Sermons

Catch up on some of the Sermons you may have missed

“All in the Family” Summer Sermon Series — Peniel Place: Jacob’s Blessing

Genesis 32:22-31 — Wrestling towards reconciliation.

Alone in the dark, Jacob faces a mysterious opponent who grapples with him until dawn. Neither yields—until the stranger dislocates Jacob’s hip, yet still can’t break his grip. Jacob refuses to let go without a blessing, and gets one: a new name, Israel, marking him as someone who has contended with both God and people and survived. Limping into sunrise, Jacob names the spot Peniel, awed that he saw the divine face-to-face and lived to tell it.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago

“All in the Family” Summer Sermon Series — The Real Housewives of Canaan: Leah and Rachel

Genesis 29:15-28 — When the past haunts the present.

Jacob falls hard for Rachel, the younger and more beautiful of Laban’s two daughters, and strikes a deal: seven years of labor for her hand. But on the wedding night, Laban pulls a switch, slipping in Leah, the elder sister, under cover of darkness. Jacob wakes to betrayal, but Laban claims tradition trumps love. The fix: another seven years of work for Rachel too. A classic bait-and-switch with long-term consequences.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago

“All in the Family” Summer Sermon Series — Sibling Rivalry: The Rescue of Jacob and Esau

Genesis 24:34-38,42-49,58-67 — God is in the details.

Abraham’s servant arrives on a mission: find a wife for Isaac among his master’s own kin. He recounts a desert prayer for a sign—and how Rebekah appeared at the well, fulfilling it perfectly. Convinced this is divine providence, her family asks if she’ll go. Rebekah agrees without hesitation, journeying to meet a stranger who becomes her husband. Isaac falls for her instantly, finding comfort after grief. A whirlwind romance, written in the stars.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago

“All in the Family” Summer Sermon Series — The Young and the Marriageable: Isaac and Rebekah

Genesis 24:34-38,42-49,58-67 — God is in the details.

Abraham’s servant arrives on a mission: find a wife for Isaac among his master’s own kin. He recounts a desert prayer for a sign—and how Rebekah appeared at the well, fulfilling it perfectly. Convinced this is divine providence, her family asks if she’ll go. Rebekah agrees without hesitation, journeying to meet a stranger who becomes her husband. Isaac falls for her instantly, finding comfort after grief. A whirlwind romance, written in the stars.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago

“All in the Family” Summer Sermon Series — The Bold and the Biblical: Abrahams Test

The Bold and the Biblical: Abrahams Test.

Genesis 22:1-14 — Breaking the bonds and defying death.

God puts Abraham through the unthinkable: sacrifice his beloved son Isaac as an offering. Without protest, Abraham sets out, the question of “where’s the lamb?” hanging heavy between father and son. At the final moment, knife raised, an angel intervenes—God provides a ram instead. Faith proven, covenant secured, and a name given to the place: the Lord will provide. A gripping test of trust pushed to its absolute limit.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago

“All in the Family” Summer Sermon Series — As the Desert Turns: The Rescue of Hagar and Ishmael

As the Desert Turns:
The Rescue of Hagar and Ishmael

Genesis 21:8-21 — In a desolate desert, a new nation is born.

Sarah demands Hagar and Ishmael be sent away, fearing for Isaac’s inheritance. Abraham hesitates, but God reassures him: Isaac carries the covenant, yet Ishmael won’t be abandoned. Cast into the wilderness with dwindling supplies, Hagar fears her son will die of thirst—until a divine intervention reveals a hidden well and renews God’s promise. Ishmael survives, growing up under God’s protection to forge his own destiny in the desert.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago

“All in the Family” Summer Sermon Series — All My Descendants: The Call of Abraham and Sarah

All My Descendants:
Abraham and Sarah

Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7 — From laughter the promise of God is fulfilled.

Three mysterious strangers show up at Abraham’s tent with a bombshell prediction: 90-year-old Sarah is having a baby. She can’t help but laugh from the shadows… Cut to a year later: the impossible happens. Isaac is born, Abraham’s faith pays off, and Sarah gets the last laugh—A story about timing, patience, and a promise that finally delivers.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago

Shibboleths of the Heart — Cheryl Stenson

There’s a great older lady at St. Bartholomew’s United, the congregation I’ve been serving in Brampton. Her name is Jan but I call her “Two Bits” and she calls me “Shave.” Some time ago I said something in a sermon that prompted her to share that, in times past, phrases like the one I’d used would be followed with “Shave and a haircut – two bits!” It was a popular tagline and I was familiar with it. Ever since, we’ve been “Two Bits” and “Shave” occasionally prefaced by the stamp of a foot and thrust of the arm.

By Siobhan Ernest, ago