What happens when we don't think we get what's coming to us? It's easy to grumble in Christian life because we believe God is blessing others more than us. But what happens to our spiritual walk when we grumble? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on the danger of pride and considers why it might be wise to let go of our desire for God to be fair. We actually need Him to be generous.

Scripture Passage: Matthew 20:1-16

Preached on the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, the 20th of September, by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

• Perspective affects how we understand Jesus' parables
• How this parable invites us to see ourselves as needing grace
• How this parable invites us to extend grace to others
• How this parable invites us to reimagine service to God

Further Interest:

The Rabbit-Duck Illusion. An illustration of how perception changes depending on one's perspective.

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Good Shepherd's full service - broadcast for those at home due to Coronavirus Quarantine. Listen in to our music, prayers, sermon and Eucharist. Today's sermon topic: living water. Have a listen. Sermon begins at 17:45

Scripture Passage: John 4:5-42

Held on the 3rd Sunday in Lent, March 15, 2020

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Most Christians are used to hearing the term "born again", but how many of us think through what it means for us? How are we born again, and what does it look like to be born again? Fr. Stephen's sermon today confronts the challenge of rebirths which don't seem to take. We sometimes want rebirth, but don't end up with the lasting change the rebirth implies. Christ offers us a rebirth which is eternal, and which has effects in our lives today.

Sermon Passage: John 3:1-17

Preached on March 8, 2020, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, by the Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

• Terms like born again should be re-examined because they are too familiar
• True rebirth is a genuine new start, and something undertaken by God
• Israel, Church and Individuals often attempt a new start, without lasting results
• Jesus' death and resurrection are a true rebirth
• We enjoy a true rebirth by casting ourselves on Jesus

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Temptation is part of human life. We know we should say no, but it's very tough. What do we do when we want to do something which seems fine, but God says no? In today's sermon, we see Jesus himself being tempted with things that aren't bad in themselves. Yet, he says no. Listen as Fr. Stephen explains how the core temptation isn't to do something bad, but instead to doubt God's love for us.

Scripture Passages: Genesis 3:1-7; Psalm 32:6-7; Matthew 4:1-11

Preached on the First Sunday in Lent, March 1st, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

• Temptation is most difficult when we are tempted with something good
• Jesus is tempted with things he has the right to enjoy
• Jesus says no because God said the time is wrong
• We are tempted in the same way
• God tells us no for our own good
• We must ask if we trust God
• We must ask if it is something which helps us become more like God wants us to be

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Worship is enjoyable for many, but for many others, it seems pointless. Why spend time praising God when you could be out doing good in the world? In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on the transfiguration of Jesus and what it says to us about the value of worship today.

Scripture Passage: Matthew 17:1-8

Preached on Transfiguration Sunday, February 23, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

• Worship can seem pointless
• The Transfiguration reveals that worship transforms people
• True worship orients worshippers to service
• Our worship is made complete when we reflect God's love in the world

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We all know there are rules to follow in life. Yet, we aren't always very good in following them. This can make Christian life seem impossible: we can't live up to what God asks of us. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen walks us through a very difficult passage with rules we cannot possibly keep. Jesus says these things to encourage us to seek the purpose of the law--not just to obey it but to embrace it as something good. The result isn't more obedient slaves, but more virtuous children.

Scripture Passage: Matthew 5:21-37

Preached on the 6th Sunday after Epiphany, February 16th, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

• Jesus' hard teachings are meant to surprise and shock
• But they are given by a Lord who loves and understands us
• Jesus calls us to embrace the purpose of the law
• Law's purpose is to make us more godly
• Godliness comes with attacking sin at its root
• Deal with motivations for sin by working on relationships
• Divorce is a broken relationship
• Jesus calls us to lean into marriage, not look for a loophole to get out of it

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The great Christians of old can seem like giants of faith. Yet, Jesus shows us that his most faithful followers may actually be the ones you don't notice. In his sermon today, Fr. Stephen reveals how Jesus' disciples are called to be like salt and light. Neither of these draw attention to themselves, but instead help bring out the best in the world around them.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:13-20

Preached on the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, February 9, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

• Salt and light don't draw attention to themselves
• Both make their surroundings better
• We are called to make our surroundings better
• Jesus fulfils the law
• He shows that the law is meant to bring out the best in us
• We can't do this ourselves
• We must rely on Jesus' grace to love the law and accomplish its purposes

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The church often celebrates milestones in Jesus' life and ministry, like his birth, his death and his resurrection. Yet, we don't always understand why they matter. In the church today, we celebrated the Presentation of the Lord. This recalls when Jesus was brought to the temple for the first time as an infant. But so what? What does it tell us about Christian life? In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen explains how this event shows us the importance of our relationship with Jesus as a real person. It also shows how everyday people have important parts to play in God's plans for the world

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:22-40

Preached on the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

• Jesus is presented in obedience to law of Moses
• Law was a reminder that God saved Israel's firstborn in Egypt
• Luke emphasis the person and body of Jesus
• Jesus is valued as a person, not just for his teachings
• We are challenged to trust him as a person, not just his teachings
• Simeon and Anna are not famous, yet are important
• We don't need to be famous to be important to God
• We too have important roles to play, chosen for us by God

Candlemas. Some information on the festival, its origins, and how it is celebrated

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