Living the Good News - Saint Stephens Episcopal (Saint Stephens Episcopal)

Wednesday November 04, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 3:13-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.  John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  But  Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this  way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.  And  when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water,  suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God  descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Sermon - Sujanna Raj

Luke 2:1-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph  also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of  David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and  family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And  she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth,  and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the  inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When  the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to  one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has  taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”  So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Message by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj 

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Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 10:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus the Good Shepherd

10 “Very  truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate  but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.  2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.  5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”  6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.  9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.  10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Wednesday October 28, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj   

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Wednesday September 30, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj   

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Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj and Bishop Deon Johnson

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Wednesday August 26, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj 

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Performed by Charlie Caspari

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 1:18-25 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to  Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child  from the Holy Spirit.  Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.  But  just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to  him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take  Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy  Spirit.  She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.”  When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,  but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 3:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming,  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.  Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan,  and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But  when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to  them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to  come?  Bear fruit worthy of repentance.  Do  not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’;  for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to  Abraham.  Even  now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that  does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming  after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His  winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor  and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn  with unquenchable fire.”

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 4:12-23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,  so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

As  he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is  called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for  they were fishermen.  And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”  Immediately they left their nets and followed him.  As  he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and  his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their  nets, and he called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

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Sermon -  Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 14:1-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe[a] in God, believe also in me.  2 In  my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so,  would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b]  3 And  if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take  you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.  4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.”[c]  5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”  6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  7 If you know me, you will know[d] my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”  9 Jesus  said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still  do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you  say, ‘Show us the Father’?  10 Do  you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The  words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who  dwells in me does his works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.  12 Very  truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works  that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am  going to the Father.  13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14 If in my name you ask me[e] for anything, I will do it.

Sunday September 20, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj 

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Sunday September 6, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj and John Kavanaugh  

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Sermon - Father Steve Lawler

Gospel - Luke 23:33-43 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.  [[Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing.  And  the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying,  “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!”  The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine,  and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”  There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”  But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And  we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we  deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 1:1-18 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being  in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.  He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.  The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.  He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.  But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God,  who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.  (John  testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who  comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”)  From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.  The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sunday October 4, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj

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Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sunday September 27, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj 

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Sunday August 30, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj

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Wednesday September 2, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Special Thanks to all of our parishioners that contributed their voices in the making of this piece.

Background music:

Sergey Cheremisinov - The Healing

https://sergeycheremisinov.bandcamp.com/

Message by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Luke 2:22-40 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When  the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses,  they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”),  and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law,  Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for  the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will  be opposed  so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age,  having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,  then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.  At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.  The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Wednesday September 23, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Wednesday September 9, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church  Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon - Father Steve Lawler

Gospel - Luke 21:5-19 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said,  “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”

They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?”  And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them.

“When  you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these  things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.”  Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;  there  will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues;  and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

“But  before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they  will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought  before kings and governors because of my name.  This will give you an opportunity to testify.  So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance;  for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.  You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.  You will be hated by all because of my name.  But not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Sermon - Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith

Gospel - Matthew 5:13-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“You  are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its  saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown  out and trampled under foot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In  the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see  your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.  For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.  Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the  same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does  them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Sunday September 13, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring  Rev Sujanna Raj & Bishop Deon K. Johnson   

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Wednesday August 19, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 17:1-9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.  Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.  Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  While  he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and  from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”  When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.  But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”  And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As  they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one  about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the  dead.”

Sermon - Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 1:29-42 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’  I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.”  And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.  I  myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water  said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one  who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples,  and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”  The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.  When  Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you  looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means  Teacher), “where are you staying?”  He  said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying,  and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the  afternoon.  One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.  He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed).  He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

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Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 20:1-18 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Resurrection of Jesus

20 Early  on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene  came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.  2 So  she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom  Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the  tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”  3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb.  4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in.  6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there,  7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.  8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;  9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.  10 Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look[a] into the tomb;  12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.  13 They  said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have  taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”  14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.  15 Jesus  said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?”  Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have  carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him  away.”  16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[b] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).  17 Jesus  said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to  the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my  Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  18 Mary  Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”;  and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj and Ben Robinett w/ music by David Doran  

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Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Luke 24:13-35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Walk to Emmaus

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Devotional by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Luke 2:1-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph  also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of  David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and  family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And  she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth,  and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the  inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When  the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to  one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has  taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”  So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Message by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Message by Rev. Sujanna Raj

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Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 13:1-17, 31b-35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

13 Now  before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come  to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who  were in the world, he loved them to the end.  2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper  3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God,  4 got up from the table,[a] took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself.  5 Then  he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and  to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.  6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”  7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”  8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”  9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”  10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet,[b] but is entirely clean. And you[c] are clean, though not all of you.”  11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 After  he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the  table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?  13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am.  14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.  16 Very truly, I tell you, servants[d] are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.  17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

The New Commandment

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.  32 If God has been glorified in him,[a] God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.  33 Little  children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and  as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you  cannot come.’  34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.  35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

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The Apostles' - Read by John Kavanaugh.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ,

his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the

Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He

descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is

seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the 

forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal

For more info check out our website https://saint-stephens.info/If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal

The Lords Prayer - Read by John Kavanaugh.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, 

thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 5:21-37 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“You  have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not  murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’  But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.  So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.  Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.  Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  If  your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is  better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to  be thrown into hell.  And  if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it  is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body  to go into hell.

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’  But  I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of  unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a  divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again,  you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall  not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’  But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,  or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.  Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj and Wendel Folks  

For more info check out our website  https://ssecf.org/  

If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit  paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal

Devotional by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,  asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”  When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;  and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.  Then  he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the  child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go  and pay him homage.”  When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.  On  entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they  knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests,  they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John: 1-45

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 11:2-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples  and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”  Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:  the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.  And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

As  they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What  did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the  wind?  What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.  What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly  I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than  John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than  he.

Wednesday October 21, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj   

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Devotional by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Friday April 10th, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Special Thanks to our interim rector and parishioners who helped in the making of this piece Rev. Sujanna Raj and John Kavanaugh, Stephen Robin, Charlie Caspari, Becka Fazio and The Robinett Family.

The music featured in this episode was "Northern Lullaby" by Sergey Cheremisinov https://www.s-cheremisinov.com/

For more info check out our website https://saint-stephens.info/ If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 21:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

21 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,  2 saying  to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will  find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to  me.  3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.[a]”  4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;  7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.  8 A very large crowd[b] spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”  11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Message by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj and Wendel Folks  

For more info check out our website https://ssecf.org/  

If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal

Featuring Rev. John Kavanaugh  

For more info check out our website  https://ssecf.org/   

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Sermon - Father Steve Lawler

Gospel - John 6:25-35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?”  Jesus  answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not  because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.  Do  not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for  eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that  God the Father has set his seal.”  Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”  Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”  So  they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we  may see it and believe you? What work are you performing?  Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”  Then  Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave  you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true  bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is that which[a] comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”  They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

Jesus  said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never  be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Message by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

Sunday August 23, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj  

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Sermon by Rev. Sujanna Raj

For more info check out our website https://saint-stephens.info/If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 20:19-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

19 When  it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of  the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews,  Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Jesus and Thomas

24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin[a]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.  25 So  the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to  them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my  finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not  believe.”

26 A  week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with  them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and  said, “Peace be with you.”  27 Then  he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out  your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”  28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”  29 Jesus  said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are  those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

The Purpose of This Book

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.  31 But these are written so that you may come to believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah,[c] the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Wednesday September 16, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Featuring Rev. Sujanna Raj   

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Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - John 3:1-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.  He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who  has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from  the presence of God.”  Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”  Nicodemus  said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one  enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?”  Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.  What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’  The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not  know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is  born of the Spirit.”  Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”  Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.  If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?  No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.  And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

“For  God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who  believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Sunday March 15th, 2020
3rd Sunday of Lent
Service at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Featuring Rev Sujanna Raj
Follow along using www.lectionarypage.net
For more info check out our website
http://www.saint-stephens.info

Sunday March 22th, 2020 

4rd Sunday of Lent Service at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 

Featuring Rev Sujanna Raj 

Follow along using www.lectionarypage.net

For more info check out our website http://www.saint-stephens.info

Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj

Gospel - Matthew 4:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.  The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”  But he answered, “It is written,

‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple,  saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,

‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor;  and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”  Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”

Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.