Ascension Written Sermons

The Rev. Robert P. Travis Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Sermon  – 8 and 10:30am Eucharist Services, Church of the Ascension, Knoxville TN RCL  Proper 15 Year C 8/18/2013 Scripture Text: Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2,8-18, Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56 Sermon Text: So the first thing that came to mind, when I read that Gospel this week, was a feeling of relief, I kind of thought, “So Jesus prophesied, that it would be OK not to get along with my mother-in-law!” I don't think the division I've experienced there, is what he was talking about, but maybe in some ways it is. Now I just want to tell you, what Jesus says here is one of the harder sayings for me, in the Gospel of Luke. This time Jesus is not showing us joy and happiness. He doesn’t act like the Buddy Christ (thumb’s up). He tells us that he’s stressed, and impatient for his mission to be accomplished, and he criticizes those following him who just don’t get it. ...

12 th Sunday after Pentecost III, August 11, 2013 Episcopal Church of the Ascension Building the Kingdom of God The Reverend Dr. Howard J. Hess I. Introduction . As Ann (LuAnn, and Jeremiah) has (have) so beautifully reminded us, this is Family Promise Sunday here at Church of the Ascension and in multiple congregations throughout our city. We are celebrating one of the core ministries of our parish, and rightfully so. Our outreach into the world around us should strengthen the focus of our worship, just as our worship together should re-enforce our commitment to ministry. When we consider today’s Gospel, the message could not be clearer: “Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights in giving you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. Make for yourself wallets that don’t wear out – a treasure in heaven that never runs out . . . where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Although we often focus o...

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost in Year C 21 July 2013  The Episcopal Church of the Ascension Deacon Christian Lectionary Readings Amos 8:1-12 Psalm 52 Colossians 1:15-28 Luke 10:38-42 *Disclaimer:  The text below captures about 85% of what was said on Sunday morning.  I like to leave a little room for the Spirit to blow through in the moment, so there may be a few places where the audio and text don’t match up.  A special thanks to the women of the lectionary study whose content may not have shown up in recognizable ways, but whose inspiration is all over this text.   Dante J Vaghi is a UFO expert.   His office is the Sycamore Diner in the sleepy little New England town of Bethel, CT.   If you ever happen to belly up to the counter at the Sycamore, Dante will waste no time in coming over to you.  He’ll smile and introduce himself as the local welcoming committee, and then he’ll lean in and whisper, “We are n...