changing Jesus, Changing How We See13:14 Practice the ‘Gasp’: Seeing People and Creation as God Sees16:34 Strength for the Cross + Closing Prayer to Open Our Eyes

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, February 8th, 2023, on the Fifth Sunday in Epiphany. In this sermon, Rev. Jim Quigley delves into challenging scriptures from Isaiah 58, the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel, and Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. He distills his reflection into two key points: the idea that the image of God is not something we possess but something we inherently are, and that our interactions with others are inherently theological, reflecting our interactions with God. Rev. Quigley stresses the importance of viewing interpersonal relationships as divine and encourages the congregation to practice seeing the face of God in each other. Despite the challenges, this practice aims to cultivate an ethos that aligns with ethical living, reinforcing the sense of community at St. David's Episcopal Church.00:00 Opening Prayer and Welcome00:13 Reflection on Holy Scriptures01:44 The Image of God: A Unique Theological Contribution03:44 Interpersonal Relationships as Divine Interactions05:00 Challenges and Ethical Practice07:43 Conclusion and Final Blessing

This recording is from the sermon preached at St. David's Episcopal Church on Sunday, February 1st, during the Fourth Sunday in Epiphany. In this sermon, Rev. Kristen Hawley explores two essential questions arising from the day's scripture readings: 'How then shall we live?' and 'Who is God and what is God like?' Drawing on the prophet Micah and Jesus's Beatitudes, Rev. Hawley teaches that God is compassionate and dreams of the best for all of creation. She emphasizes God's profound bias towards life, restoration, and justice. Rev. Hawley unpacks the Hebrew term 'darash,' meaning 'require,' highlighting the necessity of a life shaped by love, humility, and justice. Through vivid storytelling, she challenges the congregation to embody God's love practically and faithfully, urging them to make a transformative impact in the world by following the path of justice, mercy, and humble walking with God.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:27 Framing the Questions: How Shall We Live?01:20 Understanding God Through Scripture03:35 The Prophet Micah's Message06:55 God's Requirements: Justice, Kindness, and Humility10:25 Doing Justice: God's Vision of Fairness13:42 Loving Kindness: The Essence of God's Love15:45 Walking Humbly: Attentiveness to God19:38 Conclusion: Living Out God's Call

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David's Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 24th, for the Third Sunday in Epiphany. In this sermon, Rev. Kristen Hawley explores the profound significance of the Epiphany season and the story of the Magi. She reflects on the transformative power of encountering Christ and urges the congregation to embrace epiphanies in their lives. By incorporating the star metaphor and personal anecdotes, Rev. Hawley illustrates how these divine encounters call individuals out of darkness into light. She draws on Barbara Brown Taylor's homily and invites the parishioners to envision the star continuously lodged in their eyes, symbolizing ongoing spiritual transformation and connection with God. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:20 Exploring Liturgical Seasons01:25 The Significance of Epiphany03:44 Celtic Service and Epiphany05:53 Barbara Brown Taylor's Homily09:50 Transformative Encounters with Christ13:22 Personal Epiphany at Harper's Ferry16:05 Concluding Prayer and Reflection

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David's Episcopal Church on Sunday, January 18th, on the Second Sunday After the Epiphany. In this sermon, Rev. Jim Quigley delves into the transformative power of the questions posed by Jesus in the Gospels, particularly focusing on the question 'What are you looking for?'

The sermon encourages the congregation to reflect on their deepest desires and motives, emphasizing that asking the right questions can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth. Rev. Jim encourages parishioners to seek God sincerely and to recognize the divine economy that shapes our lives and desires.00:00 Opening Invocation00:11 The Power of Questions01:51 Jesus' Question: What Are You Looking For?03:03 Reflecting on Our Desires06:32 The Influence of Our Wants08:37 Jesus' Different Approach11:14 Invitation to Follow Jesus12:49 Epiphany: A Time to Begin14:18 Closing Prayer

In her sermon on the First Sunday after the Epiphany at St. David's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Kristen Hawley reflects on her journey from feeling like a 'fish out of water' during her seminary years to finding meaning in everyday occurrences. She shares a personal anecdote about placing nativity figures in her home and how her child's curiosity about the wise men's journey led her to deeper reflections on faith. Drawing parallels between the magi's journey to find Jesus and the unpredictable paths our own faith journeys take, she encourages the congregation to embrace the unexpected signs from God. Finally, she underscores the significance of the Epiphany as a revelation of God's presence in the world and encourages everyone to stay attentive to God's revealing signs in their lives

In this sermon delivered by the Rev. Jim Quigley on Sunday, January 4 during the Second Sunday of Christmas at St. David's Episcopal Church, the focus is on how to maintain the magic and message of Christmas even after the season ends. Rev. Quigley contemplates on the concept of 'bifurcating' life and faith, advocating instead for a consistent expression of one's Christian values in all aspects of life. He references the mystic Christian theologian Howard Thurman and his poem 'The Work of Christmas,' emphasizing the importance of inward reflection and continuous engagement with the themes of love, grace, and peace regardless of the calendar date. Through personal anecdotes and theological insights, Rev. Quigley encourages the congregation not to pack away the joy of Christmas with the decorations, but to carry it into everyday life and the upcoming season of Lent.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:05 Choosing the Topic: Gospel or Colonization?00:21 Reflections on Christmas and Decorations01:37 The Concept of Bifurcation in Faith03:49 Howard Thurman and the Work of Christmas08:56 The Continuous Message of God's Love13:04 Final Thoughts and Call to Keep the Joy14:30 Conclusion and Blessing

In this sermon delivered on the First Sunday of Christmas at St. David's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Jordan Rippy reflects on the continuing celebration of Christmas, recounting the humorous confusion over the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' gifts. She then shares anecdotes from a recent nativity play, highlighting an unexpected encounter with a Flemish Giant Rabbit. Moving into deeper theological discussions, Rev. Rippy explores the varied narratives of Jesus' birth in the Gospels, focusing particularly on John’s cosmic perspective. She emphasizes the importance of the concept of 'Emmanuel,' or 'God with us,' and how this divine presence is a central theme throughout the Bible. Rippy concludes by urging the congregation to embrace the idea of God’s presence in their lives, illustrating that God's desire to be with humanity is at the heart of the Gospel. Amen.00:00 Introduction and Christmas Greetings00:17 Funny Story: Three French Hens00:37 Saint David's Nativity Play03:03 The Cosmic Birth Narrative in John's Gospel04:53 The Theology of the Incarnation07:18 God's Desire to Be With Us10:18 Conclusion: Love is Always Born

The Rev. Jim Quigley, during a Christmas Day sermon at St. David's Episcopal Church, reflects on why Christmas becomes more meaningful as one ages, emphasizing the shift from receiving to giving. He discusses the profound significance of Christ's birth and the intellectual insights from the Gospel of John. Jim shares personal anecdotes about his family's Christmas traditions, highlighting the importance of gratitude and thank-you notes. He encourages the congregation to take a moment to express thankfulness, reinforcing the value of acknowledgment and appreciation in the Christian faith.00:00 Welcome and Christmas Greetings00:09 Reflecting on the Best Christmas at 6100:39 The True Meaning of Christmas01:08 Christmas Eve Service Recap02:32 Debate on Faith and Intellectualism03:51 The Power of God and Creation04:34 The Importance of Gratitude05:18 Christmas Day Traditions11:06 Writing Thank You Notes14:19 Final Thoughts and Blessings

Rev. Kristen Hawley welcomed the congregation to a Christmas Eve service at St. David's Episcopal Church. She introduced the concept of incarnation theology and emphasized that even children can grasp its essence. Using examples from recent baptisms and children's insights, she highlighted how children naturally understand and express theological truths. The sermon connected the ideas of baptism, bravery, and the symbolism in church objects like the baptismal font and manger. Rev. Hawley encouraged the congregation to embrace the true meaning of the incarnation - God's presence with us - and to be brave in fostering genuine connections with others, especially in an age dominated by digital distractions. She concluded with a reflection on the significance of Jesus' birth and a call to carry the spirit of being 'with' into their lives.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:08 Understanding Incarnation Theology01:08 Children's Insights on Faith02:24 Baptism and Children's Perspectives04:04 The Symbolism of the Baptismal Font05:25 The Meaning of Being With07:46 The Distraction of Phones08:47 The Bravery of Incarnation09:40 Final Blessings and Reflections