God works in us from the inside out

Watch the sermon here.

Fr Tom Hotchkiss preaches on two intertwined stories in Mark: Jesus healing a woman with a hemorrhage and raising Jairus' daughter. He emphasizes how these narratives demonstrate Jesus' power over sickness and death. 

Fr Hotchkiss highlights the contrasting social statuses of the characters - a religious leader and a socially outcast woman - and how Jesus shows compassion to both. He notes the dramatic tension created by the interruption of Jairus' urgent request with the healing of the woman. 

Fr Hotchkiss then draws attention to the Greek word "sozo," which encompasses healing, deliverance from danger, and salvation. This connects the immediate healings to broader themes of eternal life and Christian salvation. 

Applying these stories to contemporary life, Fr Hotchkiss suggests that we all have "stories within stories" - outward appearances and inner struggles. He emphasizes that Jesus is concerned with our deepest troubles and works in us "from the inside out." 

Two main points are emphasized: 

1. Jesus enters into our personal stories and inner struggles. 

2. We come to Jesus just as we are, and God works within us. 

Fr Hotchkiss concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own stories and consider where God might be at work in their lives, looking particularly at the importance of internal spiritual transformation over external changes. 

How to be a Christian when it's hard

Watch this sermon here.

Fr Michael Mills discusses the Gospel story of Jesus calming the storm, drawing parallels to life's challenges and our relationship with God.

The sermon then presents four main points: 

1. Christians are "in the boat" together, part of God's family and the church community. 

2. It's important to cry out to God in prayer, expressing genuine emotions rather than putting on a facade. 

3. Christians should "keep rowing" - continuing to practice their faith and serve others even during difficult times. 

4. Don't "get out of the boat" - stay connected to the church community, especially during challenging periods. 

Fr Mills emphasizes that the church is like a lifeboat, with members working together to help each other and those outside the church. He acknowledges that life can be stormy and unfair but encourages us to remain faithful and engaged with the community. 

Fr Mills concludes with a reminder of Christ's role as both shepherd and captain of our spiritual journey. 

How to grow the kingdom of God

Watch this sermon here.

Mother Stephanie preaches on two of Jesus' parables about the Kingdom of God from the Gospel of Mark: the growing seed and the mustard seed.

These parables suggest that God's kingdom grows mysteriously and independently of human effort. This is good news because it relieves pressure from individuals to make the kingdom happen. 

The mustard seed parable is highlighted as particularly surprising. Jesus compares God's kingdom to a weed-like plant rather than a mighty tree, suggesting that God's reign is wild, uncontrollable, and inclusive of all people - even those we might not expect or approve of. 

The Holy Spirit is described as a force that moves through the world, changing perspectives and inviting participation in God's work. Mtr Moncrieff challenges listeners to adopt a "kingdom perspective," seeing every person as a beloved child of God and all creation as worthy of love and grace. 

The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to live differently, applying this perspective to daily life. This might involve changing how one drives, interacts with colleagues, or treats family members. By doing so, individuals can help spread God's "wild freedom Kingdom" in the world.