You Are Christ

Canon Theologian Chuck McCray explores the symbols and signs of Christianity.

The gospel John 20:19-31 is available to read (click for sermon text) or listen to it read by The Rev. Deacon Betty Bianchi in the recording below. Click on the white triangle in the black bar-shaped player below to listen to the sermon now or click on the link labeled: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.

Easter at St. Peter’s

Sadly, technical difficulties prevent the recording of the Easter message. In summary: “Christ has Risen! Alleluia!”

 

The Upside Down Kingdom

The radically inclusive Upside Down Kingdom of God where the inclusive love of God is labeled as terrorism by Imperial Rome is explored by Father Jeff in our Palm Sunday message based on Matthew 21:1-11 Included in the message is parts of Wislawa Szymborska’s Poem, “Hatred”. Click here for the poem’s text. Also included is this quote from an ancient Tibetan master :

The true measure of spiritual development is how one confronts one’s own mortality. The best way is when one is able to approach death with joy; the next best way is without fear; the third best way is at least not to have regrets.

– The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

The gospel  Matthew 21:1-11 is available to read (click for sermon text) or listen to it read by The Rev. Deacon Betty Bianchi in the recording below. Click on the white triangle in the black bar-shaped player below to listen to the sermon now or click on the link labeled: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.

You Are Surrounded—Come Out!

Dr. Deb Cash, speaks about our ministry supporting caregivers in a message by Father Jeff that calls all folk into the realm of God where exiles are welcomed and the outcasts belong.

The gospel John 11:1-45 is available to read (click for sermon text) or listen to it read by The Rev. Deacon Betty Bianchi in the recording below. Click on the white triangle in the black bar-shaped player below to listen to the sermon now or click on the link labeled: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.

Restoring St. Paul’s

Virginia City, Nevada was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. As a contributing property, the building of St. Paul the Prospector has been recognized as possessing historical significance and architectural qualities that are vital to the district’s  national importance.

Within these historic walls, the Western  Missionary Museum will install a multi-cultural reconstruction of the contribution made by people of faith,  who came west, braving the rugged terrains and extremes of weather, to make a new life for their families. We will demonstrate their role in making this godforsaken mining outpost into the bustling metropolis that it became. But after  140  years in the extreme weather of the Mountain West, this important building is at risk of being lost. To ensure the nation does not lose this jewel in the mountains, we will restore the building and ensure its preservation for future generations.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

RESTORING A HISTORIC BUILDING IS A LABOR OF LOVE AND FAITH, which requires a considerable sum of money if it is to be done properly. Our foundations are strong and secure, but the building itself needs extensive restoration,n. Wooden walls exposed to almost a century and a half of sun, snow and wind are dried out, rotted away, and warped. They can barely support the window sets, which are at risk of falling (and sometimes do in high winds!). Roof beams are unstable, putting walls at risk. Heat and electrical systems are archaic and might set the tinder-dry building aflame. We must act now or lose this historic and beautiful building forever.

The budget for this project is $2.2 million. This sum will restore the entire building, install the museum, tearoom and gift shop, and establish a maintenance fund to avoid future deterioration.

In the spirit of diocesan unity and love for our mother church, we are asking every Episcopal congregation in the Diocese of Nevada to join us in supporting this important project to restore St. Pa ul’s, the first parish in our state. Your financial contribution whatever your parish can afford will demonstrate that the entire diocese is united in support of preserving  St. Paul’s, for future generations, and will strengthen our requests to larger funders.

CONTACT DETAILS

We cannot delay. One more winter might be too late for St. Paul’s.
Please contact us TODAY using your preferred  method:

Kate High, Project Co-Manager
775-772-1267 kate.high1@gmail.com

Or send your gift to:

The Western Missionary Museum
9480 S Eastern  Ave  # 236
Las Vegas, NV 89123

The Antidote to Sin

We had a presentation about the Western Missionary Museum in the restored Church of St. Paul the Prospector in Virginia City by Kate High, Project C0-Manager. Email her at kate.high1@gmail.com for more information or click for a copy of the flyer

The gospel John 9:1-41 is available to read (click for sermon text) or listen to it read by The Rev. Deacon Betty Bianchi in the recording below. Click on the white triangle in the black bar-shaped player below to listen to the sermon now or click on the link: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.

The Jewish Boy with No Bucket

Using the meeting at a the well between a “Jewish Boy with No Bucket” and a “Samaritan Lady with No Husband”. Father Jeffery Paul talks about imagining a world where we are connected and not separated. He quotes the way to Joy from the book. The Book of Joy:

“What the Dalai Lama and I are offering,” the Archbishop added, “is a way of handling your worries: thinking about others. You can think about others who are in a similar situation or perhaps even in a worse situation, but who have survived, even thrived. It does help quite a lot to see yourself as part of a greater whole.” Once again, the path of joy was connection and the path of sorrow was separation. When we see others as separate, they become a threat. When we see others as part of us, as connected, as interdependent, then there is no challenge we cannot face—together.”
― Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Our readings are from Exodus 17:1-7 and Psalm 95 (click for texts) The gospel John 4:5-42 (click for sermon text) is available written or listen to it read by The Rev. Deacon Betty Bianchi in the recording below. Click on the white triangle in the black bar shaped player below to listen now or click on the link: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.

You Are A Miracle

It’s saving time whenever Canon Theologian Chuck McCray brings the message! Listen to how the cosmos is filled with miracles. Spoiler Alert: One of them is you! From John 3:1-17 (click for text) or listen to it read by The Rev. Deacon Betty Bianchi in the recording below.

Click on the white triangle in the player below to listen now or click on the link: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.

Can God Be Trusted?

https://www.cpg.org/global/online-resources/cartoons/

Father Jeff asks us to imagine what is like to trust the God who has chosen not to reveal the secrets of the universe to us. Faithful folks, by the grace of God, choose to trust. And so, we have a chance. You can read the Genesis 2:15 – 3:21 text here.

The gospel Matthew 4:1-11 (click for text) is available written and you may listen to it in the recording below.

Click on the white triangle in the player below to listen now or click on the link: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.

Honest, Open-Minded, And Willing

 

Imagine inviting God to enter the room first. Father Jeff offers this practice as a way to live mindfully a life of compassion and love. By being honest, open-minded and willing we have a chance to enter the alternative life that Christ offers called the Kingdom of God.

The gospel Matthew 17:1-9 (click for text) is available written or listen to it read by The Rev. Deacon Betty Bianchi in the recording below. Click on the white triangle in the black bar shaped player below to listen now or click on the link: Download below the player to save a mp3 file for listening later.