WEBVTT
00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:04.639
Welcome to this weekly sermon from Trinity Episcopal Church in Vampieren, Arkansas.
00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:05.839
Thank you for joining us.
00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.480
Now let's listen to today's message.
00:00:12.560 --> 00:00:20.160
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, who is our strength and our redeemer.
00:00:31.039 --> 00:00:36.159
Yeah, the last few Sundays, it sure wasn't very good to be in Rome, according to Paul, right?
00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:38.640
So thanks be to God.
00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:47.119
Although I thought about getting a t-shirt I saw on the internet the other day that said our church was in Levin.
00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:52.399
But not today, beloved.
00:00:53.200 --> 00:00:57.039
Because the sermon titled this morning is quite clear.
00:00:57.439 --> 00:00:59.200
God is here.
00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:11.680
Every service that I've been to where Bishop Harmon is presiding, he begins with the following acclamation at the back, at the front of the church, excuse me.
00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:13.760
God is here.
00:01:14.959 --> 00:01:16.239
And the people are God.
00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:19.920
And we are God's people.
00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:21.840
Can we give that trouble?
00:01:23.120 --> 00:01:24.400
God is here.
00:01:25.599 --> 00:01:27.840
And we are speaking.
00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:29.680
Yes, you are.
00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:40.159
But when we discover the service acknowledging that God is here in this place, and let's be to know that we are God's people.
00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:45.680
I kept reminding of this as I prepared the sermon for this week.
00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:54.159
You know, Matthew's gospel from the 18th chapter has a lot to say about how we are to be God's people.
00:01:54.640 --> 00:01:56.159
Why they ask?
00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:59.280
Because we're human.
00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:09.759
And Jesus knew that as humans, that when two or three were gathered, something happens.
00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:14.159
And sometimes it's not nice.
00:02:16.159 --> 00:02:23.759
We begin to transform from a solitary voice to a larger voice, a collective as it were.
00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:26.400
And that voice has power.
00:02:27.439 --> 00:02:34.879
That power to bless, and the power to hurt and to made.
00:02:36.240 --> 00:02:39.840
We see this so often on cable news programs, right?
00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:46.240
They have a panel of experts ever watched and meet the press every Sunday before church.
00:02:46.479 --> 00:02:48.000
Maybe too much friend.
00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:53.039
But they have the panel of experts to tell it like it is, right?
00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:55.919
And sometimes it hurts.
00:02:56.400 --> 00:02:57.759
We have a party.
00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:04.800
And sometimes yet again we see a holy moment of healing.
00:03:07.280 --> 00:03:11.759
We too, beloved, have that same power in the church.
00:03:13.599 --> 00:03:22.879
We can bless, or we can hurt our fellow members of the body of Christ.
00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:39.840
Far too often members of faith institutions have, as the prayer book says, in our thoughts, words, and deeds, in what we have knowingly done and what we have unknowingly done.
00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:45.120
Beloved, that's what this passage says.
00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:49.439
It says what to do in those cases.
00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:52.960
When those things have transpired.
00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:02.479
Now I can tell you growing up in a small Baptist church that they upheld this admonition from St.
00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:26.000
Paul to the Romans, and there were times that the service, generally the Sunday night service, we would be there, and the deacons or a deacon would stand up, come forward, and call someone or someone's for a perceived offense against God or their neighbor.
00:04:26.720 --> 00:04:32.480
And call them out, right to church, by name, in front of everyone.
00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:38.160
It was hardly a well-empraced moment in the service.
00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:42.639
And you definitely didn't want to be on the receiving end.
00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:56.879
So, in true Paulinian tradition, I'm asking for volunteers to serve on the committee to begin this in our congregation to keep us upright and moral.
00:04:57.120 --> 00:04:58.639
Any volunteers?
00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:03.199
Yeah, I didn't think so.
00:05:05.600 --> 00:05:08.160
But it is a part of our tradition, beloved.
00:05:08.720 --> 00:05:10.720
Just slightly modified.
00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:23.839
And in fact, the prayer book admonishes the priests of the church to actually deny communion to those who, as my papa would say, need to get right with God.
00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:30.879
In my own ministry, I don't really see myself ever doing that.
00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:43.839
Because holy communion for me, as understood from the church, is a means of grace, and a possible portal for some to get right with God.
00:05:45.360 --> 00:05:47.199
I've seen it over and over again.
00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:49.040
Maybe you have too.
00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:51.040
Why?
00:05:51.279 --> 00:05:57.120
Because God was there at the rail.
00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:11.040
And they remember again, some of them for the first time, that God is there and that they are God's people.
00:06:14.560 --> 00:06:22.480
Now, having spoken to the hurt and damage that can come in these groups, let's think for a moment about what can happen in the alternative.
00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:37.199
In 1844, two to three people gathered in God's name and said metaphorically that God is here in Van Buren, Arkansas.
00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:40.480
I don't even know if it was Van Buren, Arkansas yet.
00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:47.680
And that we want to worship God and his holiness in the Episcopal tradition.
00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:49.439
Why?
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:52.319
Because we are his people.
00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:55.360
And that's what God's people do.
00:06:56.079 --> 00:07:00.480
They worship when they realize who their God is.
00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:13.199
In 1964, the people of Trinity reaffirm that proverbial statement made in 1844 here on the hill.
00:07:14.800 --> 00:07:20.399
And in 2026, we continue to affirm that statement.
00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:31.759
Because on September 6th at 10 a.m., that's today, two or three are gathered in God's name.
00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:37.680
And God is here.
00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:43.279
He's here all around us.
00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:49.279
But he also is physically present with us in the Holy Eucharist.
00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:51.680
How do we know that?
00:07:52.800 --> 00:07:59.040
Well, if you look behind me, you'll see that there are two things in the wall.
00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:01.600
A little wooden door.
00:08:02.079 --> 00:08:03.759
No, it doesn't go to Narnia.
00:08:05.040 --> 00:08:07.759
It's the Ombre or Tabernacle.
00:08:08.720 --> 00:08:17.600
And next to it, a lamp that should be lit all the time, but didn't get lit out of this one.
00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:30.000
And in it, and in that little door is Jesus.
00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:33.759
In bread and wine.
00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:41.440
Resident behind a door with a key because it's so sacred that it must be protected.
00:08:43.919 --> 00:08:50.320
So beloved, God is here.
00:08:54.000 --> 00:09:05.279
Some of you will be bold enough to remember that old Motel 6 commercial that said each time as it closed, we'll always leave the light on for you.
00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:07.279
Some of you watch too much TV.
00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:14.639
That eminition was a message to their patrons, that they were ready to receive their guests, and what?
00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:17.919
That they were open for business.
00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:23.360
Beloved, that's what that little lamp there symbolizes for me.
00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:33.039
The light is on, welcoming all who will come, and that Christ is ready to receive them.
00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:41.679
And thus, each time that door and the main door of the nave are open.
00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:47.600
But it comes with an action that we need to do as well.
00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:56.399
And that is if we open wide the doors of our heart and let Christ live and worship him.
00:09:58.000 --> 00:10:04.080
You see, Bishop Harmon has an opening acclamation that he uses, and I do too.
00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:06.159
Maybe you've missed it.
00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:13.120
It always happens at the beginning of the service, right before we begin the opening hymn.
00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:15.600
Does anyone know it?
00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:25.840
Open wide the doors of your hearts, as we prepare to worship Christ anew in this place.
00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:47.840
Perhaps the trials and temptations of this life are weighing you down, and you need to hear that for this hour, this moment in time, that it's truly safe for you to open wide the doors of your hearts.
00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:59.840
Not just a sliver of safety, but wide enough to receive the abundance of God's immeasurable grace and mercy and love.
00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:08.320
And for that great gift, we come here to worship.
00:11:09.200 --> 00:11:15.440
Not to gossip, not to hone our music skills, not to pass recipes or anything else.
00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:23.360
We come here to worship the living God and his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:34.960
This is one of the things that I love most about Trinity is when we come here, we come to worship.
00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:46.799
To worship who we understand as the living God for his most tender mercies that we are gifted each and every day.
00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:57.279
This week I feel that as response to this worship, two or three have been gathering in God's name here and elsewhere.
00:11:58.320 --> 00:12:01.279
Give me an idea what they've been doing.
00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:20.559
Well, for one, two very wonderful people delivered to the vicarage some used furniture, and they were not the sole intended people to complete the task, but they are the ones who said yes and who had it done the next day.
00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:23.279
Truly servant leaders.
00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:25.600
Thank you, Eric, Stacy.
00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:28.559
Wonder Woman and Superman.
00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:34.799
Who can pick up a massive couch on their own and I don't even know?
00:12:37.519 --> 00:12:44.240
Additionally, beloved, we were inspected for the opening of a food pantry, a new ministry for us here at Churchill.
00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:48.480
And we passed.
00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:52.159
And we look forward to an October opening.
00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:59.519
So I just want to thank these people, the two or three gathered in God's name.
00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:20.320
Rosie and Stacey and Kathy and Liz and Amber and Eric and Margaret and Dale for this amazing work and the power of the work that can be done when we truly believe that God is in the midst of our work.
00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:32.639
These acts of service, these acts of service are the evidence of our acknowledgement of God being in our midst.
00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:37.360
And because of that, we are called to worship.
00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:45.039
Whether at the table, beside me, in this room, or anywhere.
00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:59.519
But in every place.
00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:07.039
So let us then, beloved, remember that God is.
00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:46.960
We invite you to join us each and every Sunday and to follow the podcast so that you can stay connected with future messages.
00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:48.559
And until next time, God bless.
00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:04.639
Welcome to this weekly sermon from Trinity Episcopal Church in Vampieren, Arkansas.
00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:05.839
Thank you for joining us.
00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.480
Now let's listen to today's message.
00:00:12.560 --> 00:00:20.160
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, who is our strength and our redeemer.
00:00:31.039 --> 00:00:36.159
Yeah, the last few Sundays, it sure wasn't very good to be in Rome, according to Paul, right?
00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:38.640
So thanks be to God.
00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:47.119
Although I thought about getting a t-shirt I saw on the internet the other day that said our church was in Levin.
00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:52.399
But not today, beloved.
00:00:53.200 --> 00:00:57.039
Because the sermon titled this morning is quite clear.
00:00:57.439 --> 00:00:59.200
God is here.
00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:11.680
Every service that I've been to where Bishop Harmon is presiding, he begins with the following acclamation at the back, at the front of the church, excuse me.
00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:13.760
God is here.
00:01:14.959 --> 00:01:16.239
And the people are God.
00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:19.920
And we are God's people.
00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:21.840
Can we give that trouble?
00:01:23.120 --> 00:01:24.400
God is here.
00:01:25.599 --> 00:01:27.840
And we are speaking.
00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:29.680
Yes, you are.
00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:40.159
But when we discover the service acknowledging that God is here in this place, and let's be to know that we are God's people.
00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:45.680
I kept reminding of this as I prepared the sermon for this week.
00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:54.159
You know, Matthew's gospel from the 18th chapter has a lot to say about how we are to be God's people.
00:01:54.640 --> 00:01:56.159
Why they ask?
00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:59.280
Because we're human.
00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:09.759
And Jesus knew that as humans, that when two or three were gathered, something happens.
00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:14.159
And sometimes it's not nice.
00:02:16.159 --> 00:02:23.759
We begin to transform from a solitary voice to a larger voice, a collective as it were.
00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:26.400
And that voice has power.
00:02:27.439 --> 00:02:34.879
That power to bless, and the power to hurt and to made.
00:02:36.240 --> 00:02:39.840
We see this so often on cable news programs, right?
00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:46.240
They have a panel of experts ever watched and meet the press every Sunday before church.
00:02:46.479 --> 00:02:48.000
Maybe too much friend.
00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:53.039
But they have the panel of experts to tell it like it is, right?
00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:55.919
And sometimes it hurts.
00:02:56.400 --> 00:02:57.759
We have a party.
00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:04.800
And sometimes yet again we see a holy moment of healing.
00:03:07.280 --> 00:03:11.759
We too, beloved, have that same power in the church.
00:03:13.599 --> 00:03:22.879
We can bless, or we can hurt our fellow members of the body of Christ.
00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:39.840
Far too often members of faith institutions have, as the prayer book says, in our thoughts, words, and deeds, in what we have knowingly done and what we have unknowingly done.
00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:45.120
Beloved, that's what this passage says.
00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:49.439
It says what to do in those cases.
00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:52.960
When those things have transpired.
00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:02.479
Now I can tell you growing up in a small Baptist church that they upheld this admonition from St.
00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:26.000
Paul to the Romans, and there were times that the service, generally the Sunday night service, we would be there, and the deacons or a deacon would stand up, come forward, and call someone or someone's for a perceived offense against God or their neighbor.
00:04:26.720 --> 00:04:32.480
And call them out, right to church, by name, in front of everyone.
00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:38.160
It was hardly a well-empraced moment in the service.
00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:42.639
And you definitely didn't want to be on the receiving end.
00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:56.879
So, in true Paulinian tradition, I'm asking for volunteers to serve on the committee to begin this in our congregation to keep us upright and moral.
00:04:57.120 --> 00:04:58.639
Any volunteers?
00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:03.199
Yeah, I didn't think so.
00:05:05.600 --> 00:05:08.160
But it is a part of our tradition, beloved.
00:05:08.720 --> 00:05:10.720
Just slightly modified.
00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:23.839
And in fact, the prayer book admonishes the priests of the church to actually deny communion to those who, as my papa would say, need to get right with God.
00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:30.879
In my own ministry, I don't really see myself ever doing that.
00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:43.839
Because holy communion for me, as understood from the church, is a means of grace, and a possible portal for some to get right with God.
00:05:45.360 --> 00:05:47.199
I've seen it over and over again.
00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:49.040
Maybe you have too.
00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:51.040
Why?
00:05:51.279 --> 00:05:57.120
Because God was there at the rail.
00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:11.040
And they remember again, some of them for the first time, that God is there and that they are God's people.
00:06:14.560 --> 00:06:22.480
Now, having spoken to the hurt and damage that can come in these groups, let's think for a moment about what can happen in the alternative.
00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:37.199
In 1844, two to three people gathered in God's name and said metaphorically that God is here in Van Buren, Arkansas.
00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:40.480
I don't even know if it was Van Buren, Arkansas yet.
00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:47.680
And that we want to worship God and his holiness in the Episcopal tradition.
00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:49.439
Why?
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:52.319
Because we are his people.
00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:55.360
And that's what God's people do.
00:06:56.079 --> 00:07:00.480
They worship when they realize who their God is.
00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:13.199
In 1964, the people of Trinity reaffirm that proverbial statement made in 1844 here on the hill.
00:07:14.800 --> 00:07:20.399
And in 2026, we continue to affirm that statement.
00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:31.759
Because on September 6th at 10 a.m., that's today, two or three are gathered in God's name.
00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:37.680
And God is here.
00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:43.279
He's here all around us.
00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:49.279
But he also is physically present with us in the Holy Eucharist.
00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:51.680
How do we know that?
00:07:52.800 --> 00:07:59.040
Well, if you look behind me, you'll see that there are two things in the wall.
00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:01.600
A little wooden door.
00:08:02.079 --> 00:08:03.759
No, it doesn't go to Narnia.
00:08:05.040 --> 00:08:07.759
It's the Ombre or Tabernacle.
00:08:08.720 --> 00:08:17.600
And next to it, a lamp that should be lit all the time, but didn't get lit out of this one.
00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:30.000
And in it, and in that little door is Jesus.
00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:33.759
In bread and wine.
00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:41.440
Resident behind a door with a key because it's so sacred that it must be protected.
00:08:43.919 --> 00:08:50.320
So beloved, God is here.
00:08:54.000 --> 00:09:05.279
Some of you will be bold enough to remember that old Motel 6 commercial that said each time as it closed, we'll always leave the light on for you.
00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:07.279
Some of you watch too much TV.
00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:14.639
That eminition was a message to their patrons, that they were ready to receive their guests, and what?
00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:17.919
That they were open for business.
00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:23.360
Beloved, that's what that little lamp there symbolizes for me.
00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:33.039
The light is on, welcoming all who will come, and that Christ is ready to receive them.
00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:41.679
And thus, each time that door and the main door of the nave are open.
00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:47.600
But it comes with an action that we need to do as well.
00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:56.399
And that is if we open wide the doors of our heart and let Christ live and worship him.
00:09:58.000 --> 00:10:04.080
You see, Bishop Harmon has an opening acclamation that he uses, and I do too.
00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:06.159
Maybe you've missed it.
00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:13.120
It always happens at the beginning of the service, right before we begin the opening hymn.
00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:15.600
Does anyone know it?
00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:25.840
Open wide the doors of your hearts, as we prepare to worship Christ anew in this place.
00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:47.840
Perhaps the trials and temptations of this life are weighing you down, and you need to hear that for this hour, this moment in time, that it's truly safe for you to open wide the doors of your hearts.
00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:59.840
Not just a sliver of safety, but wide enough to receive the abundance of God's immeasurable grace and mercy and love.
00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:08.320
And for that great gift, we come here to worship.
00:11:09.200 --> 00:11:15.440
Not to gossip, not to hone our music skills, not to pass recipes or anything else.
00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:23.360
We come here to worship the living God and his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:34.960
This is one of the things that I love most about Trinity is when we come here, we come to worship.
00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:46.799
To worship who we understand as the living God for his most tender mercies that we are gifted each and every day.
00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:57.279
This week I feel that as response to this worship, two or three have been gathering in God's name here and elsewhere.
00:11:58.320 --> 00:12:01.279
Give me an idea what they've been doing.
00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:20.559
Well, for one, two very wonderful people delivered to the vicarage some used furniture, and they were not the sole intended people to complete the task, but they are the ones who said yes and who had it done the next day.
00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:23.279
Truly servant leaders.
00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:25.600
Thank you, Eric, Stacy.
00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:28.559
Wonder Woman and Superman.
00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:34.799
Who can pick up a massive couch on their own and I don't even know?
00:12:37.519 --> 00:12:44.240
Additionally, beloved, we were inspected for the opening of a food pantry, a new ministry for us here at Churchill.
00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:48.480
And we passed.
00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:52.159
And we look forward to an October opening.
00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:59.519
So I just want to thank these people, the two or three gathered in God's name.
00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:20.320
Rosie and Stacey and Kathy and Liz and Amber and Eric and Margaret and Dale for this amazing work and the power of the work that can be done when we truly believe that God is in the midst of our work.
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These acts of service, these acts of service are the evidence of our acknowledgement of God being in our midst.
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And because of that, we are called to worship.
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Whether at the table, beside me, in this room, or anywhere.
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But in every place.
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So let us then, beloved, remember that God is.
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We invite you to join us each and every Sunday and to follow the podcast so that you can stay connected with future messages.
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And until next time, God bless.
