Seventh Sunday after Trinity and a Pastoral Letter - 2026

 

The Seventh Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.97-112

xiii. Quomodo dilexi!

LORD, what love have I unto thy law! * all the day long is my study in it.

98 Thou, through thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies; * for they are ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than my teachers; * for thy testimonies are my study.

100 I am wiser than the aged; * because I keep thy commandments.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, * that I may keep thy word.

102 I have not shrunk from thy judgments; * for thou teachest me.

103 O how sweet are thy words unto my throat; * yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth!

104 Through thy commandments I get understanding: * therefore I hate all evil ways.

xiv. Lucerna pedibus meis.

THY word is a lantern unto my feet, * and a light unto my paths.

106 I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed, * to keep thy righteous judgments.

107 I am troubled above measure: * quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.

108 Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord; * and teach me thy judgments.

109 My soul is alway in my hand; * yet do I not forget thy law.

110 The ungodly have laid a snare for me; * but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.

111 Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever; * and why? they are the very joy of my heart.

112 I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway, * even unto the end.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.

LORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Hosea 14:1-9

Psalter: Psalm 32, 36 | 33, 34

Epistle Reading: Romans 6:19-23

Gospel Reading: St. Mark 8:1-9 

Homily

 

From my letter to my congregation this week:

While I was at General Assembly in late June, I was given a book that was a pleasure to read. It’s written by two brothers, one a Pastor and one a Ruling Elder. It’s about the importance of the local church; “Together: Why We Need the Local Church” by Gabriel and Isaac Wingfield. 

Here are two quotations to give you a little flavor for the book: 

“Members of the body have a lasting connection to Jesus, and so we have a lasting connection to each other…The unity of members of the church is a beacon of hope for the world. Jesus told his disciples that our loving unity actually makes the church distinct: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). In the world, people only value each other because of what they can get from each other. By contrast, in the body of Christ, we value others not because of what they can do for us, but because God values and loves each of us, in spite of our weakness and sin. Since each of us has been known and loved by God, we in turn seek to love and know each other” (pg. 99). 

“Maybe we’re attracted to a church for the wrong reasons: we share the same socio-economic class, political views, or ethnic or racial background with the congregation. The world believes that these are the things that create ultimate unity (or division). However, it is God’s love for us, in Christ, that unites us into a shared life of love (1 John 4:9-12). This compels us to love each other across differences that the world finds insurmountable” (pg. 102). 

If you know me well, then you know well why these paragraphs stick out to me. 

The authors cover many things regarding the church in this handy manual. The church as a society, membership, church discipline, leadership, sacraments, and so much more. All the things that go into what it means to be a member of a church. The reason they do this is because, “to the extent that the church stays on the edges of your daily life, you are missing out on a gift from God” (pg. 1). It is easy to read and digest and would be good for you to pick up and pour over. 

 

Pastor Mike

Sixth Sunday after Trinity and a Pastoral Letter - 2026

 

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.81-96

xi. Defecit anima mea.

MY soul hath longed for thy salvation, * and I have a good hope because of thy word.

82 Mine eyes-long sore for thy word; * saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?

83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; * yet do I not forget thy statutes.

84 How many are the days of thy servant? * when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me?

85 The proud have digged pits for me, * which are not after thy law.

86 All thy commandments are true: * they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.

87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth; * but I forsook not thy commandments.

88 O quicken me after thy loving-kindness; * and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.

xii. In æternum, Domine.

O LORD, thy word * endureth for ever in heaven.

90 Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another; * thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.

91 They continue this day according to thine ordinance; * for all things serve thee.

92 If my delight had not been in thy law, * I should have perished in my trouble.

93 I will never forget thy commandments; * for with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am thine: O save me, * for I have sought thy commandments.

95 The ungodly laid wait for me, to destroy me; * but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 I see that all things come to an end; * but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen.

 

The Collect.

O GOD, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 57:13b-19

Psalter: Psalm 28, 29 | 30, 31

Epistle Reading: Romans 6:3-11

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 5:20-26

 

Homily

 

I share with you my recent letter to my congregation. First, a little back story. I just spent about 4 days in the hospital from Thursday until Sunday. I had to enjoy the 4^th of July, recovering from a huge loss of blood at the infirmary and was released on Sunday. That should explain why I didn’t send out the Collect and material for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity. Now, my letter:

 

Last night our next-door neighbor – probably mid-30s – asked me a question about my experiences last week, and all that happened. “Hey. Did you learn anything from it?” Wow. Now that is a question. I mentioned a few things to him, but his question has kept me thinking. What did I learn? Let me list a few thoughts below. Some of them I already knew but became fresh to me. Others I knew but took for granted.

 

•          My wife is my First Responder, my special operator, my priceless jewel: “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels” (Proverbs 31:10). It is too easy to let the routine, the day-in-day-out stuff blur that. But right now it’s clear as day to me.

 

•          Simple biology. You need blood to breath and function. “For the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life” (Leviticus 17:14). Sounds gory, but that was an eye opener in new ways. ‘Nuff said.

 

•          Being worried over by my daughters, watching my sons be men, embracing my precious daughters-in-law, holding my newest grandbaby. Oh dear God! Life is good! They are a gift. Who am I to be so gifted and loved? “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5).

 

•          I cherish you, brothers and sisters! I missed you. I missed our worship, discussions, camaraderie, jesting, communing, singing, and hugging. I missed those precious high-5s and smiles of the kids. And right now I’m missing VBS as I continue to recover. “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5).

 

•          I’m as stubborn as a rock.

 

•          Life is short. Up and running 3.2 miles, going and blowing all day on Wednesday, and then flat on my back in the wee hours Thursday morning wondering if I would survive. Truly, James is correct to remind us we should see each day, each breath, each moment as a gift of God: “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:14-15).

 

•          You have no idea how much you have meant to others or impacted them. There’s a lot behind this lesson that’s personal to me, so I’m going to keep the details personal and close to my chest. But it was a lesson that blessed the socks off both my feet, warmed my heart, lifted my head, and brought me to say to God, “Wow! I had no idea!”

 

•          I’m stubborn as a rock. I did already say that, right?

 

•          The Lord is my shepherd, and his sheep dogs – goodness and mercy – are hounding me all my days (Psalm 23). Thank God!

 

•          My only comfort in life and in death is that with body and soul, both in life and death, I am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.

 

Brothers and sisters, lift up your eyes and rejoice in the gifts you’ve been given. 

With love,

Pastor Mike

Fourth Sunday after Trinity and St. Peter (29 June) - 2026

 

The Fourth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.49-64

vii. Memor esto verbi tui.

O THINK upon thy servant, as concerning thy word, * wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust.

50 The same is my comfort in my trouble; * for thy word hath quickened me.

51 The proud have had me exceedingly in derision; * yet have I not shrinked from thy law.

52 For I remembered thine everlasting judgments, O Lord, * and received comfort.

53 I am horribly afraid, * for the ungodly that forsake thy law.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs, * in the house of my pilgrimage.

55 I have thought upon thy Name, O Lord, in the night season, * and have kept thy law.

56 This I had, * because I kept thy commandments.

viii. Portio mea, Domine.

THOU art my portion, O Lord; * I have promised to keep thy law.

58 I made my humble petition in thy presence with my whole heart; * O be merciful unto me, according to thy word.

59 I called mine own ways to remembrance, * and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60 I made haste, and prolonged not the time, * to keep thy commandments.

61 The snares of the ungodly have compassed me about; * but I have not forgotten thy law.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee, * because of thy righteous judgments.

63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, * and keep thy commandments.

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: * O teach me thy statutes.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.

O GOD, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Lamentations 3:22-33

Psalter: Psalm 19, 20 | 24, 25

Epistle Reading: Romans 8:18-23

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 6:36-42 

Homily

Saint Peter the Apostle (29 June) 

The Collect

O almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock: Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: Acts 12:1-11

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-19 

Homily

Third Sunday after Trinity, Funeral Homily, St. John Baptist's (24 June) - 2026

 

The Third Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.33-48

v. Legem pone.

TEACH me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, * and I shall keep it unto the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; * yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; * for therein is my desire.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, * and not to covetousness.

37 O turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity; * and quicken thou me in thy way.

38 O stablish thy word in thy servant, * that I may fear thee.

39 Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of; * for thy judgments are good.

40 Behold, my delight is in thy commandments; * O quicken me in thy righteousness.

vi. Et veniat super me.

LET thy loving mercy come also unto me, O Lord, * even thy salvation, according unto thy word.

42 So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers; * for my trust is in thy word.

43 O take not the word of thy truth utterly out of my mouth; * for my hope is in thy judgments.

44 So shall I alway keep thy law; * yea, for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty; * for I seek thy commandments.

46 I will speak of thy testimonies also, even before kings, * and will not be ashamed.

47 And my delight shall be in thy commandments, * which I have loved.

48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; * and my study shall be in thy statutes.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.

O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom though hast given an hearty desire to pray, may be comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-14

Psalter: Psalm 16, 17 | 18

Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-11

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 15:1-10 

Homily

 

This last week I buried a believer who was also a long-time disabled Veteran. Here is my homily from the Graveside: 

To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

Phil. 1:19-21

Education Specialist William Kilpatrick, in his book, Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right from Wrong, says that “without the sense that life makes sense, all other motives for virtuous behavior lose their force.”  Clearly people have lost their way. Life seems to have become increasingly senseless, and many drift along through life, anchorless and without any “Moral Compass.” Many have lost their passion. Specifically, fervor for the lasting; hunger for the substantive. Now, an overwhelming number of people are ardent toward “ME.” But the more “ME” there is, the less of life there is to live; the less there is that is significantly vital, and eternal. The more “ME”, then the more hollow we are. But Paul presents another way that turns things right-side-up.

Paul has confidence, “I know…” (1:19). But a confidence regarding what? “that this will turn out to my deliverance.” What kind of deliverance is this? It’s not simply a release from prison and confinement, but a deliverance from the fleeting and fading away. As he goes on to say, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed” (1:20a). No shame! And further, “but that with full courage”. This is driven language; convinced talk. ‘I will suffer no shame and will press on in my purpose with courage!’ But what was Paul’s shamelessly courageous endpoint?

In life or death, Christ may be magnified; “now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (20b). Paul’s situation was precarious, in prison like he was, holed up and shoved down in a hole, stuck behind solid walls and locked doors, no longer able to accomplish anything the world thought was valuable. But instead of feeling victimized and vandalized, his passion gave him direction and purpose. That Christ would be magnified in his body. “No matter what happens to me bodily, my aim is for Christ to be revealed and exalted.”  This is the man who had come to the end of holding dear all of the fleeting aspects of a fading life: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21). This is Paul’s whole mindset. This is what focused him and centered him during all that would happen and had happened to him. In all of his debilitations and restrictions, Paul’s singular passion was Christ and Christ alone, no matter whether he lived, suffered or died, and this drove everything. This whole frame of mind gave drive to Paul’s whole existence. That in Jesus Christ, the Victor over death and hell; in Jesus Christ, who turned sin and pride on its head, here Paul had an ultimate direction of hope. An orientation that gave him focus and perspective in a mad world that was increasing in madness.  But also focus and perspective with a failing body and confining circumstances.

And this was the framework Paul wanted for the church to work and live from. “To live is Christ; To die is Gain”. This gives heart and soul, meaning and purpose to all that you are and do. It’s not, “For me to live is my job; …my wealth, …my family, …my IRA, …my fame; …and to die is regret!” No, it’s “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. It gives us scope and sequence, vision and vitality, invigoration and endurance in a maddening world; in seasons of physical misery and confinement; at times of economic distress and duress; in situations where our bodies and dreams come crumbling down into a rumpled heap; in the face of disease, dismay, disenchantment, and our last enemy, death! “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain”.

In many ways, this passion and endpoint of the Apostle’s is what I will remember Greg for the most… A Christian beaming quiet joy and faith. A man who faced his mortality with hope. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Saint John Baptist’s Day (June 24) 

The Collect

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of they Son our Saviour, by preaching of repentance: Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching, and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading (For the Epistle): Isaiah 40:1-11

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:57-80 

Homily

Second Sunday after Trinity - 2026

 

The Second Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.17-32

iii. Retribue servo tuo.

O DO well unto thy servant; * that I may live, and keep thy word.

18 Open thou mine eyes; * that I may see the wondrous things of thy law.

19 I am a stranger upon earth; * O hide not thy commandments from me.

20 My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire * that it hath alway unto thy judgments.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud; * and cursed are they that do err from thy commandments.

22 O turn from me shame and rebuke; * for I have kept thy testimonies.

23 Princes also did sit and speak against me; * but thy servant is occupied in thy statutes.

24 For thy testimonies are my delight, * and my counsellors.

iv. Adhaesit pavimento.

MY soul cleaveth to the dust; * O quicken thou me, according to thy word.

26 I have acknowledged my ways, and thou heardest me: * O teach me thy statutes.

27 Make me to understand the way of thy commandments; * and so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

28 My soul melteth away for very heaviness; * comfort thou me according unto thy word.

29 Take from me the way of lying, * and cause thou me to make much of thy law.

30 I have chosen the way of truth, * and thy judgments have I laid before me.

31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies; * O Lord, confound me not.

32 I will run the way of thy commandments, * when thou hast set my heart at liberty.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.

O LORD, who never failest to help and govern them who thou dost bring up in thy steadfast fear and love; Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 6:5-18

Psalter: Psalm 12, 13 | 10, 11

Epistle Reading: 1 John 3:13-24

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 14:15-24 

Homily

The First Sunday after Trinity and St. Barnabas - 2026

 

The First Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119. 1. Beati immaculati.

BLESSED are those that are undefiled in the way, and walk in the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, * and seek him with their whole heart;

3 Even they who do no wickedness, * and walk in his ways.

4 Thou hast charged * that we shall diligently keep thy commandments.

5 O that my ways were made so direct, * that I might keep thy statutes!

6 So shall I not be confounded, * while I have respect unto all thy commandments.

7 I will thank thee with an unfeigned heart, * when Ishall have learned the judgments of thy righteousness.

8 I will keep thy statutes; * O forsake me not utterly.

ii. In quo corrigit?

WHEREWITHAL shall a young man cleanse his way? * even by ruling himself after thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee; * O let me not go wrong out of thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid within my heart, * that I should not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord; * O teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I been telling * of all the judgments of thy mouth.

14 I have had as great delight in the way of thy testimonies, * as in all manner of riches.

15 I will talk of thy commandments, * and have respect unto thy ways.

16 My delight shall be in thy statutes, * and I will not forget thy word.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.

O GOD, the strength of all them that put their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping of thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 23:23-32

Psalter: Psalm 1, 5 | 2, 3, 4

Epistle Reading: 1 John 4:7-21

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 16:19-31 

Homily 

This past week I opened the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting in prayer. The prayer is found here.

Saint Barnabas the Apostle

(11 June)

Psalm 1

Beatus vir, qui non abiit, &c.

1. BLESSED is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners : and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.

2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord : and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.

3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side : that will bring forth his fruit in due season.

4. His leaf also shall not wither : and look, whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.

5. As for the ungodly, it is not so with them : but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.

6. Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement : neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

7. But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : and the way of the ungodly shall perish. 

The Collect

O Lord God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost; Leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: Acts 11:22-30

Gospel Reading: John 15:12-16 

Homily

Trinity Sunday - 2026

  

Trinity-Sunday.

Psalm 98. Cantate Domino.

O SING unto the Lord a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.

2 With his own right hand, and with his holy arm, * hath he gotten himself the victory.

3 The Lord declared his salvation; * his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen.

4 He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel; * and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.

5 Show yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands; * sing, rejoice, and give thanks.

6 Praise the Lord upon the harp; * sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.

7 With trumpets also and shawms, * O show yourselves joyful before the Lord, the King.

8 Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is; * the round world, and they that dwell therein.

9 Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; * for he is come to judge the earth.

10 With righteousness shall he judge the world, * and the peoples with equity.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen.

 

Lord, who hast formed me out of mud,
And hast redeemed me through thy blood,
And sanctified me to do good; 

Purge all my sins done heretofore:
For I confess my heavy score,
And I will strive to sin no more. 

Enrich my heart, mouth, hands in me,
With faith, with hope, with charity;
That I may run, rise, rest with thee.

(George Herbert, “Trinity Sunday,” from The Temple, 1633) 

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of thy Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech thee, that thou wouldst keep us steadfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Numbers 21:4-9

Psalter: Psalm 29, 33 | 93, 97, 150

Epistle Reading: Revelation 4:1-11

Gospel Reading: St. John 3:1-15 

Homily 

Athanasian Creed