Sermons from St. John’s Episcopal Church

On Sanctification. Fr. Louis Harris. November 2, 2025.

From the propers for All Saints Day, Father Harris reflects on the spiritual unease of our age and the enduring hope of the Gospel. In a time of confusion, mistrust, and technological dominance, he reminds us that our hope is not found in progress or power, but in the fellowship of the saints and the virtues of humility, simplicity, generosity, and contentment.

Stewardship 101: What’s with pledging? Fr. David Houk. October 26, 2025.

Luke 14:25-30. Fr. Houk continues the Stewardship 101 series, addressing questions about pledging and finances at St. John’s.

How prayer changes things. Fr. David Houk. October 19, 2025.

Luke 18:1-8. Life, God, prayer. These are not simple subjects. Jesus gives us a complicated parable so that we might have a more complex view of what prayer is about.

"Health" and "Wellness". Fr. Louis Harris. October 13, 2025.

In the propers this week, Father Harris reflects on what it really means to be well, not merely healed. Drawing from Luke’s Gospel, he explores why Jesus’ title as “Master” matters, how the story of the ten lepers reveals the difference between physical healing and true wholeness, and why only one returned in gratitude. Along the way, he connects this ancient story to our modern obsessions with health, comfort, and control, reminding us that wellness is not found in self-mastery but in recognizing God’s generosity. Father Harris invites us to rediscover stewardship as gratitude, a turning back, like the healed Samaritan, to praise the Master who makes us truly well.

Stewardship 101. Fr. David Houk. September 28, 2025

1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 Fr. Houk defines the meaning of "steward" and preaches on St. Paul's words to Timothy in 1 Tim 6:6-19. 

Spiritual Mismanagement. Fr. Louis Harris. September 22, 2025.

From the propers this week, Father Harris takes us into Jesus’ stark reminder: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” Behind that simple phrase lies a deep battle between two cosmic realities: the God who gives life, and Mammon, the whispering force that breeds fear, control, and endless craving. The parable of the shrewd manager, a bewildering story shrouded in confusion, reveals the unsettling weight of wealth, and Christ’s call to seek the true riches of friendship and hospitality.

Ladder or Cross? Fr. David Houk. September 14, 2025.

Philippians 2:5-11; John 12:31-36a. The cross tells us everything we need to know about who God is and what our lives are about.

Called. Fr. David Houk. August 24, 2025.

Jeremiah 1:4-10. Every Christian is called to be part of Jesus’s ministering community.

Sewing Division. Fr Louis Harris. August 17, 2025.

From the propers this week, Father Harris offers a meditation on the nature of our Christian vocation - what exactly does God want us to do? The images from the Gospel of Luke seem daunting: fire, division, hypocrisy. Yet, taken as a whole, the meaning of that fire, of that division, may be surprising.

Worship and life. Fr. David Houk. August 10, 2025.

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20. The prophet Isaiah forces us with a serious question: How is your worship working out in your life?