St. Alban's Sermons w/FatherJohn

Sermon: The Venerable Mike Besson (Dechomenos [Matthew 10:40-42])

In a world shaped by a fear of rejection, what does it mean to truly welcome someone? In this sermon, The Venerable Mike Besson explores Matthew 10:40-42 and the powerful Greek word dechomenos—meaning to welcome, receive, and embrace. Through relatable and heartfelt stories—ranging from a screaming toddler on a transatlantic flight to an empty graveside service—Besson illustrates a profound calling for all followers of Christ: to seek out the lonely, ease the anxiety of others, and actively create a sense of belonging. Tune in to discover how the simple act of saying, "I see you," can be the greatest gift you offer someone, and why welcoming the isolated means we are ultimately welcoming Jesus Himself.

Sermon: The Rev. Cruz Hector Torres (You Are Worth More Than Many Sparrows [Matthew 10:24-39])

Father Cruz dives into the tricky passage in Matthew. Jesus is not coming for conflict, rather to stand with the oppressed, and shows they are worth more than many sparrows, so as Christians we are called to stand with Jesus, in that mission. The oppressed can be anyone hurt by this broken world.

Sermon: The Rev. Stockton Williams (Laborers for the Harvest [Matthew 9:35-10:8; [9-23])

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." In this sermon, The Rev. Stockton Williams unpacks the profound compassion Jesus shows for a world that often feels "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:35–10:23). This message explores the pivotal moment when Jesus transitions His followers from being mere observers to active participants, officially commissioning the twelve disciples. Rev. Williams reflects on what it means for us today to hear that same call—to step out of the crowd, embrace our role as laborers in God's harvest, and carry a message of healing, grace, and purpose into our communities.

Sermon: The Rev. Mike Evers (I Can’t Save Myself [Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26])

In this sermon, the Rev. Mike Evers explores the profound moment when we reach the end of our own resources and realize we cannot save ourselves [05:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw-w38N5P1c&t=337]]. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, he reflects on the stories of J Jairus and the hemorrhaging woman [00:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw-w38N5P1c&t=14]]—two desperate individuals who placed their absolute trust in Jesus. Connecting these ancient accounts to modern-day stories of recovery and grace at the Wyoming Rescue Mission [04:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw-w38N5P1c&t=240]], Rev. Evers highlights how Jesus looks past our illnesses, addictions, and burdens to restore our true identity as children of God [08:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw-w38N5P1c&t=525]]. He offers a comforting reminder that when we reach the end of our rope, we discover Jesus has been holding the other end all along [13:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw-w38N5P1c&t=817]].

The Gift of Sabbath (Genesis 1:1-2:4a)

In this sermon Father John gives us a new way to think about the Sabbath. It is a gift from God and was the only thing God blessed in the creation story. He didn't bless it for Him but for us, to allow us to rest and recharge our lives.