Breaking Society’s Scripts: Jesus’ Call to Authentic Freedom and Rest

Come, labor on

This hymn was sung this morning to complement the theme of the Gospel lesson of the day and sermon. It was sung on July 19, 2026, during the 10:30 am service. * Hymn, "Come, labor on," Jane Laurie Borthwick (1813-1997), alt. * Music, "Ora Labora," Thomas Tertius Noble (1867-1953) Words and music are in the public domain. This was recorded live during a worship service at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Kenmore, Washington.

Wheat, Weeds, and Waking Up: A Sermon on Patience, Grace, and the Inner Spiritual Battle

Description A contemplative sermon on the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds — exploring why evil exists, why judgment belongs to God alone, and how spiritual awakening frees us from the inner “weeds” sown by fear, culture, and woundedness. Through Peter’s denial, Jesus’ patience, and God’s reclamation, this message invites listeners to become good wheat: rooted in the Spirit, shining with authentic love, and trusting God to burn away what holds us back. Key Themes * Why evil exists in a world God called good * Judgment, patience, and God’s reclamation * Fear, woundedness, and unconscious patterns * Peter’s denial as spiritual metaphor * Awakening to the Holy Spirit * Becoming “good wheat” in a world of weeds The Rev. Theresa Newell preached this sermon for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11A), July 19, 2026, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church ofthe Redeemer: ✅All races.✅All religions.✅All countries of origin.✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.✅All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. 00:00 – Opening Invocation “In the name of the Father…” 00:15 – God Calls Creation Good “God created a good and beautiful world.” 00:30 – Why Is There Evil? “So why then is there evil in our world…?” 00:58 – The Parable’s Non‑Answer “An enemy has done this.” 01:20 – Jesus Validates Our Pain “Yes, I see you… I understand you.” 01:55 – Our Instinct to Root Out Evil “Root out the wickedness… and the wicked themselves.” 02:17 – Reason One: Patience “Reclamation first over condemnation.” 03:10 – Reason Two: We Misjudge Wheat and Weeds “We don’t have the insight… to recognize what is wicked.” 04:25 – Historical Misjudgments (Heresy & Abolition) “The heretic was really the prophet.” 05:11 – Judas and the Cost of Condemnation “Would they be living in fear constantly…?” 06:07 – Our Task: Be Good Wheat “Let your works reflect the beauty of your authentic Spirit‑led self.” 07:04 – Inner Weeds and Self‑Righteousness “We all have weeds sewn into our inner wheat field.” 08:14 – Cultural Wounds and Unconscious Patterns “When everyone was asleep, the enemy sowed the weeds.” 09:11 – Awakening to the Spirit “Wake up to the movement of the Holy Spirit inside of us.” 10:01 – God Burns Away Our Weeds “Free us to become more authentically ourselves.” 10:16 – Moving Between Awareness and Fear “Realization and centeredness… into fractured behavior.” 10:31 – Peter’s Denial as Spiritual Pattern “The weeds of his own fear choke off the wheat.” 11:34 – Weeping, Gnashing, and Transformation “WhenGod burns our weeds away, it can hurt.” 12:57 – Wheat, Weeds, and Repentance “We are repeat offenders and repeat repenters.” 13:00 – The Righteous Shine Like the Sun “Shine like the sun in the kingdom of our Father.” Tags Faith • Spiritual Growth • Sermon • Parable of the Wheat and Weeds • Grace • Inner Healing • Christian Reflection • Matthew 13 • Spiritual Awakening • Patience • Discernment

The Spirit That Makes Us Fertile Soil: Living the Kingdom Beyond Empire

Spirit‑driven transformation, the parable of the sower, liberation from empire, and the lifelong reshaping of the inner life. A deep exploration of Jesus’ parable of the sower and Paul’s teaching on life in the Spirit. This message challenges the voices of empire we’ve internalized, reframes our relationship with God as one of dependence rather than achievement, and reveals how the Holy Spirit transforms the “soil” of our lives over a lifetime. Through forgiveness, persistence, and divine intimacy, we become fertile ground that can bear abundant fruit. The Rev. Theresa Newell preached this sermon for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10A), July 12, 2026, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church ofthe Redeemer: ✅All races.✅All religions.✅All countries of origin.✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.✅All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. 00:00 – Opening Invocation. 00:14 – Jesus Announces the Kingdom. 00:22 – Why Don’t We Live Into It? 00:47 – What Interferes With Becoming Fertile Ground. 01:01 – Paul: Mind on Flesh vs. Spirit. ” 01:17 – The Inner Attitude That Brings the Kingdom. 01:31 – Hearing the Spirit Over the Voices of Empire. 01:45 – Misunderstanding Our Relationship With God. 02:21 – We Cannot Make Ourselves Good Soil. 02:73 – Jesus Does in Us What We Cannot Do Alone. 03:00 – God Focuses on What God Gives Us. 03:12 – A Spiritual Copernican Revolution. 03:21 – How Transformation Happens Over a Lifetime. 03:54 – Even After Sin, the Spirit Deepens Our Roots. 04:38 – No Condemnation in Christ Jesus. 05:12 – The Spirit Forms the Atmosphere of Our Lives. 05:48 – Losing Focus Gives the Spirit More Room toTransform. 06:33 – The Destination of Life Matters More ThanEpisodes. 06:56 – Joined Intimately With Christ Forever. 07:12 – Why Law Cannot Transform Us. 08:05 – Only the Spirit Makes Us Fertile Soil. 08:28 – How We Know the Relationship Lasts. 09:46 – Spirit Recognizes Spirit Across Faiths; 10:25 – What Spirit Rules Our Lives? 11:14 – The Spirit That Animated Christ Lives in Us. 11:58 – Fertile Soil That Produces a Hundredfold. 12:15 – Amen Keywords: Kingdom of God, Holy Spirit, Parable of the Sower, Paul’s teaching, spiritual transformation, Christian life, grace, forgiveness, discipleship, spiritual growth, fertile soil, life in Christ, peace, liberation, mutual relationship, justice, spiritual renewal #KingdomOfGod #HolySpirit #ChristianLife #SpiritualGrowth #ParableOfTheSower #FaithJourney #GraceAndPeace #LifeInChrist #SpiritualTransformation #TECTok #ChristianTikTok #SermonPodcast #AllMeansAll #Episcopal #TheEpiscopalChurchWelcomesYou #KenmoreWA #BothellWA #LakeForestParkWA #KirklandWA #Seattle

Breaking Society’s Scripts: Jesus’ Call to Authentic Freedom and Rest

A powerful reflection on Matthew 11:16–30, exploring how Jesus challenges society’s rigid roles and invites us into authentic freedom. The sermon unpacks his metaphor of children in the marketplace, the failure of cultural “games,” and the contrast between human expectations and divine wisdom: “wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” It culminates in Jesus’ tender promise: “Come to me all that are weary… and I will give you rest.” This message guides listeners toward humility, mercy, and discovering their true selves yoked to Christ. Key Themes: Children in the marketplace & societal “games” John the Baptist and Jesus defying expectations Wisdom revealed to the humble Mercy over brutal justice “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” Authentic identity in Christ Scripture: Matthew 11:16–30 Tags: Jesus, Wisdom, Freedom, Rest, Mercy, Authenticity, Matthew’s Gospel, Spiritual Growth, Sermon The Rev. Theresa Newell preached this sermon for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9A), July 5, 2026, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church ofthe Redeemer: ✅All races.✅All religions.✅All countries of origin.✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.✅All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. 00:00 — Invocation: In the Name of the Father, Son, andHoly Spirit 00:10 — When Scripture Feels Confusing 00:21 — Missing Context and Misunderstanding the Message 00:31 — Setting the Scene: Matthew’s Gospel 00:42 — John the Baptist’s Question from Prison 00:54 — “Go and Tell John What You Hear and See” 01:10 — Jesus Reflects on John’s Role and His Own 01:35 — Understanding Jesus’ Comparison 01:51 — “To What Shall I Compare This Generation?” 02:04 — Children Playing in the Marketplace 02:15 — Weddings and Funerals: The Games Children Played 02:58 — Jesus’ Generation and the Marketplace Game 03:21 — Jesus and John Refuse to Play Society’s Roles 03:42 — John the Baptist Misunderstood 03:58 — Jesus Dines with Sinners and Is Criticized 04:20 — Preconceptions Blind People to God’s Work 04:37 — “Wisdom Is Vindicated by Her Deeds” 05:03 — Wisdom’s Children: The Results Reveal the Truth 05:18 — The Proof Is in the Pudding: Results Show God’s Work 05:40 — Jesus’ Works Reveal His Identity 06:06 — God’s Wisdom Sets People Free 06:31 — Jesus Doesn’t Fit Society’s Boxes 06:59 — Society Still Treats Life Like a Game 07:14 — Gender Scripts and Social Expectations 07:32 — Race, Class, Ability, and Exclusion 08:03 — Jesus Rejects Society’s Games 08:24 — Hidden Truth Revealed to the Humble 08:57 — The Prayer That Confronts Our Blind Spots 09:05 — Impatience, Judgment, and Mercy 09:33 — Realizing Our Own Preconceptions 10:04 — Gratitude for God’s Mercy 10:31 — Becoming “Little Ones” Who See Clearly 11:05 — Learning Patience Like Jesus 11:38 — Justice Without Mercy Is Brutal 11:45 — The Culmination of Jesus’ Teaching 12:01 — “Come to Me All Who Are Weary…” 12:24 — Exchanging Society’s Yoke for Jesus’ Yoke 12:47 — Being Yoked to Jesus: Learning Mercy 13:00 — Discovering Our Authentic Selves in God 13:16 — God’s Wisdom Leads to Freedom 13:30 — A Prayer for Authenticity and Rest 13:46 — Yoked to Jesus in the Heart of God — Amen

Welcoming Love Into the World: The Mission We’re Made For

A powerful reflection on Jesus’ call to mission, hospitality, and interdependence. Drawing from Matthew’s teaching, this message explores what it means to welcome others, to receive as well as give, and to live the Trinitarian life of shared love. We are sent out as laborers of compassion — not to judge outcomes, but to love the world into wholeness. “Love. Heal. Forgive. Nurture spirit in the world.” This is the mission we’re made for. The Rev. Theresa Newell preached this sermon for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8A), June 28, 2026, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer:✅All races.✅All religions.✅All countries of origin.✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.✅All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. Keywords: Christianity, Matthew 10, discipleship, mission, hospitality, Trinitarian life, compassion, spiritual growth, faith, sermon, love, interdependence, church life, welcoming others 00:00 — Invocation: In the Name of the Trinity00:14 — Whoever Welcomes You Welcomes Me00:23 — The Call to Hospitality00:33 — Conclusion of Jesus’ Instruction00:41 — Two Sundays Ago: Compassion That Sends00:49 — Jesus Moved by Human Need00:53 — The Need for More Laborers01:02 — Sending the Disciples01:05 — The Harvest Is Plentiful01:17 — Realizing We Are the Laborers01:30 — We Are the Ones Sent Today01:40 — Instructions for the Journey01:45 — Two by Two, Taking Nothing Extra01:53 — Interdependence as Mission02:17 — Relationships That Mirror the Trinity02:25 — “Wow, Sounds Pretty Trinitarian”02:50 — Lambs Among Wolves02:55 — Hardships of Following Jesus03:09 — Announcing the Kingdom03:13 — Heal, Raise, Cleanse, Cast Out03:20 — Unconditional Love Is Counter‑Cultural03:37 — The Reward Is Worth It03:52 — Becoming Who We Are in Christ04:08 — Rewards and Outcomes of Welcome04:14 — Welcoming Disciples, Prophets, and Little Ones04:28 — Opening Hearts to Receive and Give04:46 — Interdependence Required for Reward05:05 — Receiving Keeps Us Humble05:44 — Why Jesus Sends Us Without Extras05:58 — Jesus Receives from the Father Through the Spirit06:11 — Living in Relation to Creation06:19 — “You Received Without Payment…”06:25 — Helpers and Helped, Givers and Receivers06:35 — Created for Unconditional Giving and Receiving06:47 — What This Looks Like Today06:50 — Hold Your Heart Open to Love06:59 — Every Person Has a Gift07:07 — Look for the Good in Others07:12 — Everyone Needs Something07:21 — The “Cheers” Theme: Being Known and Welcomed07:32 — Is Our Church Like That?07:41 — Loving Presence Beyond the Church Doors07:52 — Called Into Mission Today08:09 — A Final Important Point08:12 — Matthew’s Focus on Instruction, Not Results08:31 — Mark and Luke Report Success; Matthew Doesn’t08:45 — Mission Is the Emphasis09:07 — Instructions for a Hostile Age09:24 — Mission Still Matters Today09:42 — Misrepresentation of Christianity09:53 — Showing Who Christ Really Was10:00 — Do the Work God Gives You10:07 — Love. Heal. Forgive. Nurture Spirit.10:18 — Love the World Into Wholeness10:23 — The Need Is Great10:27 — God Is Counting on Us10:32 — “But What About Those Who Don’t Welcome Us?”10:53 — Stop. Mission Is the Important Thing.11:03 — Go Out and Love People11:14 — Mutual Relationship Is Between God and the Person11:26 — Don’t Judge11:40 — Love Without Judging11:46 — “But What About Attendance?”11:59 — Stop. Just Stop.12:10 — Do the Mission12:12 — Results Are Up to the Spirit12:26 — Do the Mission You Were Made For12:34 — Love Everyone Who Comes Through the Door12:42 — Love Those Who Never Will12:53 — Follow God’s Call13:01 — When We Love Our Neighbor, the Kingdom Arrives13:20 — No More Worrying About Who’s In or Out13:24 — Living in Trinitarian Sharing of Love13:30 — Invite Others Through Love13:40 — Relationship Is Always First13:45 — Participate in God’s Work13:55 — Amen