Seekers recognizes that any member of the community may be called upon by God to give us the Word, and thus we have an open pulpit with a different preacher each week. Sermons preached at Seekers, as well as sermons preached by Seekers at other churches or events, are posted here, beginning with the most recent.
Click here for an archive of our sermons.
Feel free to use what is helpful from these sermons. We only ask that when substantial portions are abstracted or used in a written work, please credit Seekers Church and the author, and cite the URL.
“The Subversive Spirit of Jesus’ Baptism” by Ian Carr McPherson
January 11, 2015
The First Sunday After the Epiphany
Out of sheer curiosity, I decided to review the liturgy outlined for this Sunday. When Peter informed me that today was a reflection on the Baptism of the Lord, my first thought was, Not the best week to invite the Unitarian Universalist to speak. I was elated that he had given me an out by telling me to just talk about my experiences at FLOC and Discipleship Year. But soon the beauty of the selections from the lectionary overwhelmed my initial trepidation. So, perhaps foolishly, I will try to hold both these Biblical passages and my experiences in DC together—and still get us out of here in time for lunch.
“We are God’s Gift of Light” by Margreta Silverstone
January 4, 2015
Celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany
Good morning, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in God’s sight and helpful for this faith community to hear.
Some weeks ago, I had a lovely conversation with Trish regarding life in general, the recent race and diversity class, her trip with Pat around Mississippi and other topics. In that conversation over tea at my dining room table, one desire that Trish shared was that I preach more frequently. I am generally a once a year preacher and you can check with celebration circle about that (they do keep records). Once a year works well for me, it is manageable in my life. Yet, I heard her request. My offering today, to stand here and speak, is my gift to her and to you because of that ask.
“Holding Up the Bigger Story” by Marjory Zoet Bankson
December 28, 2014
Christmastide
Text: Luke 2:22-40
….Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him….”This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
….At that moment Anna came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
In our text for today, two elders stand at the gateway of a new liturgical year. Anna and Simeon make this brief appearance – and they are never seen again. So why did Luke include these two unknown elders in his account of Jesus’ birth?
As I have pondered this text for the past few weeks, three things began to stand out:
A Seekers Christmas Pageant
December 21, 2014 The Fourth Sunday of Advent With the help and guidance of Marcia, John, and Roy, (and some technical assistance from Glen) the children brought the Christmas story to life with drama, costumes, and song. The worship space was arranged as if for theater-in-the-round, and the entire congregation became part of the pageant as the various characters in the story walked around and among us. All the children participated, even those who were just visiting for the day.
A Service in the Style of Taize for Advent, 2014
December 14, 2014 The Third Sunday in Advent Several times each year, Seekers Church takes time out from its regular preaching schedule for a service of chant, prayer and reflection modeled on the worship of the Taizé Community in France. This Sunday was one such time. Repeating the chants together until they die away into the silence provides rest for our world-weary spirits as well as an opportunity for individual reflection on our faith journeys. As we joined in spirit with the monks at Taizé, we were nourished by their faithfulness as well as by their music.