Sermon Podcast - Glenview Presbyterian Church

The Gospel of the Day is John 4:4-42, the story of Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman. This is the last service to be held at Glenview until Easter Sunday (or later). The Prayers of the People are connected with the present COVID-19 crisis and its implications. Laurence apologizes for the times when he didn’t mute his microphone.

Byron Kappes reflects on Jesus’ night-time conversation with the Pharisee Nicodemus (John 3:1-17).

The Gospel assigned for the First Sunday in Lent is almost always the story of Jesus’ ordeal in the desert before he begins his public ministry. This year we read Matthew 4:1-11. In the sermon Laurence reflects on the role of trials and temptations in the heroic journey that is life in this world.

Laurence reflects on what Jesus called the Greatest Commandments in the Laws of God and Moses. He was asked to name one. He picked two: one from Deuteronomy and another from Leviticus. Both are commandments to love. Can we be commanded to love? What does loving someone else as I love myself mean? Readings are Leviticus 19:1,2,9-18 and Matthew 22:33-40.

Note: this recording has audio issues about half-way through. Laurence makes an early start on our Lenten theme, How to Read the Bible. The Gospel for the day, Matthew 5:21-37 includes some of the toughest words we're told Jesus spoke, on some sensitive subjects. What does it mean when Jesus lays down the law? How do we read words we might wish weren't in the Bible? We also read Psalm 119:1-8 and Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

Knox College student Byron Kappes preached on these texts: 1 Samuel 3:1-19 and Luke 2:41-52.

Texts are Micah 6:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-11. Laurence begins— after 18 seconds of (near-) silence by referring to the movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood,” the story of a journalist’s encounter with children’s television personality, Mr. Rogers.

For Glenview’s 95th Anniversary Service the Guest Speaker was the Rev. Michael Coren. Michael shared stories of unconditional love at work. Readings were Isaiah 9:1-4 and Matthew 4:12-23.

In this sermon Laurence reflects on the Apostle Peter’s experience at the home of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion. Acts 10:34-43

Laurence begins this sermon, telling about the Christmas Truce of 1914. Christmas Gospel is Luke 2:1-20.

Sermon for Epiphany Sunday. Texts are Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the “Three WIse Men”.

Sermon by our Pastoral Visitor to Seniors and the Homebound, Dr. Jim Czegledi. Readings are Isaiah 63:7-9 and Luke 2:41-52

In this sermon Laurence reflects on the story of Joseph and the meaning of Emmanuel. Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14 and Matthew 1:18-25.

On Sunday, December 15, our children and youth presented a Christmas Pageant during the service, “Something About a Baby”. It was adapted from the Whole People of God curriculum used in Church School and Youth Class.

What's the difference between being awake and becoming "woke"? In this sermon for the First Sunday in Advent Laurence reflects on the Apostle Paul's call to us "to wake from sleep". Readings are Romans 13:11-14 and Matthew 24:36-44.

Knox College student Byron Kappes reflects on the theme of the day, Christ the King. His texts are Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 23:33-43.

Laurence’s texts are Isaiah 65:17-25 and Luke 21:5-19. He begins with the story told in the 1989 movie, Field of Dreams and the most famous words from it.

In this sermon for Remembrance Sunday, which followed an observance of Remembrance Day, Laurence reflects on Luke 20:27-38. It’s the story of a time when men called Sadducees Jesus a loaded question about the general resurrection and life after it. The Sadducees don’t believe there will be a resurrection. In the sermon Laurence mentions a funeral at Glenview that was held on the preceding Thursday for a 102-year-old member of the congregation. He also mentions a solo that was sung at the funeral. The song isn’t as popular today as it was a generation ago. You can hear the song through the link below. Laurence said Steven Adams wrote the words. He wrote the music. F.E. Weatherly was the lyricist.

In this sermon for All Saints Sunday Laurence reflects on verses from the Prophet Habakkuk and the story of Jesus meeting Zacchaeus, a chef tax collector in Jericho. Zacchaeus may not be the reformed villain we’ve been told he is. Laurence suggests, with some scholarly support, that Zacchaeus is one of the righteous, who lives by his faith and faithfulness (Habakkuk 2:3) despite his job, and the judgment his neighbours have cast on him.

Jim’s sermon is a reflection on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 and Matthew 11:25-30. Jim talks about the gift of rest that Jesus gives to us, and we should give it to ourselves.

Knox College student Byron Kappes reflected on the stories of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) and Israel on the far side of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-14).

In this sermon for Thanksgiving Sunday Laurence reflects on the importance of gratitude in life and the life-giving power of those two little words: Thank you. He refers to Deuteronomy 26:1-11.

Laurence teaches about the role the Bible can play in our lives, and how it is a medium of truth that becomes God’s Word when we open it with faith and expectation. Texts are Jeremiah 31:31-34, 2 Corinthians 3:3-6, and Matthew 5:17-20. Please note - there are some audio issues with the microphone

Sermon Podcast Sept 22, 2019 Rev. Dr. Jim Czegledi preaches on Welcome Back Sunday, September 22

This is Laurence’s first sermon at Glenview after his sick leave August 29 - September 23. Texts are 1 Timothy 6:6-19 and Luke 16:19-31.

Rev. Rick Fee(please note, the audio quality of this week’s podcast contains a buzz, due to microphone issues).

In this sermon for Trinity Sunday Laurence asks if we have room for mystery in our lives in 2019. He also shares a picture of a kitten for those who don’t want to hear anther sermon about the Trinity.

In this sermon for the Day of Pentecost Laurence draws lines from the story of the first Christian Pentecost, and Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit will come to his disciples to the 145th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.. Readings are Acts 2:1-21 and John 14:8-17, 25-27.

In this sermon Laurence reflects on Jesus’ prayer for the church, including us. Reading is John 17:20-26.

In this sermon Laurence asks an important question. He also offers an answer. Readings are John 14:23-29 and Acts 16:9-15.

What do we do while we wait? Have you ever stood in line, waiting to buy a ticket to an event, or a toy for a Christmas gift? Have you ever had to wait for surgery, treatment, or test results? You mind is occupied with anticipation of what's to come. What do you do with your hands, or with yourself as you wait? To live as a Christian in this world is to wait. As singer-songwriter John Mayer put it, we're "waiting on the world to change." We may not understand all Jesus' words about leaving and coming back. Visions like the last chapters of Revelation may confuse us. But we get the sense from both that something's coming, to us and to the whole world. What do we do while we wait to see what that will be? reflects on Revelation 21:1-6 (The Holy City), Psalm 148 and John 13:31-35 (Jesus says good-bye and gives his disciples instructions.)

In this sermon for Good Shepherd Sunday Laurence reflects on Revelation 7:9-17 (The Lamb on the Throne), Psalm 23 (which needs no introduction), and John 10:22-30 (the Good Shepherd knows his sheep!).

When and how do we know Jesus is alive, with us and within us? Laurence reflects on the story of Jesus’ disciples meeting him, several days after his resurrection, when they go fishing. Text is John 21:1-19. Laurence also refers to the other readings for Easter 3: Acts 9:1-6 and Revelation 5:11-14; and the story of Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35.

Sermon Podcast - April 28, 2019 In a sermon for Easter 2 / Holy Humour Sunday Laurence begins with the Gospel for the day, John 20:19-29, the story of “Doubting” Thomas. He also reflects on Luke 15:1-10, two parables that speak of great joy. The sermon went on to address the theme of the day. Somehow, it all works out in the end!

Text for Easter 2019 is Luke 24:1-12.

In a sermon for the Last Sunday in Lent, Laurence reflects on John 12:1-8, the story of Mary of Bethany, who bathes Jesus’ feet in costly perfume and wipes them with her hair. Laurence also refers to Philippians 3:4-11, where the Apostle Paul writes about all he has given up for the sake of following Jesus.

In this sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent Laurence reflects on the familiar parable we often call “The Prodigal Son”. Readings are Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

Rev. Dr. John-Peter Smit, Regional Minister for Congregational Health was our Guest Speaker. Before the Sermon he introduced himself and his work. Readings were Isaiah 55:1-9 and Luke 13:1-9.

In the shadow of the white supremacist terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand, Laurence reflects on the readings for Lent 2. He asks if people of faith should expect opposition, even violence in today’s world. Three of the readings suggest the answer is “Yes”. Should people of faith employ violence to fulfill God’s purpose? At least one reading includes a promise that can only be fulfilled through war.

Are you afraid in the night? Are you uncomfortable under the noonday sun? In a sermon for the First Sunday in Lent Laurence reflects on the Psalm for the day, his text is Psalm 91:5,6.

The last Sunday in the Season of Epiphany is also the last Sunday before Lent. The day is traditionally taken for reflection on the fantastic and puzzling story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This year we read Luke’s version of the story. Laurence tells the story of a man who lost his sight as a small child and regained it many years later.

A parable to set alongside Psalm 1.

The Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis was our Anniversary Preacher. Her sermon was a reflection on Philippians 2:1-11 and John 15:9-17. Sarah is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and holds a Doctor of Theology in Preaching from Knox College, University of Toronto. She serves as the Minister of the Chapel at Knox College, the Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Toronto School of Theology, and teaches courses in the areas of preaching and worship. Sarah served on the PWS&D committee for five years. She is the author of Decolonizing Preaching: The Pulpit as Postcolonial Space, as well as Preaching the Good News: A Handbook about Preaching for Presbyterians in Canada.

Texts John 2:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Sermon for the Baptism of Jesus. Text Luke 3:15-22

In a sermon for Epiphany Laurence reflects on the story of the Magi visiting, first King Herod in Jerusalem, then Jesus and his family in Bethlehem. Texts are Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12.

The story is from Luke 2:22-40. Mary and Joseph take baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Laurence reflects on the roles in the story of the two holy people they meet there, Simeon and Anna, and the importance of spiritual grandparents in the church and in our lives in faith.

The Angel Gabriel (WIngs and All!) is our Guest Preacher for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

For our Christmas Pageant our Church School and Youth adapted a format from their curriculum, The Whole People of God. “Christmas Through the Centuries” travels through time, shedding light on Christmas traditions. The program moves toward the collection of White Gifts. The recording is of just the spoken parts.

In a sermon for the First Sunday in Advent Laurence reflects on Luke 21:25-36 and how important it is to be able to see and understand signs of all kinds. Advent is a special time for watching and interpreting signs of God’s will for the world.

Our Guest Preacher, Rev. Helen Smith, preaches a sermon for Christ the King / Reign of Christ. Texts are Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14 and John 18: 33-37.