Sunday Sermons

This is a recording from the sermon preached by Rev. Jordan Rippy at St. David’s Episcopal Church during a 5 pm Celtic Service on Sunday, October 12, the eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. In this sermon, Rev. Jordan delves into the difficult topics of death, dying, and the grief that accompanies them. She references the biblical story of Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones, highlighting the themes of hope and resurrection. Through this narrative, Rev. Rippy encourages the congregation to confront these painful subjects with trust in the resurrection promise and the newness of life in Christ. The message emphasizes that even in the most devastated and lifeless situations, God’s breath can bring renewal and hope.

00:00 Introduction: Facing the Hardest Topics

00:54 The Sermon on Death and Dying

01:31 Practical and Emotional Aspects of Death

02:20 Hope in the Face of Death

03:13 Ezekiel’s Vision of Dry Bones

04:35 God’s Conversation with Ezekiel

05:27 The Breath of Life

05:57 Modern Relevance of Ezekiel’s Vision

06:52 The Promise of Resurrection

07:52 Conclusion: The Triumph Over Death

In this sermon delivered by the Rev. Kristen Hawley at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC on Sunday, 10/12, the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, the biblical story of the healing of the ten lepers is explored. Traditionally, the focus is on the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, highlighting the importance of gratitude. Rev. Kristen delves deeper by examining the personalities and responses of the other nine lepers, illustrating that all were healed regardless of their reactions. The sermon underscores the distinction between being cured and being healed, emphasizing that true healing involves recognizing and giving thanks for our blessings before engaging with the world.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:02 The Story of the 10 Lepers

00:43 Historical and Cultural Context

02:30 The Samaritan’s Gratitude

03:36 A Different Perspective on the Nine Lepers

04:06 Meet the Nine Lepers

10:54 The Deeper Meaning of Healing

14:21 Invitation to Reflect and Give Thanks

This sermon was preached by Rev. Jim Quigley at St. David’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 5th, during the seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Jim reflects on spiritual journeys as described by St. Theresa of Avila, drawing parallels between her teachings and the challenges faced by Jesus’ disciples. He elaborates on the idea of purification, illumination, and union in the spiritual domain before moving to real-life examples of faith from his own high school experiences and the transformative power of narrative. The sermon challenges the congregation to reconsider the rooted narratives in their lives and encourages them to have faith strong enough to envision and enact positive change.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:45 Theresa of Avila’s Spiritual Journey

04:48 Personal Anecdote: High School Art Class

08:19 The Power of Narrative and Faith

13:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In his senior sermon delivered on September 29, 2025 at Virginia Theological Seminary, St. David’s seminarian Daniel Bentley explores the concept of Bethel, the dwelling place of God. He begins by discussing the elusive nature of angels, who appear during crises and in sacred spaces where heaven and earth intersect. Referencing Jacob’s dream of angels at Bethel, he connects this imagery to Jesus, suggesting that Jesus is the means by which heaven and earth connect and can be considered Bethel. Daniel emphasizes that Bethel is accessible in various forms of Christian practice, such as meditating on Scripture, gathering in Christ’s name, baptism, and communion. He urges the audience to embody Bethel by bringing Christ into the world through their actions, despite human imperfections, relying on God’s grace and strength. The sermon concludes with a powerful affirmation of the divine presence in everyday life and a call to make it known to the world.

This sermon from Sunday, 9/28, the sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, preached by Rev. Kristen Hawley at St. David’s Episcopal Church, draws on the Gospel of Luke and its distinctive narratives. Rev. Hawley begins with a playful nod to George Thoroughgood and Bo Didley before delving into the rich context of Luke’s writing. She highlights key parables and stories unique to Luke, emphasizing the message directed to ‘lovers of God.’ Through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Rev. Hawley inspires the congregation to reflect on their relationship with God and the importance of loving God over material wealth. She concludes with a call to action, urging parishioners to embody the love of God in all their daily interactions.

00:00 Introduction and George Thorogood

01:20 Setting the Context: The Gospel of Luke

02:27 Unique Aspects of Luke’s Gospel

04:45 Luke’s Purpose and Audience

08:15 Jesus’ Mission and Teachings in Luke

10:20 The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

15:27 The Challenge and Hope in Luke’s Gospel

This sermon, delivered by Rev. Jordan Rippy at St. David's Episcopal Church on September 22nd, delves into one of Jesus' most challenging parables—the Parable of the Unjust Steward. Rev. Jordan explores the complexities and interpretations of the parable, highlighting the steward's shrewdness and the surprising praise he receives. The sermon emphasizes themes of wealth, stewardship, and spiritual priorities, urging the congregation to use their resources wisely for God's kingdom. Through the lens of Luke's gospel, Rev. Rippy challenges parishioners to consider the true value of money and their own call to action in advancing God's realm.

00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Today's Gospel

01:37 Understanding the Unjust Steward

03:33 The Rich Man and Luke's Gospel

05:25 Money and the Kingdom of God

07:12 Practical Stewardship and Urgency

09:23 Conclusion: Urgency in Doing Good

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David's Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 14th, the fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. In this sermon, Rev. Kristen Hawley reflects on the well-known parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. She provides a unique perspective by emphasizing the absolute need for a search party and the importance of realizing that everyone is lost and in need of being found. Using an engaging story from her own life and a comedic bit by Mitch Hedberg, Rev. Hawley underscores the themes of grace, belonging, and the joy of being found by God. She encourages the congregation to join the search party, embracing the role of seeking and welcoming the lost in the same manner God seeks us all.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:55 The Parables of the Lost

01:32 Stand-Up Comedy and Mitch Hedberg

04:00 Understanding the Parables

07:49 A Personal Story of Loss

10:49 The Joy of Being Found

13:35 The Call to Join the Search Party

15:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

This sermon was preached by Rev. Jim Quigley at St. David's Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 7th, the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Quigley shares his personal journey from owning a metal fabrication business to answering his call to the priesthood. He reflects on the difficult yet rewarding path of discipleship, interpreting Jesus' challenging teachings in the Gospel of Luke. By sharing anecdotes and scriptural insights, Rev. Quigley encourages the congregation to take one faithful step toward living more justly, mercifully, and humbly. He emphasizes the collective journey of the church community in walking with God and discerning their next steps together.

00:00 Introduction to Fine Art Metal

01:06 Discovering a New Path in the Church

02:13 The Decision to Attend Seminary

03:58 Financial Challenges and Solutions

05:44 Understanding the Gospel's Hard Sayings

09:39 Living Justly, Mercifully, and Humbly

11:34 Reflecting on Possessions and Retirement

12:59 Taking Faithful Steps Together 15:46 Conclusion and Blessing

This is a recording from the sermon preached at St. David's Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 31st, the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. Seminarian Daniel Bentley shares a personal testimony of his journey as an immigrant, highlighting the principles of hospitality and mutual love as reflected in the teachings of Jesus and various biblical texts. Bentley reflects on his citizenship ceremony experience and connects it to the concepts of Philadelphia (brotherly love) and Philia (love of strangers) as discussed in Hebrews. He emphasizes the call to show unconditional hospitality and love, valuing true relationships over transactional ones as a reflection of the Kingdom of God.

00:00 Introduction: A Personal Struggle

00:54 Becoming an American Citizen

03:20 A Heartbreaking Moment

03:56 The Final Chapter of Hebrews

04:54 Philadelphia and Philia: Love and Hospitality

06:17 Biblical Commandments on Hospitality

08:33 Jesus' Parable on Hospitality

10:09 The Kingdom of God: An Eternal Banquet

11:48 Conclusion: Mutual Love and Hospitality

In the sermon preached on Sunday, August 24th, the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost at St. David's, the Rev. Jordan Rippy engages the congregation with interactive Bible trivia before exploring the significance of the Sabbath. Drawing on scripture from Genesis and Isaiah, Jordan discusses the Sabbath as a holy day of rest, its observation by modern Jews, and its importance for Christians. The sermon emphasizes the practice of saying 'no' to overcommitment and 'yes' to meaningful, restful worship. Jordan underscores the Sabbath as a gift and commandment, urging the congregation to incorporate moments of peace, rest, and reflection into their lives.

00:00 Bible Trivia Challenge

00:34 The Significance of the Seventh Day

02:02 Observing the Sabbath in Modern Times

04:41 The Practice of Saying No

06:27 Finding Freedom in Limitation

07:47 Practical Steps to Embrace the Sabbath

08:24 A Precious Gift from God