by Rev. Dr. Helen Svoboda-Barber This morning at St. Luke’s we read the earliest account of the first Easter day. Each of the 4 Gospels has their own version of the resurrection. All of them include one or more women going to tend the body of Jesus, and finding an empty tomb. But the details … Continue reading Fear Doesn’t Win: Easter Sermon 2021
A Grain of Wheat, Split Open | March 21, 2021
Rev. Dr. Helen Svoboda-Barber “...unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life will lose it...” John 12:24b-25 This week, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the idea of a grain of … Continue reading A Grain of Wheat, Split Open | March 21, 2021
The Power of Names | February 28, 2021
by the Rev. Dr. Helen Svoboda-Barber May only God’s Word be spoken and only God’s Word be heard. Both today’s Old Testament reading and our Gospel have name changes in them. So today, let’s talk about the power of names. In Genesis 17, God talks to Abram for the fifth time in scripture, and in … Continue reading The Power of Names | February 28, 2021
Wild Beasts and Angels | February 21, 2021
by Rev. Susan Bennett The first Sunday in Lent is always the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Always. Matthew and Luke go into poetic detail about the powers and the riches and the status that Satan dangles before Jesus in his attempt to derail Jesus’ ministry before it gets started. But not Mark. In … Continue reading Wild Beasts and Angels | February 21, 2021
Down From the Mountaintop | February 14, 2021
by Dr. Sam Laurent, Campus Minister for the Episcopal Center at Duke If I’m being honest—and I think that’s the general expectation here—the transfiguration always puzzles me. Jesus takes some disciples up on top of a mountain, and he begins to glow a dazzling white. Elijah and Moses appear next to him. From a cloud, … Continue reading Down From the Mountaintop | February 14, 2021
What is mine? What is for now? | February 7, 2021
by Rev. Dr. Helen Svoboda-Barber Jesus has been having a busy day this first day of his ministry in Mark’s gospel. It began with teaching in the synagogue. Everyone was amazed with his authority as he taught. Then, right there inside the sanctuary, he removed an unclean spirit from a man. And in today’s reading, … Continue reading What is mine? What is for now? | February 7, 2021
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