http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/ Audio/Podcasts of sermons delivered at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, California. Sermon texts are also posted, when available, at http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/ Podcast Generator 0.93 - podcastgen.sourceforge.net Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:53:37 -0700 EN Appropriate attribution must accompany all references or broadcasts of these addresses or portions of them. Audio/Podcasts of sermons delivered at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, California. Sermon texts are also posted, when available, at http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/ Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, California Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, California office@oursaviourmv.org no Welcoming God in the stranger. (2010-07-18 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Proper 11July 18th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] It is easy to lament the loss of hospitality in our own time, especially to the stranger. Whether it's the controversial laws in Arizona or the broader anti-immigrant sentiment that always seems to materialize during hard times; or the natural suspicion we all feel when someone different or unknown appears in a place familiar to us. How easily we find the stranger dangerous, threatening, upsetting. As human beings, we must be reminded repeatedly just as our spiritual ancestors were that hospitality to the stranger is not a luxury or a choice when convenient, but a necessity. Welcoming God in the stranger. (2010-07-18 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-07-18_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-07-18_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Abraham, stranger, hospitality, Trinity, Mamreno Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:52:54 -0700 What does it mean to be a hero? (2010-07-11 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Proper 10July 11th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jesus offers up examples of the priest and the Levite -- among the keepers of righteousness of his day. It is not that the priest and the Levite are mean people for passing by on the other side of the road. What they are doing as good ethical people is quite natural: They have responsibilities, obligations, and rituals to uphold. The man was left for dead -- touching a potentially dead body or even the blood of the injured would have likely rendered any priest or Levite ritually unclean and unable to attend to their socially sanctioned duties for a time. So busy were they in attending to their good, ethical righteous tasks that they had no time to stop for an errand of mercy. What does it mean to be a hero? (2010-07-11 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-07-11_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-07-11_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Samaritan, ethics, hero, Jesusno Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:58:54 -0700 What do we mean by "God Bless America?" (2010-07-04 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Proper 9July 4th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] But what do we mean by "God bless America?" Is it just a patriotic sound bite or something more? This is where the history takes a back seat and the sermon begins for me this morning, and where we come face-to-face with our ancient Scriptural texts written in anything but a democratic milieu. They have something profound to tell us about why we invoke a divine blessing on our country this day - and it may not be for the reasons we think. What do we mean by "God Bless America?" (2010-07-04 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-07-04_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-07-04_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Independence, Naaman, Elisha, Founders, Americano Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:29:11 -0700 Jesus shocks us into the life of the Gospel. (2010-06-27 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Proper 8June 27th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We wrestle, as followers of Christ, with the same things Jesus' would-be followers wrestled with. We have obligations - obligations to family, to tradition, to institution, to the pressing needs and concerns of our worldly lives. We spook easily at change, we blanch at difference, we resist the challenge those outside our doors pose to us, we seek safety in what we know and fear what we don't. Jesus deliberately shakes up his hearers and us, shocks us out of our comfort and into a vulnerable, itinerate place - the place of ongoing journey, the fragility of raw humanity on a dusty road, even staring into the face of darkness, death, and dissolution. Only in that way will we "get" - both literally and figuratively - the Gospel. Only in that way, he reminds us, will we fully find God. Jesus shocks us into the life of the Gospel. (2010-06-27 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-27_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-27_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Foxes, LGBT, pride, Anglican, Archbishop, Canterbury, Presiding, Rowan, Williamsno Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:21:32 -0700 How God responds to our fear. (2010-06-20 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Proper 7June 20th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] "What are you doing here?" This is the question of our loving God in the still, small, gentle voice that meets us in our darkest hours and worst moments, when we are caught up most in our worst fears, when everything we thought we knew is overturned, our strengths are for naught, and our efforts feel most in vain. God refuses to abandon us to leave us in our fear. How God responds to our fear. (2010-06-20 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-20_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-20_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Elijah, still, small, voice, Jesus, Gerasenes, Galatiansno Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:15:12 -0700 God's family as ohana, through the life of Patricia Weissich. (2010-06-06 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Memorial Service for Patricia WeissichJune 6th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Sermon text] When I first visited Hawaii several years ago, I was most impressed and challenged by the understanding of ohana, of family: that recognition that we belong one to another --- something that the island peoples taught us and still embody today. This is in stark contrast to the great individualism of the American West, particularly here in California, and most strikingly here in the Bay Area and Marin County, where it's so often "my way or the highway. . ." God's family as ohana, through the life of Patricia Weissich. (2010-06-06 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-06a_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-06a_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Patricia, Weissich, ohana, memorialno Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:11:02 -0700 A contemporary version of an ancient heresy? (2010-06-06 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Trinity SundayJune 6th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Our Christian faith embeds us in the relational challenges and hardships of community, it embraces and transforms the realities of pain and suffering, which are made divinely real and prescient in the cross and passion of Jesus Christ. It gives tangible reality to our confession of what we have done and left undone; our call to set aside selfish ambition that exploits -- to embrace instead the service that attends to the pressing needs in the world around us: in our neighbors, in our homes, in our selves, and, yes, very much in our bodies. A contemporary version of an ancient heresy? (2010-06-06 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-06_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-06-06_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Gnosticism, Elijah, Zarephath, Gnostic, Wright, widowno Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:50:16 -0700 On why we have a Creed. (2010-05-30 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Trinity SundayMay 30th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We pray the Creed not simply to offer our intellectual assent to it, but to come into relationship with the "who we are" and the "who God is" the Creed reflects. On why we have a Creed. (2010-05-30 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-30_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-30_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Creed, heresy, Trinityno Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:36:03 -0700 The Tower of Babel and the Day of Pentecost. (2010-05-23 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Day of PentecostMay 23rd, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Lest we think God "fixed" us as a human family, neutered our pride in the primordial story of the Tower of Babel. . . the story continues to stand for a world still very much a part of our lives -- one with which we are very much mixed up, whether we are still sorting out the mess brought upon us by the economic and financial crisis, or filling up at the gas pump as we all must while wrestling with our driving addiction to the black goo. The Tower of Babel and the Day of Pentecost. (2010-05-23 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-23_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-23_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Pentecost, Babel, Genesisno Tue, 25 May 2010 18:36:58 -0700 On living in Christian community. (2010-05-16 / Carol Luther) Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of EasterThe Sunday after the AscensionMay 16th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Carol Luther [Readings for this Sunday] Jesus is suggesting that to be fully human is to be fully divine. . . That glory comes from living and dying and living again. . . On living in Christian community. (2010-05-16 / Carol Luther) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-16_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-16_sermon.mp3 cluther@well.com The Rev. Carol Luther Jesus, ascension, priestly prayerno Tue, 18 May 2010 13:15:23 -0700 On living in Christian community. (2010-05-09 / Betsy Rosen) Sermon for the Sixth Sunday of EasterMay 9th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] I urge you to look around you and to give thanks for this community to which, under the Mercy, you have been invited by the Holy Spirit of God. It is a community with no entry requirements except the desire to be here -- to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. On living in Christian community. (2010-05-09 / Betsy Rosen) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-09_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-09_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen City, God, Charles, Williamsno Thu, 13 May 2010 17:48:44 -0700 Reflecting on the faith of a "pillar of the church". (2010-05-07 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Memorial Service for Connie RiderMay 7th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Sermon text] One of our members describes Connie as a "pillar of the church." And she notes that we don't use that language so much anymore to talk about God's people. Maybe that in part reflects the age in which Connie was in her prime -- an age where strong leadership was looked to and trusted for command and direction. Where a watchful shepherdess on the green was there to keep everybody, including the other leadership (the clergy most particularly!), in line. But more importantly it reflects Connie's living into the call of Isaiah to live into our anointed nature as God's people. To be as Connie was; to be an "oak of righteousness," a "planting of the Lord," where a mantle of praise has replaced a faint spirit, garlands are given in place of ashes, and the oil of gladness rushes down in abundance. Reflecting on the faith of a "pillar of the church". (2010-05-07 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-07_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-07_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Connie, Rider, memorialno Thu, 13 May 2010 17:44:01 -0700 Love as a discipline. (2010-05-02 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of EasterMay 2nd, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] We avoid the language of discipline when it comes to love, because love is truly a frightening thing. Love as a discipline. (2010-05-02 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-02_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-05-02_sermon.pdf rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer City, God, love, discipline, betrayalno Thu, 13 May 2010 17:37:51 -0700 Meeting God, being sheep, and figuring out what it means to be Christian. (2010-04-25 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of EasterApril 25th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] I do wonder if we sometimes have the tendency to worry too much about our reputation as Christians. For instance, we find ourselves often at a loss to describe in positive terms our own peculiar brand of Christianity -- something we generally call Anglicanism. We find it easier to describe what we are not, caught as we sometimes feel between Christianities of inerrant biblical fundamentalism on one side, and scandal-ridden hierarchies on the other. Meeting God, being sheep, and figuring out what it means to be Christian. (2010-04-25 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-25_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-25_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christian, Jesus, Shepherd, reputationno Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:25:36 -0700 What do Christians mean by service? (2010-04-18 / Carol Luther) Sermon for The Third Sunday of EasterApril 18th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Carol Luther [Readings for this Sunday] Today's activists talk not about serving but about "making a difference." Service, on the other hand, is about giving oneself to others.(This sermon is text only) What do Christians mean by service? (2010-04-18 / Carol Luther) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-18_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-18_sermon.pdf cluther@well.com The Rev. Carol Luther Jesus, Peter, lambs, service, Christianno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:13:58 -0700 The first witness of the Resurrection tells us about our God. (2010-04-04 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Easter SundayApril 4th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] As always in the Gospel of John, nothing can be boiled down to one, simple meaning. In today's Easter reading from the gospel, that Mary "mistakes" Jesus for the gardener is a case in point. What could be more natural? For if this Christ truly is God's Word, as John's prologue declares, then he is the Great Gardener, the Creator tending creation, nurturing the rootstock, turning the soil, caring for the very basis of the great chain of life. The first witness of the Resurrection tells us about our God. (2010-04-04 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-04_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-04_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Mary, Magdalene, Resurrection, Christ, Easterno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:13:55 -0700 Good Friday comes again with news good and bad. (2010-04-02 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Good FridayApril 2nd, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] For centuries, we have struggled to make sense of this visage, this cross, the self-offering of our beloved Savior to a most gruesome and tragic end: An end that is as visceral as it is spiritual, as anchored in the harsh realities of pain as it is elevated to the giddy heights of symbol, as centered in a passing moment as it is eternal. Good Friday comes again with news good and bad. (2010-04-02 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-02_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-04-02_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Good, Friday, cross, crucifixionno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:09:26 -0700 On Oscar Romero. (2010-03-24 / Peter Menkin) The Feast of Oscar RomeroMarch 24th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Homily text] Does Romero's life have lessons for us? Perhaps the most important is that God still works wonders with weak and imperfect human beings like us. On Oscar Romero. (2010-03-24 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-03-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-03-24_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Oscar, Romero, martyrs, San Salvadorno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:05:41 -0700 Judas' perspective is often ours as well. (2010-03-21 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fifth Sunday in LentMarch 21st, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Judas' words reflect our own judgments about the way things should be in the world, and, indeed, the church. How we expect things ought to be and with some good reason - our own thievery aside. We have to wonder regularly if our operating budget leans too heavily on maintaining an institution, from staff salaries to upkeep, and whether or not we allocate enough to serve the poor. Judas' perspective is often ours as well. (2010-03-21 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-03-21_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-03-21_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Judas, Jesus, Mary, Lazarusno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:02:34 -0700 Looking again at the parable of the prodigal son. (2010-03-14 / Kate Baird) Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in LentMarch 14th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Kate Baird [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Are we grumbling as the Pharisees and scribes of old, judging who is and who isn't worthy of eating at our table? Are we acting out of a theology of scarcity as the elder brother seeing the resources given to the other as a personal loss, somehow diminishing us rather than an opportunity to celebrate family and the enrichment of all including ourselves? Looking again at the parable of the prodigal son. (2010-03-14 / Kate Baird) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-03-14_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-03-14_sermon.mp3 seminarian@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Kate Baird prodigal, parable, scribes, Phariseesno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:59:10 -0700 Jesus gazes straight into fear. (2010-02-28 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Second Sunday in LentFebruary 28th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In Jesus, the old rules of the henhouse are being overturned, and he serves as the fulcrum. So Herod's threat is ultimately moot. Even death itself is soon to be overruled. The fox himself will soon be running for cover, and the henhouse itself will be remade from top to bottom. Jesus gazes straight into fear. (2010-02-28 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-02-28_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-02-28_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer fear, Herod, Jesus, Phariseesno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:55:32 -0700 In the wilderness, Jesus faces the foundational temptations of us all. (2010-02-21 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the First Sunday in LentFebruary 21st, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The problem for us and for Jesus is once we start testing God's love for us, we might never stop. What if Jesus doubts his anointed calling or God's love for him again? Will he find a higher pinnacle from which to throw himself? He knows the truth - that certainty about anything in this life, whether the mystery of God or the secrets of our own hearts...certainty about these is an illusion. Doubt is not the true enemy of faith. Certainty is. In the wilderness, Jesus faces the foundational temptations of us all. (2010-02-21 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-02-21_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-02-21_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer temptation, Satan, Jesus, wildernessno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:51:53 -0700 The Transfiguration reveals what a life of prayer means. (2010-02-14 / Willie Van Doren) Sermon for the Last Sundayafter the EpiphanyFebruary 14th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaWillie Van Doren [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jesus is reorienting them, and all of us - his parables jar us into a different way of viewing the will of God in our world. It is a completely different hierarchy of what's important, and it flips the values of the world on its head. In his day, they were expecting an army and he gave them a mustard seed. But this mustard seed would grow into the most sublime expression of God the world has ever seen. The Transfiguration reveals what a life of prayer means. (2010-02-14 / Willie Van Doren) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-02-14_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-02-14_sermon.mp3 youth@oursaviourmv.org Willie Van Doren transfiguration, prayerno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:46:29 -0700 On John Chrysostom. (2010-01-27 / Peter Menkin) The Feast of John ChrysostomJanuary 27th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Homily text] Let us remember that John Chrysostom set about reforming the church and exposing corruption among the clergy and in the Imperial Administration. "Mules bear fortunes and Christ dies of hunger at your gate," he is reputed to have cried out. On John Chrysostom. (2010-01-27 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-27_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-27_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Chrysostom, John, preaching, reformno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:41:17 -0700 The struggle to complain or give thanks. (2010-01-24 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Third Sundayafter the EpiphanyJanuary 24th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Christian communities make things happen. We forge ahead even with meager resources. We become the justice and the change we want for the greater world. And Paul reminds us today in this great introduction to his song of love in First Corinthians, that we do this together - never alone. It might matter that we need each other. Indeed we do. But more importantly, God needs us, and needs us together, shoulder to shoulder, cheek by jowl, laboring for the communion of divine grace and favor in the world. The struggle to complain or give thanks. (2010-01-24 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer synagogue, Isaiah, Christ, blessingno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:38:08 -0700 Does God cause disasters? (2010-01-17 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Second Sundayafter the EpiphanyJanuary 17th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We don't get a God who, like Superman, shields the faithful from our vulnerability or swoops in to fly us out of harm's way. Nor do we get a God who deliberately shakes the earth and wields indiscriminate death like the angry spirits of old. Instead, we get our God in Christ, who embraces our suffering, who brings water to the thirsty and food to the hungry and calls us to do likewise; who blazes trails through our devastations to bring us the balm of compassion, who weeps with us on the streets of death and shows up even at our feasts when the wine has run out. Does God cause disasters? (2010-01-17 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-17_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-17_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer theodicy, Haiti, baptism, wine, Cana, miraclesno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:34:55 -0700 Think your baptism makes you certain? (2010-01-10 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the First Sundayafter the EpiphanyThe Baptism of Our LordJanuary 10th, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The power of Christ's and our shared baptism is not something we are ultimately in control of. We can only tell story about it, sit in awe of it, reflect on it, act on it. But to talk about the rush of the Spirit in our hearts and its unpredictable ways is like trying to catch the wind. Think your baptism makes you certain? (2010-01-10 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-10_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-10_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer baptism, uncertainty, John, economyno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:30:15 -0700 The Holy Family is not even above conflict. (2010-01-03 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Second Sundayafter ChristmasJanuary 3rd, 2010 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Mary, no doubt, has been watching her first-born son carefully all these years. We can remember her treasuring the strange portents and encounters that marked his birth. We can imagine her anxieties and brooding over what this child will become as he grows into a man, as he sheds the innocence of childhood and begins to assert his own identity. And how does she discuss with Joseph the peculiar identity he is destined to carry? When does he cease to be their child and truly become God's child? And do they have any say in the matter? The Holy Family is not even above conflict. (2010-01-03 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-03_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2010-01-03_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christmas, Passover, Jesus, Temple, Mary, Joseph, conflictno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:26:33 -0700 The incarnation story is our story for the life and light of the world. (2009-12-27 / Carol Luther) Sermon for the First Sundayafter ChristmasDecember 27th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Carol Luther [Readings for this Sunday] I cannot hear today's Gospel without remembering Christmases past. . . The incarnation story is our story for the life and light of the world. (2009-12-27 / Carol Luther) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-27_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-27_sermon.mp3 cluther@well.com The Rev. Carol Luther Christmas, Incarnation, John, Renewalno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:22:45 -0700 Is the Christ child an embarrassing truth? (2009-12-24 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for ChristmasDecember 24th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] And how embarrassing it is - especially in a post-Christendom era like the one we live in; in a diverse and secular era where being Christian is becoming increasingly unusual and slightly odd - that we - conservative, liberal, and in the middle alike - gather together this evening and call this fragile, gurgling child "God," revere him, give him every accolade we can imagine. Is the Christ child an embarrassing truth? (2009-12-24 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christmas, Mary, secret, child, Christno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:16:50 -0700 A small-town scandal reveals the truth of Christmas. (2009-12-20 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of AdventDecember 20th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The whole notion that God is going to be born in the mess of a stable in a dusty little town - that the God of all Creation, the Maker of the Cosmos, is about to appear through all the pain and blood of childbirth, is a scandal of theological, if not cosmological proportions. A small-town scandal reveals the truth of Christmas. (2009-12-20 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-20_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-20_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Advent, Christmas, Mary, scandalno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:12:11 -0700 A memorial for Pat de Fremery. (2009-12-16/ Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Memorial of Mary Patricia de FremeryDecember 16th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer Readings: Wisdom 3:1-5, 9; 1 John 3:1-2; John 6:37-40 [Sermon text] Pat witnessed to us the profound truth at the heart of our shared spiritual tradition that it is through our very human, physical frailties that we are most vulnerable to the actions and grace of our God. It is through our weaknesses that we are given spiritual strengths. A memorial for Pat de Fremery. (2009-12-16/ Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-16_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-16_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Pat de Fremery, memorial, blind, sight, graceno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:08:57 -0700 John the Baptist: The Prophet who Stole Christmas? (2009-12-13 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Third Sunday of AdventDecember 13th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We have been taught to embrace a Gospel of grace, yes indeed. But it is never enough to simply say, "I believe," and then get on again with our busy lives as though nothing has changed. It is never enough to say simply, "I belong," and then avoid the hard work of relationships that belonging to Christian community and taking on our citizenship in the wider world demand. John the Baptist: The Prophet who Stole Christmas? (2009-12-13 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-13_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-13_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Advent, Christmas, John, Baptist, metanoiano Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:06:04 -0700 Do we prepare for Advent, or does Advent prepare us? (2009-12-06 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Second Sunday of AdventDecember 6th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] I imagine many of you feel at times like I do during this period of the year - a bit harried, a bit bedeviled by the countless little things that must be done before Christmas is upon us. Last-minute planning, preparing for a New Year only weeks away even though it feels as though it should be months, thinking about gifts, an exploding social calendar. We get in a real soup when we add in all the extra stresses this past year has wrought with its uncertainties and dizzying, bewildering twists and turns. Do we prepare for Advent, or does Advent prepare us? (2009-12-06 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-06_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-06_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Advent, Christmas, Zechariahno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:01:57 -0700 On Channing Moore Williams and Missionaries. (2009-12-02 / Peter Menkin) The Feast of Channing Moore WilliamsDecember 2nd, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Homily text] Missionary work has changed in 150 years in our Church. No longer is it colonialist, no longer does it attempt to change people to the supposed better ways of our own culture. The missionary takes the people who they are, where they are, and settles with them in their indigenous culture. Yet much is unchanging in missionary work, for it is based in tradition and in the Bible. On Channing Moore Williams and Missionaries. (2009-12-02 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-02_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-12-02_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Channing, Moore, Williams, Japan, missionary, evangelismno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:58:09 -0700 Taking on the "God of the gaps." (2009-11-29 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the First Sunday of AdventNovember 29th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] I need a God, who, according to the prophet Amos, "made the Pleiades and Orion," who set the universe not only in motion, but abides in the very laws that govern it, who rests in every particle and in the fabric of the cosmos - who not only surprises me moment-to-moment, but meets me, as Christ says, in the signs of the sun and the moon and the stars, and the roaring of the seas and the waves. Taking on the "God of the gaps." (2009-11-29 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-29_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-29_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Advent, Christmas, Amos, Jeremiahno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:54:49 -0700 Do we know how much to be thankful for? (2009-11-25 / Rob Gieselmann) Sermon for ThanksgivingNovember 25th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Robert GieselmannRector, Christ Church Sausalito [Readings for Thanksgiving] The truth is we have been afraid this past year: we have been sore afraid during this global recession. . . But Jesus reminds us that fear is unacceptable: Don't you know how much God cares? Do we know how much to be thankful for? (2009-11-25 / Rob Gieselmann) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-25_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-25_sermon.mp3 email@christchurchsausalito.org The Rev. Robert Gieselmann Thanksgivingno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:51:23 -0700 Jesus and Pilate uncover the myth of the prosperity gospel. (2009-11-22 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Last Sunday after PentecostChrist the KingProper 29November 22nd, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Pilate just doesn't get it. Nor, quite frankly, do we much of the time. Jesus' truth often eludes us in our widely pragmatic and carefully compromised lives. We, like Pilate, live in a world of choices, none of which are perfect, and which are often governed by the rules of a kingdom akin to his. Jesus and Pilate uncover the myth of the prosperity gospel. (2009-11-22 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-22_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-22_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer prosperity, gospel, Pilate, Christ, Kingno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:47:06 -0700 Revisiting the end of all things. (2009-11-15 / Willie Van Doren) Sermon for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after PentecostProper 28November 15th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaWillie Van Doren [Readings for this Sunday] "The Last Days" has a lot of currency in our time, whether it is in popular culture, or in religions around the world. How do we understand this idea in a faithful way? Revisiting the end of all things. (2009-11-15 / Willie Van Doren) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-15_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-15_sermon.mp3 youth@oursaviourmv.org Willie Van Doren Revelation, end, Danielno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:42:12 -0700 The widow's mite revisited. (2009-11-08 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Twenty-Third Sunday after PentecostProper 27November 11th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] This is a peculiar kind of faith that both the nameless widows in our readings today possess: a faith of embracing reality,however hard it might be, with a trust and an acceptance that are unnerving to the Scribes within all of us. The widow's mite revisited. (2009-11-08 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-08_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-08_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer widows, Scribesno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:32:18 -0700 Holiness is not found in being good or pious. (2009-11-01 / Kate Baird) Sermon for All Saints' DayNovember 1st, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Kate Baird [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] These people were not good, polite or well behaved and they were most assuredly not well scrubbed. By societal standards these people were bad: they broke the rules, they were loud, sometimes bordering on obnoxious. Beyond being unpopular, they were mavericks,liberals and in many cases considered dangerous. Let's be frank, they are the kind of people society shuns and many of us try to ignore. Often, it is only after their death (and the deaths of their critics) that they are redeemed and recognized as saints. Holiness is not found in being good or pious. (2009-11-01 / Kate Baird) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-01_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-11-01_sermon.mp3 seminarian@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Kate Baird saints, justiceno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:27:29 -0700 EPIC Youth Rap for All Saints'Day. (2009-11-01 / EPIC Youth) All Saints'DayNovember 1st, 2009 Rap by the EPIC Youth Group of Church of Our Saviour.Vocal by Willie Van Doren. Instrumental by Dow Brain. EPIC Youth Rap for All Saints'Day. (2009-11-01 / EPIC Youth) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=All_Saints_Rap_2009-11.m4a http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=All_Saints_Rap_2009-11.m4a no All Saints, rap, youthno Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:23:37 -0700 About apostles - Saints Simon and Jude. (2009-10-28 / Peter Menkin) The Feast Day of St. Simon and St. JudeOctober 28th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Homily text] They are Apostles who spoke of God, spoke to and into the world, and gave us hope, having been commissioned by Christ himself when alive. About apostles - Saints Simon and Jude. (2009-10-28 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-10-28_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-10-28_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Simon, Jude, Apostlesno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:57:39 -0700 Jesus responds to the temptation to lord it over others. (2009-10-18 / Carol Luther) Sermon for the Twentieth Sunday after PentecostProper 24October 18th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Carol Luther [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] It is not in the glory of my intelligence, but in the suffering of my ignorance, that I find God. God, you see, is all that I am not. Jesus responds to the temptation to lord it over others. (2009-10-18 / Carol Luther) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-10-18_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-10-18_sermon.mp3 cluther@well.com The Rev. Carol Luther James, John, Jesus, humilityno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:54:14 -0700 The call to generosity. (2009-10-11 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Nineteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 23October 11th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] For all of us who live in the materially abundant West - where all of us, even the least among us, have more resources than the vast majority of human beings - we know that we are no closer to God's reign simply by virtue of our wealth than the poorest of the poor. In truth, many of us wrestle with the teachings of our tradition: the promised divine favor for the least of these, the nameless at the gate, the destitute. The call to generosity. (2009-10-11 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-10-11_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-10-11_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer generosity, stewardship, Amos, richno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:49:36 -0700 On Michael and All Angels. (2009-09-29 / Peter Menkin) The Feast of St. Michael and All AngelsSeptember 29th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Homily text] I believe Angels help us to believe, not because we believe in angels, but because angels believe in us. On Michael and All Angels. (2009-09-29 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-29_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-29_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Angels, Michaelno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:46:39 -0700 Envy and Jesus'teaching. (2009-09-27 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Seventeenth Sunday after PentecostProper 21September 27th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Envy appears in a number of vice lists in the earliest Christian writings. And it is a mainstay in the old classical list of the seven deadly sins. It was obviously a problem for our spiritual ancestors as much as it can be for us. So Jesus follows Moses in making it clear to his followers then and now that there's little time and even less room for it in God's promised reign. Envy and Jesus'teaching. (2009-09-27 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-27_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-27_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer envy, ouroboros, Jesus, John, Moses, Eldad, Medad, Joshuano Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:43:22 -0700 Loving things heavenly. (2009-09-20 / Betsy Rosen) Sermon for the Sixteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 20September 20th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] For better or for worse, most of us are not at liberty to leave the world behind us so totally. We have given hostages to fortune, as they say. We have formed ties that bind--ties that bring us both satisfaction and an element of irksome restraint. Loving things heavenly. (2009-09-20 / Betsy Rosen) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-20_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-20_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen Jesus, love, spirituality, children, earthly thingsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:38:15 -0700 Obedience and the central symbol of our faith. (2009-09-13 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 19September 13th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. When Jesus drops this teaching on his disciples, and, by extension, us this day, we are cast into perhaps the greatest mystery and greatest challenge of our walk with our Savior. Obedience and the central symbol of our faith. (2009-09-13 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-13_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-09-13_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer cross, Henry, monastic, Peter, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:33:54 -0700 Hyacinth Bucket and the Gospel. (2009-08-30 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Thirteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 17August 30th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jesus instructs his disciples and us twenty centuries later to set aside the comparisons and social striving that are so much a part of worldly culture, and instead seek that inner integrity that comes when we read, mark, and inwardly digest the Gospel in word and sacrament. Hyacinth Bucket and the Gospel. (2009-08-30 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-30_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-30_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer choice, salvation, individualism, Joshuano Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:29:24 -0700 A Western heresy? (2009-08-23 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after PentecostProper 16August 23rd, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We reckon that we are not individuals, atomized and fragmented, struggling for control, but rather a household together - the Household of God, working to build new life with our Creator. A Western heresy? (2009-08-23 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-23_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-23_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer choice, salvation, individualism, Joshuano Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:24:53 -0700 On Bernard of Clairvaux. (2009-08-19 / Peter Menkin) The Feast Day of Bernard of ClairvauxAugust 19th, 2009 (tr. from August 20th) at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Homily text] A Prayer attributed to Bernard goes: Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills the breast; But sweeter far Thy face to see, And in Thy presence rest. On Bernard of Clairvaux. (2009-08-19 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-19_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-19_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Bernard, Clairvaux, Holinessno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:19:55 -0700 Lady Wisdom, our elder God. (2009-08-16 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Eleventh Sunday after PentecostProper 15August 16th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Again, like Jesus' hearers in today's Gospel, we are called into a unique wisdom teaching about the nature of Christ's gift for us - a self-offering that the rest of the world might view as foolishness. Lady Wisdom, our elder God. (2009-08-16 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-16_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-16_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer wisdom, eucharist, Christianityno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:16:39 -0700 God's response to our desire to throw in the towel. (2009-08-09 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after PentecostProper 14August 9th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When so many of us reach such existential turning points in our lives, we feel like Elijah. It is indeed tempting - if only for a few moments - to find our own broom tree, lay down, and swear off the whole thing. God's response to our desire to throw in the towel. (2009-08-09 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-09_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-09_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Elija, Baal, broom tree, eucharistno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:13:08 -0700 The answer to life's hardest questions. (2009-08-02 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Ninth Sunday after PentecostProper 13August 2nd, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] As inspired as we might be by clever discourse, and erudite answers to life's most intractable questions, our deepest answer is not in intellect or words or even on the pages of a book. It's in the person of Jesus Christ. The answer to life's hardest questions. (2009-08-02 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-02_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-08-02_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer feeding, Jesus, craving, mannano Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:08:52 -0700 Tough economic times and God's grace. (2009-07-26/ Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Eighth Sunday after PentecostProper 12July 26th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] God's Eucharistic economy is not built on scarcity or cold, calculating distribution of goods by a higher power. Nor is it ultimately constructed on competition or supply-side studies. It is built on an abundant love that refuses to give in to the voices that say that there is never enough. Tough economic times and God's grace. (2009-07-26/ Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-26_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-26_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer feeding, economy, Jesus, Philipno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:05:30 -0700 On Mary Magdalene. (2009-07-22 / Peter Menkin) The Feast Day of Mary MagdaleneJuly 22nd, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Homily text] Mary Magdalene's life is a fascination and inspiration regarding the power of the Christian faith, the illuminating power of the Gospel, and simply that of a life of miscast values or even that of a lost person reformed. On Mary Magdalene. (2009-07-22 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-22_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-22_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Mary, Magdalene, Feast Dayno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:01:10 -0700 What healing in Christ may truly mean. (2009-07-19 / Betsy Rosen) Sermon for the Seventh Sunday after PentecostProper 11July 19th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] You could say that the various people who approach Jesus with their pressing concerns are what some teachers of the Bible call "importunate"--or as the dictionary would put it, persistent even to the point of annoyance and intrusion. What healing in Christ may truly mean. (2009-07-19 / Betsy Rosen) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-19_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-19_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen healing, Reynolds Priceno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:58:28 -0700 Ezekiel meets July 4th. (2009-07-05 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fifth after PentecostProper 9July 5th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] It's easy to forget, with the way we romanticize the Declaration of Independence, that those signing it were putting their lives squarely on the line. In this way, they were stepping very much into the prophetic tradition. Ezekiel meets July 4th. (2009-07-05 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-05_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-07-05_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer prophets, Ezekiel, Independence Dayno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:52:53 -0700 A memorial for Phyllis Grace Staton. (2009-06-28/ Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Memorial of Phyllis Grace StatonJune 28th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer Readings: Isaiah 61:1-3 ; Psalm 121 ; Revelation 21:2-7 ; John 6:37-40 [Sermon text] It was this life that, in the words of today's Gospel, Christ welcomes in her and will never drive away. A life feisty and rooted at the same time! A memorial for Phyllis Grace Staton. (2009-06-28/ Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-28a_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-28a_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Phyllis Staton, memorial service, Revelationno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:48:28 -0700 The faith that Christ commends. (2009-06-28 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fourth after PentecostProper 8June 28th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] So many who approach Jesus for healing in the gospels demand some action from him - whether it's instruction, a visit, or a prayer of the Son of God. In this way, the contrast between Jairus, a faithful leader of the local synagogue, and the woman suffering for so long at the margins of her community, could not be more striking. The faith that Christ commends. (2009-06-28 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-28_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-28_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer faith, healing, Jairus, Christ, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:45:42 -0700 When God calls us to grow up. (2009-06-21/ Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Third after PentecostProper 7June 21st, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] There is little room for whining and complaining - or perhaps a lot of room, if you take the proportions of the Book Job at face value. But it avails us little. God still expects us to grow up. When God calls us to grow up. (2009-06-21/ Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-21_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-21_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Job, faith, baptismno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:42:49 -0700 A memorial for a remarkable curmudgeon. (2009-06-20/ Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Memorial of Frederick Allen ConeJune 20th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9 ; Psalm 98 ; Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39 ; John 11:21-27 [Sermon text] If we dig into the lives of those we remember as saints, what do we find? Curmudgeons. Faithful, opinionated folk like Fred who brazenly call out truth, even when it is unpopular. A memorial for a remarkable curmudgeon. (2009-06-20/ Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-20_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-20_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Fred Cone, memorial service, saints, curmudgeons, harrowing, hellno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:39:15 -0700 Grace requires no caveats. (2009-06-14/ Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Second Sunday after PentecostProper 6June 14th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] God, in radical opposition to our problem-solving, wood clearing nature, simply seeks out the green shoot of new life and replants it. Or, in the language of Jesus in today's Gospel, causes the greatest of all shrubs to arise from the tiniest of seeds. Grace requires no caveats. (2009-06-14/ Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-14_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-14_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer mustard seed, Ezekielno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:35:44 -0700 Creeds and doctrine get personal. (2009-06-07/ Richard Helmer) Sermon for Trinity SundayJune 7th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, the highest court of ancient Israel, comes to Jesus under cover of darkness and seeks explanation for the signs Jesus is performing. Jesus responds by inviting Nicodemus to look beyond the signs and into deeper and abundant life in God's Spirit - the life that comes from above. Creeds and doctrine get personal. (2009-06-07/ Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-07_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-06-07_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Trinity, Creeds, Bishops, Nicodemusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:31:14 -0700 The Spirit stirs up everything. (2009-05-31 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Day of PentecostMay 31st, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] This Holy Spirit, like the Holy Spirit at the first Pentecost, seems to care little about the way we think things ought to be, and is infinitely more interested in bringing together the people and the gifts that make up who we are becoming. The Spirit stirs up everything. (2009-05-31 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-31_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-31_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Pentecost, Holy Spiritno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:25:53 -0700 Reinterpreting the Ascension. (2009-05-24 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of EasterMay 24th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Frankly, of all the stories about the person we call Lord and Savior, Messiah and Teacher, Truth and Friend of Friends, it's the ascension that is most likely to make me blush with some embarrassment. Reinterpreting the Ascension. (2009-05-24 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer ascensionno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:22:04 -0700 When Christ calls us friends. (2009-05-17 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Sixth Sunday of EasterMay 17th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The solid spiritual food that Christ re-introduces to us in today's Gospel is the concept of becoming friends with Christ. More than the People of God, we are invited to grow up and become the Friends of God. When Christ calls us friends. (2009-05-17 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-17_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-17_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer friends, disciples, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:18:41 -0700 On the Annunciation. (2009-05-13 / Peter Menkin) Reflection on John 15:1-8May 13th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Reading for this Reflection] [Reflection text] That Christ invites us: it is an enormous hospitality of God that is extended anew through Christ. We are invited, and this is Grace--for we are accepted. On the Annunciation. (2009-05-13 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-13_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-13_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Vine, abiding, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:14:11 -0700 While the world whirls around us, we are called to abide. (2009-05-10 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of EasterMay 10th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We are called to abide. Many of us, in a highly mobile world where walking away is made easy can forget how to abide, but the truth is that we all know how in our bones. While the world whirls around us, we are called to abide. (2009-05-10 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-10_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-05-10_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer abide, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:10:57 -0700 The practical implications of Easter. (2009-04-26 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Third Sunday of EasterApril 26th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In today's gospel from Luke, the first disciples are discussing resurrection, batting back and forth the experiences some of them had of encountering the Risen Christ on the road to Emmaus. . . when Jesus suddenly appears among them - unexpected and uninvited - and he talks of peace. The practical implications of Easter. (2009-04-26 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-04-26_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-04-26_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer compassion, practice, Dalai Lama, Easterno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:06:55 -0700 Finding freedom from perfectionism in the Resurrection. (2009-04-12 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Easter SundayApril 12th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Easter, the Resurrection, is God’s gift to us,offered whether we or ready or not. Just as it was offered, ready or not, for the first followers of Jesus, surprised at the door of the empty tomb. Finding freedom from perfectionism in the Resurrection. (2009-04-12 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-04-12_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-04-12_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer perfectionism, resurrection, Easterno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:02:43 -0700 God chooses open hearts for the divine law. (2009-03-22 / Este Cantor) Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of LentMarch 29th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] The heart that is opened up. . .the heart that has let go of fear. . .the heart upon which God can write her holy law. . . God chooses open hearts for the divine law. (2009-03-22 / Este Cantor) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-29_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-29_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Law, God, open heartno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:00:39 -0700 On the Annunciation. (2009-03-25 / Peter Menkin) Reflection for the AnnunciationMarch 25th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] [Reflection text] Let us imagine together this event, so awesome and holy, so large and cosmic as to create in us the need to recognize that God's ways are not our ways. On the Annunciation. (2009-03-25 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-25_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-25_sermon.mp3 p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Annunciation, Mary, Holy Days, Virgin, Lesser Feasts and Fastsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:56:36 -0700 The healing power of the cross lifted high. (2009-03-22 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of LentMarch 22nd, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] The cross is the Christian answer to the need for a scapegoat, a strange portent, a healing talisman when the snakes are loose and the People of God suffer. The healing power of the cross lifted high. (2009-03-22 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-22_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-22_sermon.pdf rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Nehushtan, cross, Moses, snakeno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:54:06 -0700 Considering the place of disciplines in our lives. (2009-03-15 / Betsy Rosen) Sermon for the Third Sunday of LentMarch 15th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] Disciplines, if we agree to submit to them, lead us through a narrow place and to a place much bigger than we have known before. Considering the place of disciplines in our lives. (2009-03-15 / Betsy Rosen) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-15_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-15_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen commandments, disciplineno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:54:05 -0700 Jesus asks us a hard question. (2009-03-08 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Second Sunday of LentMarch 8th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Ours is a God who engages our sufferings and shortcomings with a tangible spirituality, our entire life at every level with a grace that refuses to leave us where we are, a blood and flesh religion that demands we get our skin in the game of salvation. Jesus asks us a hard question. (2009-03-08 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-08_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-08_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Abraham, Peter, Satan, New Ageno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:50:00 -0700 On rainbows and covenant. (2009-03-01 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the First Sunday of LentMarch 1st, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Should we wonder why rainbows captivated the imagination of our spiritual ancestors - became the subject, if only for a moment, of a great prehistoric, cosmological story about floods, arks, evil, faith, and God? On rainbows and covenant. (2009-03-01 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-01_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-03-01_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Noah, rainbow, kindergartenno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:45:48 -0700 On Martin Luther. (2009-02-18 / Peter Menkin) Sermon for the Feast Day of Martin LutherFebruary 18th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] Whether you believe all or part of Martin Luther's statements, his influence and thought, his ideas and faith, his life of believing changed the world. On Martin Luther. (2009-02-18 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-18_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-18_sermon.pdf p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Martin Luther, Lesser Feasts and Fastsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:41:56 -0700 Healing is more than restoration. (2009-02-15 / Carren Sheldon) Sermon for the Sixth Sunday after the EpiphanyFebruary 15th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaCarren Sheldon [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When Jesus touches us, we are changed -- yet again. Healing is more than restoration. (2009-02-15 / Carren Sheldon) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-15_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-15_sermon.mp3 carren@community.net Carren Sheldon leprosy, Naaman, Jesus, healingno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:41:55 -0700 Is survival good enough? (2009-02-08 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after the EpiphanyFebruary 8th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We are not alone historically or spiritually. In a way, that's good news in and of itself. Ours remains a question of survival -- a perennial question -- and whether survival is good enough. Is survival good enough? (2009-02-08 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-08_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-08_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Darwin, demonsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:38:23 -0700 "Who's that sitting in my pew?" (2009-02-01 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after the EpiphanyFebruary 1st, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] You know the old dynamic. It's very human. We all have the tapes that play in our heads: Who's that sitting in my pew?(Due to technical problems, audio of this sermon is unavailable.) "Who's that sitting in my pew?" (2009-02-01 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-01_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-02-01_sermon.pdf rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer business, church, familyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:34:26 -0700 On Thomas Aquinas. (2009-01-28 / Peter Menkin) Sermon for the Feast Day of Thomas AquinasJanuary 28th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] As we think of Saint Thomas, we have much in common as Christians, and it is in part that which we have in common that is also indicative of our living Communion with the Saints. Is this not a miracle of Christ? A miracle of love? On Thomas Aquinas. (2009-01-28 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-28_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-28_sermon.pdf p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Thomas Aquinas, Lesser Feasts and Fastsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:34:25 -0700 "For God alone my soul in silence waits." (2009-01-25 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Third Sunday after the EpiphanyJanuary 25th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In the midst of an increasingly sour economy, we wrestle with the call of Jonah. "For God alone my soul in silence waits." (2009-01-25 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-25_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-25_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jonah, Microsoft, economyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:34:24 -0700 Faith is showing up, not being right. (2009-01-18 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the Second Sunday after the EpiphanyJanuary 18th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] We wrestle with faith, because we often convince ourselves that faith is about being correct. But faith has so much more to do with simply showing up and being present. Faith is showing up, not being right. (2009-01-18 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-18_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-18_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Samuel, faith, Facebookno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:29:58 -0700 Water points back all the way to the beginning. (2009-01-11 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for the First Sunday after EpiphanyThe Baptism of Our Lord Jesus ChristJanuary 11th, 2009 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Through the primordial sign of water, baptism reveals that there is more to life than simply being alive. Water points back all the way to the beginning. (2009-01-11 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-11_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2009-01-11_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer baptism, Jordan, Christ, Endono Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:25:22 -0700 In the incarnation, God is doing a new thing for all time. (2008-12-24 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for Christmas, 2008:December 24th at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for Christmas] [Sermon text] In the incarnation, God is doing a new thing for all time. (2008-12-24 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-12-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-12-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christmas, Mary, incarnationno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:21:19 -0700 Christ is coming, whether or not we are ready. (2008-12-21 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for December 21st, 2008:The Fourth Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When Mary agrees to carry the Christ child, her life is changed forever. When we agree to welcome the Christ child, our lives, like Mary's, are permanently and irrevocably transformed. Christ is coming, whether or not we are ready. (2008-12-21 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-12-21_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-12-21_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christmas, Mary, Gabriel, birth, Advent, newbornno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:15:44 -0700 Advent is a time for being still. (2008-12-14 / Betsy Rosen) Sermon for December 14th, 2008:The Third Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] The desire for God to appear becomes the overriding theme of our lives this time of year. Our challenge is to wait for it and embrace the stillness that true waiting requires. Advent is a time for being still. (2008-12-14 / Betsy Rosen) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-12-14_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-12-14_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen Advent, Son of Man, awakno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:12:25 -0700 Being a conscious Christian (2008-11-30 / Este Cantor) Sermon for November 30th, 2008:The First Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] The new Church Year opens with a demand that we be wakeful, alert, and conscious for the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God. Being a conscious Christian (2008-11-30 / Este Cantor) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-30_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-30_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Advent, Son of Man, awakno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:07:37 -0700 Christ the King? (2008-11-23 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for November 23rd, 2008:The Last Sunday after PentecostProper 29 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The name of the last Sunday of the church year, "Christ the King Sunday" evokes images of a triumphant Jesus. But does Christ really fit into our romanticism of political power? Christ the King? (2008-11-23 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-23_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-23_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christ the King, Jesus, president, politicsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:04:24 -0700 On Elizabeth of Hungary. (2008-11-19 / Peter Menkin) Sermon for the Feast Day of Elizabeth of HungaryNovember 19th, 2008 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaPeter Menkin [Readings for this Feast Day] Elizabeth, young, unafraid, steady in her faith, gave succor to so many, and was a self-sacrificing woman who began living a life of Holy denial. On Elizabeth of Hungary. (2008-11-19 / Peter Menkin) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-19_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-19_sermon.pdf p.menkin@comcast.net Peter Menkin Elizabeth of Hungary, Lesser Feasts and Fastsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:59:55 -0700 Wrestling with Church as Institution. (2008-11-09 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for November 9th, 2008:The Twenty-Sixth Sunday after PentecostProper 27 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The church as an institution has often behaved badly. We are called by Christ to build a different kind of church. Wrestling with Church as Institution. (2008-11-09 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-09_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-11-09_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer church, marriage, institution, gospelno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:59:54 -0700 An invitation to remember those most in need. (2008-09-28 / Betsy Rosen) Sermon for September 28th, 2008:The Twentieth Sunday after PentecostProper 19 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] Even in the face of financial crisis and economic turmoil, we are called to remember those who are hungry. An invitation to remember those most in need. (2008-09-28 / Betsy Rosen) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-28_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-28_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen hunger, bread, povertyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:56:06 -0700 God's sense of fair may not be ours. (2008-09-21 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for September 21st, 2008:The Nineteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 19 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday][Sermon text] When faced with crisis, we are called to remember what is truly important to our salvation. God's sense of fair may not be ours. (2008-09-21 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-21_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-21_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer fair, economy, justice, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:51:23 -0700 Letting God be God. (2008-09-14 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for September 14th, 2008:The Eighteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 19 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday][Sermon text] Judgement and withholding forgiveness are both ways we try to play God. The trouble is, when we play God, we often end up with a God who mirrors our own worst selves. Letting God be God. (2008-09-14 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-14_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-14_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer forgiveness, judgment, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:46:20 -0700 Seeing Creation as a source of spiritual wisdom. (2008-09-07 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for September 7th, 2008:The Seventeenth Sunday after PentecostSpecial Propers at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer Readings: Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 104:24-30 Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 6:26-33[Sermon text] Our anxiety about addressing our own needs is destroying the natural world, and, in turn, threatening our own survival. Jesus points to the lilies and sparrows as teachers of a profound faith that could help heal our fragile world: absolute trust in God's grace through all of Creation and the promise of God's kingdom. Seeing Creation as a source of spiritual wisdom. (2008-09-07 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-07_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-09-07_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer lilies, Christ, environmentno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:41:23 -0700 Learning to surrender in the face of tragedy. (2008-08-31 / Este Gardner Cantor) Sermon for August 31st, 2008:The Sixteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 17 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When Jesus rebukes Peter for trying to lead him away from the cross, we are reminded of our call to move through suffering as Christ did, and to find the hope of resurrection in the face of tragedy. Learning to surrender in the face of tragedy. (2008-08-31 / Este Gardner Cantor) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-31_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-31_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Christ, Messiah, Peter, tragedyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:38:03 -0700 What does it mean to call Jesus the Messiah? (2008-08-24 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for August 24th, 2008:The Fifteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 16 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Delivered in the context of a baptism, this sermon explores what we as Christians mean when we claim, as Peter did, that Jesus is the Messiah. What does it mean to call Jesus the Messiah? (2008-08-24 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christ, Messiah, Peterno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:34:21 -0700 Thawing out a frozen faith. (2008-08-17 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for August 17th, 2008:The Fourteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 15 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The Canaanite woman, with her wit and insistence, is commended for her profound trust in what Christ can do for her -- a deep faith that even Jesus' closest followers can only marvel at. Thawing out a frozen faith. (2008-08-17 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-17_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-17_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christ, Canaanite, woman, faithno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:30:25 -0700 Defying gravity without being perfect. (2008-08-10 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for August 10th, 2008:The Thirteenth Sunday after PentecostProper 14 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The story of Jesus walking on the water, more than a display of the miraculous, reveals how God reaches and trasnforms us, despite our fickle faith. Defying gravity without being perfect. (2008-08-10 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-10_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-10_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jesus, walking, water, Peter, boat, Pelagianismno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:26:32 -0700 Jacob's wrestling with God is our wrestling with God. (2008-08-03 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for August 3rd, 2008:The Twelfth Sunday after PentecostProper 13 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jacob's story epitomizes our spiritual journey as we strive with each other, and even with God. Jacob's wrestling with God is our wrestling with God. (2008-08-03 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-03_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-08-03_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jacob, wrestling, stewardshipno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:22:05 -0700 Pilgrimage teaches the hospitality of God's Kingdom. (2008-07-27 / Este Cantor) Sermon for July 27th, 2008:The Eleventh Sunday after PentecostProper 12 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] A pilgrim's journey reveals the life of deeper and transformative hospitality -- one more befitting the Kingdom of God. Pilgrimage teaches the hospitality of God's Kingdom. (2008-07-27 / Este Cantor) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-07-27_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-07-27_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor mustard seed, parable, pilgrimageno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:17:53 -0700 Are we called to weed our own field? (2008-07-20 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for July 20th, 2008:The Tenth Sunday after PentecostProper 11 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jesus challenges his followers to leave the sorting out of good and evil to God. We are called to recognize the field of the kingdom, as mixed up and jumbled with weeds as it might be, continues to produce good fruit in our midst. Are we called to weed our own field? (2008-07-20 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-07-20_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-07-20_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer weeds, tares, wheat, parable, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:14:22 -0700 Coming face-to-face with our obsession with things not of the Spirit. (2008-07-13 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for July 13th, 2008:The Ninth Sunday after PentecostProper 10 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Our contemporary wrestling with everything being treated as a marketable commodity, even human life, hearkens back to Paul's ancient warning about pursuing things of the "flesh" rather than things of the Spirit. This sermon is subtitled "Some iPhone Theology." Coming face-to-face with our obsession with things not of the Spirit. (2008-07-13 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-07-13_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-07-13_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer iPhone, flesh, Spirit, sowerno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:09:13 -0700 Does God desire sacrifice or mercy? (2008-06-29 / Jay Johnson) Sermon for June 29th, 2008:The Seventh Sunday after PentecostProper 8 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Dr. Jay Emerson Johnson [Readings for this Sunday] The story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, remains as shocking and bewildering to us as it must have seemed millenia ago. Does God desire sacrifice or mercy? (2008-06-29 / Jay Johnson) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-06-29_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-06-29_sermon.pdf jayemersonjohnson@earthlink.net The Rev. Dr. Jay Emerson Johnson Isaac, Abraham, sacrifice, scapegoatno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:03:15 -0700 Would Jesus recognize our most hallowed family institutions? (2008-06-22 / Jay Johnson) Sermon for June 22nd, 2008:The Sixth Sunday after PentecostProper 7 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Dr. Jay Emerson Johnson [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jesus' harsh words about family throw a huge question mark into assertions today about "biblical family values." We are challenged to remember God even above our most cherished societal institutions. Would Jesus recognize our most hallowed family institutions? (2008-06-22 / Jay Johnson) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-06-22_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-06-22_sermon.mp3 jayemersonjohnson@earthlink.net The Rev. Dr. Jay E. Johnson family values, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:03:14 -0700 How do we engage in the daunting task of dismantling racism? (2008-04-13 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for April 13th, 2008:The Fourth Sunday of Easter at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] Racism is alive and well, even in our most cherished communities and institutions. Confronting and then dismantling it demands the utmost commitment to relationship and a willingness to seek the Good Shepherd at work in our midst.(This sermon is text only) How do we engage in the daunting task of dismantling racism? (2008-04-13 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-04-13_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-04-13_sermon.pdf rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Racism, Shepherdno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:57:59 -0700 How do we join in the hope of the story of Lazarus? (2008-03-09 / Betsy Rosen) Sermon for March 9th, 2008:The Fifth Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] Like Lazarus, we have been called out of the tomb by Christ. Part of our work as Christians is to bring this resurrection to the lives of others. The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen reflects on her experience as a hospital chaplain in this sermon exploring one of the most beloved passages of John's Gospel.(This sermon is text only) How do we join in the hope of the story of Lazarus? (2008-03-09 / Betsy Rosen) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-03-09_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-03-09_sermon.pdf betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen Lazarus, Johnno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:57:58 -0700 A God who meets the demands of our thirst, and exceeds them. (2008-02-24 / Richard Helmer) Sermon for February 24th, 2008:The Third Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] A Samaritan woman, nameless and shunned, meets Christ at the well of life, and like all of us who come face-to-face with God, encounters a judgment beyond her imagination. A God who meets the demands of our thirst, and exceeds them. (2008-02-24 / Richard Helmer) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-02-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-02-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christ, Samaritan, woman, well, Johnno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:57:57 -0700 Jesus, power, and vulnerability. (2008-02-10) Sermon for February 10th, 2008:The First Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Driven into the wilderness, Jesus confronts a darkness that quotes Scripture and uses a language all too familiar to us: the language of power. How should the Anointed One of God and we, his followers, respond? Jesus, power, and vulnerability. (2008-02-10) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-02-10_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-02-10_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jesus, Navy, war, power, desert, Satanno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:54:04 -0700 Seeking God's transformative presence in our personal lives. (2008-01-20) Sermon for January 6th, 2008:The Feast of the Epiphany at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Recognizing that God looks at us with a vision that exceeds our imagination, we are invited into the life of light, even in the face of great darkness. Betsy Rosen offered this message through the story of Martin Luther King, Jr., in this sermon delivered on the weekend set aside in his honor. Seeking God's transformative presence in our personal lives. (2008-01-20) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-01-20_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-01-20_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Payne Rosen Martin, King, Peter, Epiphanyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:47:52 -0700 The journey of the magi through their own eyes. (2008-01-06) Sermon for January 6th, 2008:The Feast of the Epiphany at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] Este Cantor offers a story of the magi's journey, as given through their own eyes. The journey of the magi through their own eyes. (2008-01-06) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-01-06_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2008-01-06_sermon.pdf mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor magi, Christmas, Epiphanyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:43:50 -0700 The first step in bringing the light of the Christ Child to the world. (2007-12-30) Sermon for December 30th, 2007:The First Sunday after Christmas at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] In the face of world-shaping tragedies, we must seek to manifest the "light shining in the darkness" for the greater world, beginning first within ourselves. The first step in bringing the light of the Christ Child to the world. (2007-12-30) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-30_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-30_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor John, Bhutto, Christmas, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:43:49 -0700 The birth of Jesus proclaims God's transcendence over all claims of human power. (2007-12-24) Sermon for December 24th, 2007:Christmas at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for Christmas] [Sermon text] Poetry in this sermon is from Libera: "Far Away" The birth of Jesus proclaims God's transcendence over all claims of human power. (2007-12-24) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Christmas, Mary, Augustus, hopeno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:40:31 -0700 Mary's conceiving a child is a lesson in God's power in the face of our own. (2007-12-23) Sermon for December 23rd, 2007:The Fourth Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Behind the story of Joseph being confronted with a difficult choice is a lesson in what it means to be powerless when God acts. Mary's conceiving a child is a lesson in God's power in the face of our own. (2007-12-23) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-23_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-23_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Joseph, Mary, Virgin, birth, powerno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:36:15 -0700 What do we do when we recognize we are not prepared for the Messiah's coming?(2007-12-16) Sermon for December 16th, 2007:The Third Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] As we face the hard reality that not everything will be done in time for Christmas, Jesus reminds us that he is coming into our midst, anyway. Our only job is to show up completely. There are no half-ways when it comes to metanoia. What do we do when we recognize we are not prepared for the Messiah's coming?(2007-12-16) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-16_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-16_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer John the Baptist, Son of Man, Adventno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:32:17 -0700 God makes much out of very little, and little out of much.(2007-12-09) Sermon for December 9th, 2007:The Second Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The cry of John the Baptist, and no less than his implied threat, reminds us that God is in the habit of making much out of little, and little of much. For the stumps, the places in our lives that we thought were dead, Christ is coming. God makes much out of very little, and little out of much.(2007-12-09) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-09_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-09_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer John the Baptist, Stump of Jesseno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:27:53 -0700 What is our role in the coming of the kingdom of heaven?(2007-12-09) Sermon for December 9th, 2007:The Second Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] With little time remaining before Christmas, we are left wondering how we become part of the arrival of God's promised transformation in our lives and relationships. Isaiah describes this transformation as the dissolution of prejudice in favor of communion. What is our role in the coming of the kingdom of heaven?(2007-12-09) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-09-1_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-09-1_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor John the Baptist, Stump of Jesse, Pharisees, lamb, lion, wolfno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:24:47 -0700 As Christians, we live forever on the edge of an imminent transformation of everything. (2007-12-02) Sermon for December 2nd, 2007:The First Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Advent opens with startling and, in many ways, frightening words from Jesus. How do we, as Advent Christians, learn to live with the promise of an imminent return of Christ? As Christians, we live forever on the edge of an imminent transformation of everything. (2007-12-02) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-02_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-12-02_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Isaiah, Left Behind, Second Comingno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:22:06 -0700 Living into the promises of Christ the King (2007-11-25) Sermon for November 25th, 2007:The Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost,Proper 29Christ the King at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The story of Christ's words with a thief on the cross underscores a promise of forgiveness that closes our church year and reminds us of the primary work of the Gospel in our lives and relationships. Living into the promises of Christ the King (2007-11-25) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-11-25_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-11-25_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor forgiveness, Christ the King, thiefno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:18:39 -0700 How do we speak to the apocalypse of our age? (2007-11-18) Sermon for November 18th, 2007:The Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] As our readings at the end of the Church year turn towards the apocalyptic, we are called as a community of Christians to respond to the burning conflicts of our age with faith. How do we speak to the apocalypse of our age? (2007-11-18) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-11-18_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-11-18_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Isaiah, apocalypse, lambs, lions, Jesus, Bee Movieno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:15:10 -0700 How does God redeem the mammon of unrighteousness? (2007-09-23) Sermon for September 23rd, 2007:The Seventeenth Sunday after PentecostProper 20 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In the parable of the "dishonest" manager, Jesus holds up to us an example of how we might work out our own salvation, even with our wealth as tainted as it remains with injustice. How does God redeem the mammon of unrighteousness? (2007-09-23) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-09-23_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-09-23_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer wealth, mammon, Jesus, stewardshipno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:12:34 -0700 Are heaven and hell out there or right here? (2007-09-16) Sermon for September 16th, 2007:The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Are heaven and hell simply metaphysical abstractions or realities we can touch and feel? The visions of Jeremiah and Jesus sharing table fellowship with sinners and outcasts serve to illustrate the eternal in the present. Are heaven and hell out there or right here? (2007-09-16) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-09-16_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-09-16_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer heaven, hell, Jesus, Jeremiahno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:10:27 -0700 Sabbath as an essential spiritual practice in the "always on" culture. (2007-08-26) Sermon for August 26th, 2007:The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The ancient tradition of keeping Sabbath needs redemption not for its own sake, but for the sake of a people caught in the excesses of our always "on" society. Nothing less than our spiritual well being and the health of Creation is at stake. Sabbath as an essential spiritual practice in the "always on" culture. (2007-08-26) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-26_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-26_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Sabbath, Jesus, Christianity, spiritualityno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:07:42 -0700 Beyond a "nice" God. (2007-08-19) Sermon for August 19th, 2007:The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Christ's message to us is not simply about a nice, loving God, but a Creator closer to us than a parent, passionate beyond words about our well-being. Betsy Rosen invites us to gaze unabashedly at this spiritual reality through the lens of one of Jesus' more fiery teachings and reminds us of what God intends for the human family. Beyond a "nice" God. (2007-08-19) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-19_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-19_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen God, Christ, pleasureno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:05:02 -0700 For a world burdened with many obsessions, Jesus comes to set people free. (2007-08-12) Sermon for August 12th, 2007:The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] Living into transformative grace is key to Christian spirituality and following after God in Christ. But this way of life inevitably calls us to to live in the gap -- to let go. Through the lens of a series of challenging readings, Este Cantor examines the timeless question: What does it mean to be truly free? For a world burdened with many obsessions, Jesus comes to set people free. (2007-08-12) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-12_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-12_sermon.pdf mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Christ, freedomno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:02:45 -0700 There are seven days in the week, so what does it mean to enter the eighth day? (2007-08-05) Sermon for August 5th, 2007:The Tenth Sunday after PentecostPropers for the Feast of the Transfiguration at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In reflecting on completion of his first year at Church of Our Saviour, Richard Helmer looks to the opening of the Transfiguration story in Luke. Its reference to the eighth day points to the way God's glory and grace are revealed to us outside of the cycles of time. There are seven days in the week, so what does it mean to enter the eighth day? (2007-08-05) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-05_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-08-05_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Transfiguration, Luke, John, Peter, James, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:02:44 -0700 What kind of God does Jesus disclose when he teaches his followers how to pray? (2007-07-29) Sermon for July 29th, 2007 (Early Worship):The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] God's capacity for mercy and forgiveness is reflected both in the story of Abraham pleading to God and Jesus' revealing God as an intimate parent, protector, and bringer of good gifts to our lives, even ones we don't expect. What kind of God does Jesus disclose when he teaches his followers how to pray? (2007-07-29) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-29_sermon01.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-29_sermon01.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Lord's Prayer, God, Father, mercyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:00:32 -0700 Harry Potter and Christianity -- friends or foes? (2007-07-29) Sermon for July 29th, 2007:The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Harry Potter has captured the popular imagination, drawing the ire of some Christian critics. So is the series mere "pagan" entertainment, or does it embrace the ancient themes of our Christian heritage? Harry Potter and Christianity -- friends or foes? (2007-07-29) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-29_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-29_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Harry Potter, Christianityno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:58:41 -0700 Just how valuable is our work to God's grace? (2007-07-22) Sermon for July 22nd, 2007:The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] From Abraham and Sarah camping under the oaks of Mamre to Jesus at Mary and Martha's home at Bethany, we see a God offering grace for which we can offer no work in return. So why do we toil so hard? Just how valuable is our work to God's grace? (2007-07-22) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-22_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-22_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer work, Abraham, Mary, Marthano Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:56:31 -0700 A Sermon honoring Barton Warren Shackelford. (2007-07-18) Sermon for July 18th, 2007:A Memorial Service for Barton Warren Shackelford at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Sermon text] A Christian life well lived provides inspiration for the family of God. A Sermon honoring Barton Warren Shackelford. (2007-07-18) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-18_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-18_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Shackelford, Memorial, saintsno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:54:37 -0700 Our neighbors are in need. Will we pass them by? (2007-07-15) Sermon for July 15th, 2007:The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In exploring the parable of the Good Samaritan, we are brought back to the work of the Millennium Development Goals, as we are called to cross the road and help our neighbors in need. No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind: and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. - John Donne (from Meditation XVII) Our neighbors are in need. Will we pass them by? (2007-07-15) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-15_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-15_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Millennium Development no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:52:55 -0700 Are you a "Special Christian?" Think again. (2007-07-08) Sermon for July 8th, 2007:The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The story of Elisha and Naaman reminds us that God's grace is ever available to heal and transform us, if only we will not let pride get in the way. Are you a "Special Christian?" Think again. (2007-07-08) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-08_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-08_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Elisha, Naaman, Christians, prideno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:50:43 -0700 Baptism draws us into a new family where water runs thicker than blood. (2007-07-01) Sermon for July 1st, 2007:The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In a profound sense, we are all made rootless and homeless by our baptism -- drawn as we are into a new family of God, a family with Christ at the center. Baptism draws us into a new family where water runs thicker than blood. (2007-07-01) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-01_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-07-01_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Elijah, Jesus, baptism, familyno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:48:31 -0700 To know the story of a refugee is to know the story of Christ. (2007-06-24) Sermon for June 24th, 2007:The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The stories of Elijah and the demoniac amongst the tombs illuminate the unique stories of refugees: the millions around the world who flee war, oppression, famine, and ruin. To know the story of a refugee is to know the story of Christ. (2007-06-24) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Elijah, demoniac, refugeesno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:46:40 -0700 On Christians called to feed all who are hungry. (2007-06-17) Sermon for June 17th, 2007:The Third Sunday after PentecostProper 6 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Through the eyes of Sara Miles in Take this Bread and the story of the woman who washes Jesus' feet with her tears, Betsy Rosen illustrates the sometimes offensively open hospitality of God in Christ, and the radical commitment of Christianity to feed all who are hungry. On Christians called to feed all who are hungry. (2007-06-17) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-17_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-17_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen Sara Miles, Christ, hungry, feedingno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:44:28 -0700 Liminal space opens us to the transformation of God's grace. (2007-06-10) Sermon for June 10th, 2007:The Second Sunday after PentecostProper 5 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] When a foreigner standing on a train platform in Japan, Richard Helmer reflects on how liminal space opens us to the presence of the Spirit and the transformational presence of God's grace. Due to technical difficulties, audio of this sermon is unavailable. Liminal space opens us to the transformation of God's grace. (2007-06-10) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-10_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-10_sermon.pdf rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer liminal, God, Spiritno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:41:34 -0700 Trinity is the path in which we come into closer relationship with God. (2007-06-03) Sermon for June 3rd, 2007:Trinity Sunday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] Este Cantor explores the biblical roots of the ancient Christian understanding of the Trinity and some of the early church texts that undergird this theology. In these cases, and in contemporary ways of explaining one of the most arcane parts of the Christian faith, relationship seems to be key to better understanding the mystery of God: Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit. Trinity is the path in which we come into closer relationship with God. (2007-06-03) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-03_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-03_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Trinityno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:41:33 -0700 Using Godly Play, Este Cantor describes the Trinity through the lens of baptism. (2007-06-03) Children's Sermon for June 3rd, 2007:Trinity Sunday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] Using a Godly Play Story, Este Cantor explains the Trinity to children through the tangible signs of baptism. Using Godly Play, Este Cantor describes the Trinity through the lens of baptism. (2007-06-03) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-03_01_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-06-03_01_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Trinity, baptismno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:40:02 -0700 Our sense of being powerful is forever confounded by God's grace. (2007-05-27) Sermon for May 27th, 2007:The Day of Pentecost at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] From the Tower of Babel to the disciples on the streets of Jerusalem, God upends our notions of power and control and ushers in a new community through the gift of the Spirit. Our sense of being powerful is forever confounded by God's grace. (2007-05-27) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-27_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-27_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Holy Spirit, Babel, Pentecostno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:38:37 -0700 Jesus prays for unity amongst his followers, a desire that echoes to us across the centuries. (2007-05-20) Sermon for May 20th, 2007:The Seventh Sunday of Easter at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jesus’ prayer for his disciples to be one speaks to the very heart of our often divided, polemical, and fractious world, and to the heart of our divisions as Christian communities and even our own divided hearts. What we share in common is so much more important in God’s universe. Jesus prays for unity amongst his followers, a desire that echoes to us across the centuries. (2007-05-20) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-20_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-20_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer unity, Jesus, Falwell, evangelical, Anglicanno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:36:32 -0700 Jesus is leaving. Our journey begins. (2006-05-13) Sermon for May 13th, 2007:The Sixth Sunday of Easter at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Dr. David Gortner [Readings for this Sunday] With ascension approaching, Jesus is departing. As visiting preacher, David Gortner, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and CALL Director at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, reflects on how Jesus' departure marks the beginning of our new journey as God's people. Jesus is leaving. Our journey begins. (2006-05-13) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-13_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-13_sermon.pdf dgortner@cdsp.edu The Rev. Dr. David T. Gortner Jesus, Gortner, saviorno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:33:48 -0700 Peter's journey reveals that the Risen Christ has overcome the boundaries of tribal tradition. (2007-05-6) Sermon for May 6th, 2007:The Fifth Sunday of Easter at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The Good News that Peter takes back to the apostles in Jerusalem reveals that Christ is much bigger than originally thought. We are called with them beyond the boundaries that describe our shared identity as church and tribe. Peter's journey reveals that the Risen Christ has overcome the boundaries of tribal tradition. (2007-05-6) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-06_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-05-06_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Peter, tribe, class, race, Christ, Beloved Communityno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:33:47 -0700 Mere belief or relationship? (2007-04-29) Sermon for April 29th, 2007:The Fourth Sunday of Easter at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When Jesus is asked to "plainly" disclose whether or not he is the Messiah, he responds with an invitation out of the narrow confines of mere belief and into the rich mystery of a holy relationship with God. Mere belief or relationship? (2007-04-29) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-29_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-29_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Shepherd, Jesus, beliefno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:31:38 -0700 Our call to care for the Earth is a holy one. (2007-04-22) Sermon for April 22nd, 2007:The Third Sunday of EasterWorship Celebrating God's Creation at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In a worship service remembering the Earth, coinciding with Earth Day celebrations, Este Cantor reflects on the profound spirituality that connects us to God through the beauty of Creation and nature. As we move forward as a Christian community, we are called to remember the holy work of building sustainable lives in relationship with the natural world, learning to overcome our blindness to the Risen Christ in Creation before us. Our call to care for the Earth is a holy one. (2007-04-22) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-22_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-22_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Earth Day, Francis, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:29:20 -0700 Thomas raises questions that reflects the questions of faith for all of us. (2007-04-15) Sermon for April 15th, 2007:The Second Sunday of Easter at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] In our post-Christian, scientific age, talking about Resurrection can seem indeed very strange. In this sermon, Richard Helmer explores one of the stories of the Risen Christ's appearances to his first followers, suggesting that empirical evidence may not, in fact, be at all the truth we are needing to seek, but rather another kind of truth rooted in the boundless mysteries of relationship. Thomas raises questions that reflects the questions of faith for all of us. (2007-04-15) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-15_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-15_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer faith, science, Brian Greene, resurrectionno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:27:09 -0700 Resurrection, God, and being an Easter People. (2007-04-08) Sermon for April 8th, 2007:Easter Sunday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for Easter Sunday] [Sermon text] Resurrection is all about a God who defies our everyday expectations, grabs our attention, and turns everything -- even death -- on its head. As an Easter People, we Christians can prepare only to be surprised, and to surprise the world with the Good News we know in the Risen Christ. Resurrection, God, and being an Easter People. (2007-04-08) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-08_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-08_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer resurrection, Easter, tomb, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:24:02 -0700 Excerpts from the 2007 Easter Vigil at Church of Our Saviour. (2007-04-07) Excerpts from Easter VigilApril 7th, 2007[Readings for Easter Vigil] The Easter Vigil is a growing tradition at Church of Our Saviour where we gather to keep vigil in the hours of Holy Week when tradition holds that the powers of death were broken by God in Christ. This podcast shares some of the reflections and readings from this year's Vigil, as offered by the people of Church of Our Saviour. In addition to scripture readings by our members, The Rev. Este Cantor offers a reflection on the creation stories of Genesis, The Rev. Betsy Rosen responds to the reading of the story of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel, and The Rev. Richard Helmer reads the Easter Sermon of John Chrysostom. Excerpts from the 2007 Easter Vigil at Church of Our Saviour. (2007-04-07) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-07_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-07_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Easter Vigil, creation, Chrysostomno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:21:43 -0700 Is the cross best explained by theory or reality? (2007-04-06) Sermon for April 6th, 2007:Good Friday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for Good Friday] [Reflection text] The cross stands at the center of ongoing debate in Christianity. Is its work merely in our theorizing, or does it work more deeply than that in the real parts of our lives? Is the cross best explained by theory or reality? (2007-04-06) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-06_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-06_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Good Friday, cross, atonement, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:18:03 -0700 Jesus responds to a world of power by washing the disciples' feet. (2007-04-05) Reflection for April 5th, 2007:Maundy Thursday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for Maundy Thursday] [Reflection text] This reflection was originally offered as a homily on Maundy Thursday, 2006 at Christ Episcopal Church -- Sei Ko Kai, San Francisco. Jesus responds to a world of power by washing the disciples' feet. (2007-04-05) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-05_reflection.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-05_reflection.pdf rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Maundy Thursday, feet, washing, Jesus, powerno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:15:19 -0700 The anointing woman is a figure long revered in religious tradition. (2007-03-25) Sermon delivered on March 25th, 2007:The Fifth Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] The anointing woman is an image that runs not only through the four canonical gospels of Christian tradition, but other religious traditions as well. From it, we have much to learn about a generosity that is willing break taboos and the social order that can hold us back from the lavish grace of God. The anointing woman is a figure long revered in religious tradition. (2007-03-25) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-01_sermon.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-01_sermon.pdf mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor anointing, woman, Jesus, Judas, Maryno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:15:18 -0700 What does it mean that we call this Sunday Palm or Passion Sunday or both? (2007-04-01) Reflection for April 1st, 2007:The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Reflection text] This reflection was offered to the congregation in writing and is posted in audio as a meditation for the beginning of Holy Week. What does it mean that we call this Sunday Palm or Passion Sunday or both? (2007-04-01) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-01_reflection.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-04-01_reflection.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Palm, Passion, Sunday, crucifixion, Christno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:15:17 -0700 The witness of Mary at the feet of Jesus invites out of a productivity-obsessed culture. (2007-03-25) Sermon delivered on March 25th, 2007:The Fifth Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] A strange and unsettling scene in Mary and Martha's home in Bethany opens us to prepare for the mysteries of Holy Week and invites us into lives that, contrary to the expectations the world presses upon us, seek contemplation and devotion rather than self-absorbed measurements of performance and productivity. The witness of Mary at the feet of Jesus invites out of a productivity-obsessed culture. (2007-03-25) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-25_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-25_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jesus, Mary, Martha, Judas, contemplation, Holy Weekno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:13:51 -0700 In a beloved parable Jesus reveals a deep truth about God, and about how God expects us to live. (2007-03-18) Sermon delivered on March 18th, 2007:The Fourth Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen [Readings for this Sunday] The parable of the Prodigal Son is among the most popular and beloved of Jesus' teachings, even outside of the Christian Church. With three remarkable characters, Jesus embraces the breadth of human experience and teaches his followers how God expects us to live with each other. In a beloved parable Jesus reveals a deep truth about God, and about how God expects us to live. (2007-03-18) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-18_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-18_sermon.mp3 betsy@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Betsy Payne Rosen Rosen, Prodigal, Jesus, Godno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:11:09 -0700 Why do bad things happen to people? (2007-03-11) Sermon delivered on March 11th, 2007:The Third Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When confronted with very human questions about why bad things happen, and how is sin involved, Jesus appeals again to a parable to illustrate the patience with which God in Christ deals with all of us, seeking in us the fruits of faith. Why do bad things happen to people? (2007-03-11) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-11_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-11_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Moses, burning bush, Jesus, fig tree, sinno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:08:19 -0700 A children's homily on the promise God makes to Abraham. (2007-03-04) Sermon delivered on March 4th, 2007:The Second Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, California(10:00 a.m. Worship)The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] Every first Sunday of the month, Church of Our Saviour holds a Community Sunday worship service for our children and families, including a children's homily. On this Sunday, The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor spoke about the wonder of God's promises to us, even when we are unsure they will be fulfilled. A children's homily on the promise God makes to Abraham. (2007-03-04) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-04_sermon1.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-04_sermon1.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Abraham, Abram, childrenno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:05:41 -0700 In a world of threats from both without and within, God calls us into a life of trust. (2007-03-04) Sermon delivered on March 4th, 2007:The Second Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, California(8:00 a.m. Worship)The Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The Anglican Communion is moving through a difficult period of conflict and threats both from within and without. When Jesus is confronted with a threat to his life and witness in a troubled world, how he responds hearkens back to the ancient faith of Abraham, and calls us to trust in a God who does not deal in threats, but rather in abiding covenant. In a world of threats from both without and within, God calls us into a life of trust. (2007-03-04) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-04_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-03-04_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jesus, Abraham, Abram, human sexuality, Episcopal, Anglican, covenantno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:04:46 -0700 Jesus' wilderness reflects our own, where we are called to draw deep from the resources of our faith to respond to temptation. (2007-02-25) Sermon delivered on February 25th, 2007:The First Sunday of Lent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Jesus' sojourn in the wilderness resonates with our wilderness experiences, each unique, each transformative, and each revealing our own weakness, temptations, and God's grace in response. Like Jesus, we discover in the wilderness that we ultimately rely on God's Word to sustain our lives. Jesus' wilderness reflects our own, where we are called to draw deep from the resources of our faith to respond to temptation. (2007-02-25) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-02-25_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-02-25_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Jesus, wilderness, temptationno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:01:50 -0700 What expectations do we have to meet before we can witness the Transfigured Christ? (2007-02-18) Sermon delivered on February 18th, 2007:The Last Sunday after the Epiphany at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Recent actions by some Primates of the Anglican Communion in refusing to join Eucharist with others, prompts questions about what it means to be gathered at God's Table together as a community and how we as Christians share the message of the Transfigured Christ with each other and a broken world. What expectations do we have to meet before we can witness the Transfigured Christ? (2007-02-18) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-02-18_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-02-18_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer anglican, communion, transfiguration, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:59:39 -0700 Calls very rarely come out of the blue, but what happens when God in Christ walks right into the middle of our ordinary lives? (2007-02-04) Sermon delivered on February 4th, 2007:The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When Jesus appears at the lakeshore seeking disciples, Peter, James, and John encounter God at work in the middle of lives they thought they already knew. When God in Christ breaks into our routine with a new call, be prepared for surprises! Calls very rarely come out of the blue, but what happens when God in Christ walks right into the middle of our ordinary lives? (2007-02-04) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-02-04_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-02-04_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jesus, Peter, John, fishing, Genesseratno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:56:44 -0700 How do we respond when God in Christ says or does the unexpected? (2007-01-28) Sermon delivered on January 28th, 2007:The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] When Jesus is at home in Nazareth, he is confronted with the expectations of his own people. How they respond and how we respond when God in Christ does and says the unexpected says a great deal about what it means to be a people of faith, and a community yearning for transformation. How do we respond when God in Christ says or does the unexpected? (2007-01-28) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-28_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-28_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer Jesus, Nazareth, Anglican, love, transformationno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:54:49 -0700 The Prophet Amos speaks above the Arctic Circle. (2007-01-21) Sermon delivered on January 21st, 2007:The Third Sunday after the Epiphany at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Belle Mickelson [Readings for this Sunday]Belle Mickelson offers a sermon concerning the indigenous peoples living in a fragile, beautiful landscape above the Arctic Circle and how our hunger for resources puts them in peril.The Rev. Belle Mickelson is a newly ordained transitional deacon in the Diocese of Alaska. She has been living in Alaska for 30 years playing fiddle music, making friends, writing curriculum as a marine education professor, teaching at an alternative high school, raising her family at a bird-watching lodge, and helping out at her church. (due to technical problems, this sermon is not available in audio format) The Prophet Amos speaks above the Arctic Circle. (2007-01-21) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-21_2007-01-21epiph3yearc.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-21_2007-01-21epiph3yearc.pdf bellemickelson@hotmail.com The Rev. Belle Mickelson Arctic, indigenous peoples, Amosno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:51:46 -0700 A Messianic parlor trick or a call to change the world? (2007-01-14) Sermon delivered on January 14th, 2007:The Second Sunday after the Epiphany(Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend). at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer In John's Gospel, Jesus performs his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. At first glance, this story of changing water into wine seems strange, if not even a bit funny. But with John, there is always deep meaning in the text, and here Christ calling us by example to change a world in need. This sermon also includes reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] A Messianic parlor trick or a call to change the world? (2007-01-14) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-14_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-14_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer sermon, John, Martin, Luther, King, justice, miracleno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:51:44 -0700 Water stands at the heart of our spirituality. . .but why? (2007-01-07) Sermon delivered on January 7th, 2007:The First Sunday after the EpiphanyThe Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer In the annual commemoration of Jesus' baptism by John at the River Jordan, we celebrate the gift of our baptism. The Rev. Richard Helmer invites reflection about the place of water in our lives, and what it represents as a powerful spiritual symbol of life, death, and transformation. [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] Water stands at the heart of our spirituality. . .but why? (2007-01-07) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-07_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2007-01-07_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer sermon, baptism, water, Jesus, John the Baptist, Jordanno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:48:39 -0700 How far back does Jesus go? (2006-12-31) Sermon delivered on December 31st, 2006:The First Sunday after Christmas at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor In the prologue of the Gospel of John, we are confronted with both glorious mystery and wondrous newness through powerful images of Christ with us. The Rev. Este Cantor reflects on the astonishing life found in beginnings, the spirituality of new birth, and Jesus' presence in both. [Readings for this Sunday] How far back does Jesus go? (2006-12-31) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-31_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-31_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor sermon, Jesusno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:46:40 -0700 The task of Advent was about getting ready, but few of us are! (2006-12-24) Sermon delivered on December 24th, 2006The Fourth Sunday of Advent(8:00 Worship) at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer How do we approach Christmas when we aren't ready? The Rev. Richard E. Helmer reflects on the miracle of grace we are given, even if our preparations to receive it have fallen far short. [Readings for this Sunday] [Sermon text] The task of Advent was about getting ready, but few of us are! (2006-12-24) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-24_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-24_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:45:07 -0700 We may find the baby Jesus familiar, but he is a strange child indeed! (2006-12-24) Sermon delivered on December 24th, 2006Christmas Eve Worshipat Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer As Mary ponders this strange child born to her and Joseph, the arrival of the shepherds to worship him and all that has foretold his birth, we ponder anew the beginning that Jesus' birth brings -- the beginning of a movement that will transform the world. [Readings for Christmas Eve] [Sermon text] We may find the baby Jesus familiar, but he is a strange child indeed! (2006-12-24) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-24-02_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-24-02_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer sermon, Christmas, Jesus, birth, Maryno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:43:11 -0700 The wonder of incarnation marks the beginning of our journey of salvation. (2006-12-24) Sermon delivered on December 24th, 2006:The Fourth Sunday of Advent(10:00 a.m. Worship) at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Garnder Cantor In looking ahead to Christmas, The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor reflects on the wonder of the incarnation -- its incredible implications for the vast universe and our particular lives -- as particular as Elizabeth's and Mary's as they rejoice with each other in God's promise that all shall be made new. [Readings for this Sunday] The wonder of incarnation marks the beginning of our journey of salvation. (2006-12-24) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-24-01_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-24-01_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor sermon, Elizabeth, Mary, birth, Adventno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:41:04 -0700 How is it that prophets always seem to hit us where we're most vulnerable? (2006-12-17) Sermon delivered on December 17th, 2006The Third Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer How is that prophets always seem to get us where it hurts? In this sermon, The Rev. Richard E. Helmer explores the fiery introduction John the Baptist brings to the Gospel. Readings for this Sunday are available here. (Due to technical difficulties with our recording system, this week's sermon is not available in audio.) How is it that prophets always seem to hit us where we're most vulnerable? (2006-12-17) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-17_2006-12-17advent3yearc.pdf http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-17_2006-12-17advent3yearc.pdf rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:39:49 -0700 Our fractious age is rife with shutting out those who are different, yet John the Baptist calls us into a radical encounter. (2006-12-10) Sermon delivered on December 10th, 2006The Second Sunday of Advent at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer We live in a fractious age, where division and isolating ourselves from those who disagree with us is both a great temptation and a spiritual danger to community. The Rev. Richard E. Helmer reflects in this sermon on John the Baptist's witness as he invites people to enter into metanoia through an encounter with radical otherness. A written copy of this sermon may be downloaded here. Readings for this Sunday are available here. Our fractious age is rife with shutting out those who are different, yet John the Baptist calls us into a radical encounter. (2006-12-10) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-10_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-12-10_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:39:48 -0700 What do we mean when we call Jesus, Sermon delivered on November 26th, 2006:Christ the King Sunday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Understanding what we mean by calling Jesus "King" invites taking a close look at the witness of Jesus' life, both in the Gospel, and in the sacramental way we experience his love for us and in our actions that help set the captive free. The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor discusses John 18:33-37 in this last sermon of the church year on "Christ the King" Sunday. (Additional readings for this Sunday can be found here.) What do we mean when we call Jesus, http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-26_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-26_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:37:33 -0700 The terrifying words of Mark 13:14-23 offer reason to contemplate on how Jesus relates to apocalyptic imagery of the first century. (2006-11-19) Sermon delivered on November 19th, 2006 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor In exploring the terrifying words of Mark 13:14-23, The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor brings Jesus' teaching about forgiveness, freedom, and welcoming the stranger elsewhere into contrast with the fearful apocalypse and the notion of the "elect" that weave themes and counterthemes in the New Testament and later Christian traditions. The terrifying words of Mark 13:14-23 offer reason to contemplate on how Jesus relates to apocalyptic imagery of the first century. (2006-11-19) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-19_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-19_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:35:37 -0700 In Mark 12:38-44, Jesus poses a challenging contrast between those who give out of their abundance and the widow who gives away everything, even the little she has. (2006-11-12) Sermon delivered on November 12th, 2006 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer In Mark 12:38-44, Jesus poses a challenging contrast between those who give out of their abundance and the widow who gives away everything, even the little she has. This raises questions about how we as Christians share our gifts with the Body of Christ and a world in need. The Rev. Richard E. Helmer also reflects on the story of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17, inviting prayerful consideration of how we decide how much to give away to others. A written copy of this sermon may be downloaded here. In Mark 12:38-44, Jesus poses a challenging contrast between those who give out of their abundance and the widow who gives away everything, even the little she has. (2006-11-12) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-12_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-12_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:33:35 -0700 A conversation while waiting for jury duty gives rise to a reflection about atheism and the saints. (2006-11-05) Sermon delivered on November 5th, 2006:All Saints' Sunday at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer With a sermon for All Saints', The Rev. Richard E. Helmer tells a story about showing up for jury duty and finding there cause to reflect about the nature of the faith of saints. A written copy of this sermon may be downloaded here. A conversation while waiting for jury duty gives rise to a reflection about atheism and the saints. (2006-11-05) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-05_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-11-05_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:31:09 -0700 Reflecting on Mark 10:46-52, spiritual blindness, and the numbing challenges that wartime brings. (2006-10-29) Sermon delivered on October 29th, 2006 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Este Gardner Cantor With Mark 10:46-52 as a backdrop, The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor reflects on the spiritual blindness that accompanies wartime, our contentious relationship as a Church with the idea of just war, and the present situation in Iraq.You may download the text of this sermon here. Reflecting on Mark 10:46-52, spiritual blindness, and the numbing challenges that wartime brings. (2006-10-29) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-10-29_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-10-29_sermon.mp3 mothereste@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Este Gardner Cantor Warno Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:29:12 -0700 What do James and John in Mark 10, Japanese keigo, and a family of owls have in common? (2006-10-22) Sermon delivered on October 22nd, 2006 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer In exploring the request of James and John in Mark 10 and the imagery of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, The Rev. Richard E. Helmer preaches about a family of owls, Japanese keigo, and our call as a Christian community of servants for a world in need.Click here to download and read the text of this sermon. What do James and John in Mark 10, Japanese keigo, and a family of owls have in common? (2006-10-22) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-10-22_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-10-22_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:26:32 -0700 On Jesus and the rich man (Mark 10:17-31) and our relationship with wealth. (2006-10-15) Sermon delivered on October 15th, 2006 at Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CaliforniaThe Rev. Richard E. Helmer The Rev. Richard E. Helmer explores the story of Jesus and the rich man (Mark 10:17-31), our relationship with wealth, and our spiritual need to be generous.A written copy of this sermon may be downloaded here. On Jesus and the rich man (Mark 10:17-31) and our relationship with wealth. (2006-10-15) http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-10-15_sermon.mp3 http://oursaviourmv.org/podcasts/p.php?file=2006-10-15_sermon.mp3 rector@oursaviourmv.org The Rev. Richard E. Helmer no Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:23:30 -0700