Sermons

"When Tradition turns into Traditionalism"

Proper 17.B.21
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Debi Thomas grew up in a church where jewelry was not allowed. She writes: “No one in the congregation wore engagement rings or wedding bands. Women and girls weren’t permitted to wear rings, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Even play jewelry. It was all banned. Anyone who showed up on a Sunday morning sporting an “ornament”—even first-time visitors ignorant of the prohibition – could be denied Communion.

"A Temple for All"

Proper 16.B.21
1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Legend has it that there was once a traveler who journeyed over the globe in search of wisdom and enlightenment. Finally, having come upon a village in France, the traveler heard a great deal of noise, and beheld dust and commotion. It was easy to see that a great building project was underway.
He approached the nearest laborer and asked: “Excuse me, I’m not from this village. May I ask what you are doing?” The laborer replied curtly, “Can’t you see? I’m a stonemason. I’m making bricks.”

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