Sermons
January 16, 2022 Sermon, “In Your Light, We See Light” by Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Psalm 36:5-10 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. We made it through the lengthy cold. The growing light beckons us to leave the dark behind. Yes, more cold is on its way. But we look not to tomorrow nor yearn for yesteryear. We …Read more
November 28, 2021 Sermon, “Christ the King Sunday/Reign of Christ Sunday” by Rev. Lynda Trono and Anisha Saddler
Mark 14:3-9 Hello Westworth United Church ! I am so grateful to be here with you. … I start by saying that in every church I go to . But this time I really mean it in a way I never thought about before. We are gathered here alive and in person. I’m so grateful …Read more
Dec. 19, 2021 Sermon, “A Child Shall Lead the Way” by Rev. Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Luke 1:39-55 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. The Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail takes brave riders down the steep, narrow path on the backs of mules. There is a sign at the top of the trail that reads, “Warning: Pregnant women not …Read more
Dec. 12 2021 Sermon, “Joy Unspeakable” by Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Philippians 4:4-9 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. When I visited a Black Baptist Church decades ago, I was struck by their enthusiastic expression of joy. It was a little bit overwhelming, but also inspiring. I was somewhat aware of the daily …Read more
December 5, 2021 Sermon: “ohn the Baptist Christmas”; Adapted from a podcast with Rev. Diane Strickland
Luke 3:1-16 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. John the Baptist plays a central role in our Advent and Christmas stories, but I have yet to see the figure of John the Baptist appearing in any nativity scene or Christmas pageant. The Magi …Read more
Nov. 7, 2021 Remembrance Day, Values Upended by Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. This familiar passage from Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for everything; that all things have their season, including a time for embracing and a time to refrain from embracing. I …Read more
Oct 31, 2021 Sermon, Radical Love, by Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Mark 12:28-34 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. Today’s gospel lesson takes us to the heart of both the Jewish and the Christian faith. Jesus is asked which, amongst the 615 commandments in the Hebrew scripture, is the greatest. As …Read more
Oct 24, 2021 Stewardship II Be the Healing You Seek by Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Mark 10:46-52; 4:30-32 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. Healing is a tricky topic. Does God heal us? If so, why does God heal some and not others? Our lectionary reading for today tells us the story of a blind man …Read more
Oct 17, 2021 Stewardship – Overflowing Blessings by Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Acts 11:27-30 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. Children are quick studies, taking in everything they see and hear, learning what we want them to learn and what we don’t. When they are around 2 years old, they begin …Read more
October 3, 2021 Sermon: “Faith of Harmony” by Rev. Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
Mark 10:2-16 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you, our God. There are a few places in the gospels where Jesus lifted up children as a model for us to follow: “whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will …Read more
