Selected Sermons from Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Kenmore, Washington

This powerful sermon explores the timeless cry for justice echoed through Scripture, history, and modern life. Drawing from Luke’s Gospel and the parable of the persistent widow, it challenges believers to pray without ceasing and not lose heart in the face of injustice. From the Psalms to Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous quote—“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice”—the message resonates with those who ...

In this powerful reflection, we explore how gratitude ismore than a feeling—it’s a spiritual force that transforms lives. Drawing from the wisdom of Brother David Steindl-Rast and the Gospel story of the ten healed lepers, this message reveals how thankfulness deepens our faith, heals ourwounds, and binds us to God and one another. Discover how gratitude invites us to the margins, challenges exclusion, and builds beloved community....

Faith isn’t missing—it’s already planted. Let it grow.

🌱 Faith, Frost, and Flower Bulbs: A Sermon on Trusting What You Already Have

In this heartfelt sermon, a childhood gardening mishap in Duarte, California, becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth. Through daffodil bulbs planted upside down and the disciples’ plea for more faith, we’re reminded that even the smallest seed of belief can move mountains. Reflecting on Jesus’...

In this powerful sermon, we explore Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus—not as a threat about the afterlife, but as a radical call to heart transformation and social justice. Misunderstanding the context of this gospel passage can lead to fear-based theology, but Jesus’ message is not about punishment—it's about compassion, connection, and the proper use of wealth.

Through a humorous anecdote about a lost baby Jesusfiguri...

In this spiritually enriching episode, we explore Jesus's profound teaching: "You cannot serve God and wealth". This powerful message confronts the conflicting realities of the earthly realm versus God's kingdom, examining the paradox of temporal, dishonest wealth versus eternal, true riches.

We unpack the parable of the dishonest steward, who shrewdly uses worldly resources to build relationships for his future. J...

🎙️ Holy Cross Day: Power, Redemption, and the Way of Love

In this compelling Holy Cross Day sermon from Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, explore how the Cross redefines power—not as domination, but as radical love and self-emptying grace. Drawing from Philippians and the Gospels of Mark and John, the Rev. Theresa Newell contrasts worldly authority with Christ’s servant leadership, inviting listeners into a deeper understanding of ...

In this powerful and provocative sermon, we explore one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus found in Luke’s Gospel—“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother… cannot be my disciple.” At first glance, these words seem jarring, even contradictory to the compassionate Jesus we know. But what if this isn’t about literal hate, but about radical prioritization? What if Jesus is calling us to love less the things of t...

In this thought-provoking sermon, we explore a gospel passage where Jesus breaks the mold of traditional parables. Instead of a dramatic twist, He offers a wisdom story rooted in everyday experience—one that challenges our cultural obsession with status, recognition, and reward. What happens when we stop seeking the place of honor and instead allow ourselves to be lifted up? What if true spiritual transformation begins not with ach...

In this powerful sermon, we explore the question at the heart of Christian faith: Who is God to you? Is God a strict enforcer of religious rules, or a loving presence who seeks healing, freedom, and dignity for all people? Drawing from Luke’s Gospel, this message contrasts two theological views—one held by the synagogue leader, rooted in legalism and exclusion, and the other embodied by Jesus, who offers radical grace, healing, and...

Do Not Be Afraid, Little Flock: Discovering God’s Kingdomof Love and Abundance

In this powerful sermon, we explore Jesus’ invitation to live without fear and embrace the kingdom of God—a kingdom defined not by scarcity, but by abundance, love, and radical community. Drawing from Luke 12 and Hebrews 11, this message challenges the mindset of individualism and invites us into a divine dance of giving and receiving life.

“Do not be afra...

What gives life true meaning? In this powerful sermon, we explore timeless questions through the lens of Scripture: Is life defined by wealth, longevity, or success? Or is there something deeper that gives our existence purpose? Drawing from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and the Gospel of Luke, this message confronts the futility of chasing possessions and highlights the transformative power of relationship—with God, with others, and w...

Jesus gave his disciples instructions on how to pray. Simple instructions, but important.

This sermon explores the deep spiritual practice of how to pray by reflecting on the Gospel of Luke and Jesus’ commitment to prayer before pivotal moments. It emphasizes that prayer isn’t just words—it’s a relational connection with God, rooted in the Trinity and powered by the Holy Spirit. By centering ourselves—whether calling God "Fath...

When asked whether he was the Messiah, Jesus said to look at what was happening, rather than simply saying "yes." The Holy Spirit leads us to action to show we are the disciples of Jesus.

This was the last sermon by the Rev. Jedediah Fox, Rector, preached at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington, before moving on to St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was preached on the Day of Pentecost, Sund...