You know you've been blogging too long when you blog about blogging. But here I am blogging about a new blog. It's not really a blog per se, but I've been working on a long-term project to house all of my sermons in one place. @FatherTim Sermon Vault holds all 440 (and counting) Sunday sermons I've preached over the years categorized by liturgical season.
I don't expect people to visit it very often -- it's really something I did for myself -- but it's out there in cyberspace. A few people have subscribed to the blog, meaning they'll receive a copy by e-mail every time I upload a new sermon. If you find some inspiration there, have at it (you can subscribe from the homepage), though a text isn't really a great way to experience a sermon unless you've heard the preacher and can hear the delivery in your mind. So if you haven't heard me preach, know that my style is identical to Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina (and if you believe this, please never visit my church).
As the 17th century Anglican priest and poet George Herbert put it, "The country parson preacheth constantly. The pulpit is his joy and his throne." I'm not sure if I'd characterize the pulpit as "my throne" but I'm always mindful that preaching is both a privilege and a joy and I'm grateful to every congregation I've ever served for the opportunity to publicly reflect on God's Word.
9 comments:
Ok. What does that actually mean? Bishop Curry is my bishop but he is not your traditional white-bread Episcopal priest. Help. (Should I read/listen to your homilies (or not)?
Don't we all wish we could preach like Mike Curry!
Valerie, just recognizing that Bp. Curry is arguably the best preacher in the Episcopal Church. My style is, well, slightly different.
Thanks! You are very generous to share your sermons with others. There are many ways to be a great preacher. Bp. Curry is great; so is Jim Forbes and so was Peter Gomes... I am grateful for every sermon that helps me develop my understanding, insight, and faith.
I noticed that you made a reference to George Herbert.
Fr. Tim, you sell your sermons short.
You are right. I can't hear your voice preaching it. I don't know what words you lingered over to emphasize, or how you changed volume.
Instead, I could hear the sermon in my voice being delivered. Let me explain.
In other places and times I've held what used to be known as a lay reader's license. I've had to conduct (Daily) Morning Prayer in the absence of a priest, and deliver someone else's sermon.
For the few sermons I read, I felt like I could deliver them to a congregation in a meaningful way. A way that honored the words and wouldn't bore people.
Thank you for giving us all something to at least read and inwardly digest.
I'm remembering the preacher in Gilead who kept reviewing all his old sermons to parse out some theological matter. Like there was a truth lodged somewhere in his words. The truth is in there. (apologies to J. J. Abrams)
Thanks for this, Bob. I've always been very aware that once the words leave a preacher's mouth he/she no longer "owns" them. This leave space for the Spirit to get in and do its thing.
Thanks so much for your generosity in making your sermons available. Great to hear your "voice" in my reflections on the Word. -- Peace, The Rev. Rebecca Owsley old-new priest in upper Lower Michigan
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