Rev. Bill Sigler

07/15/2024

The King of Love, music by Philip Stopford, performed by Ecclesium, written for the choir of Chester Cathedral. With scenes of Chester, including the Cathedr...

07/15/2024

07/15/2024

It’s good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy.
- George Horace Lorimer, journalist

07/15/2024

You’re not imagining it. You’re not overreacting. You’re not being melodramatic. Your body isn’t lying to you about how heavy it all feels. It can be helpful to see how systems of violence are all connected but it can also be overwhelming. It can feel like you exist under a weighted blanket- it’s hard to move, hard to breathe. I wish I could offer you relief and organize it all into nice, neat boxes roughly the size of an Instagram post and issue some orders that would have us solve all of this. But I cannot. We need a revolution. And then another one. And then another one. And then another one. Because the backlash to our revolutions is real. We are living through one right now. And your survival. And your art. And your voice. And your writing. And your passion. And your joy. And your beauty all matter for getting to the other side- so you can enjoy and experience the next revolution. Remember the goodness that you want in the world. Remember the human dignity you want for Black people, Palestinian people, q***r people, disabled people, poor people, women people, children people, houseless people, incarcerated people, marginalized people and all the intersections thereof. Remember the goodness you’re working toward. Because the backlash of hate is impossible to carry if you do not remember what it is to love. And as silly is it feels we must remember love.

07/15/2024

If only we all shared this attitude.

07/15/2024

THE QUIRISTERS OF WI******ER COLLEGE & CHAPEL CHOIR - Psalm 25

07/14/2024

We had an issue with our stream this morning...

Here is a quick summary of my Sermon this morning in where I Quote a line from Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz.

"I must confess a passion of mine: I am an avid fan of Japanese animation, or anime. One of my favorite series is from the Gundam universe, specifically "Gundam Wing." This series explores themes of war, peace, and revolution through giant robotic suits. In the movie "Endless Waltz," a profound line states, "History is much like an endless waltz. The three beats of war, peace, and revolution continue on forever." This resonates deeply as we reflect on our world today, caught in a cycle of conflict and resolution.

This endless dance of history reminds us of the Gospel lesson from Mark 6:14-29, the story of John the Baptist's beheading. Herod’s court, steeped in corruption and power, reflects how darkness can infiltrate our lives. John's ex*****on immerses us in a world where violence and moral decay seem to reign—a world that feels eerily familiar amid current events filled with tragedy.

Many of us face our own "texts of terror." Personal losses, broken relationships, and experiences of abuse create a tapestry of pain in our lives. The story of John's beheading is not just historical; it mirrors our struggles and the brokenness around us. Our worship must occasionally confront this darkness, uncovering the hidden grace within our suffering—a grace that holds our brokenness and groans for resurrection.

The Collect of the day encapsulates this: "O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them." This prayer pleads for divine guidance and strength to navigate our lives' darkness.

Paul's words in Ephesians 1:3-14 assure us of our redemption and forgiveness through Christ. Despite the surrounding darkness, we are chosen and sealed with the Holy Spirit. This assurance empowers us to face the darkness, knowing we are not alone and our suffering has a purpose within God's grand design.

As we reflect on the violence pervading our world today, let us remember Jesus' teachings of love and nonviolence. If we truly followed His words, perhaps we could break this endless waltz of history. Herod's court reflects the potential darkness within each of us. Yet, amidst this, we are called to be a light—a beacon of hope and grace in a world desperately needing redemption.

The beheading of John the Baptist teaches us to confront our tragic stories. It urges us to bring our pain into the light of Christ, allowing His grace to transform and redeem us. This grace, a profound healing force, holds our brokenness and promises resurrection.

As we gather in worship, let us embrace the darkness, knowing within it lies the potential for transformation and renewal. Our sanctuary is a place where the fragrance of life can fill the air, where our suffering is acknowledged, and where the promise of resurrection gives us hope.

The endless waltz of history can be broken. By embracing Jesus' teachings and living His call to love and nonviolence, we can create a world where grace and peace prevail. It is not an easy path, but it is the one we are called to follow as Christ's followers.

Let us pray: Gracious God, we bring before you the broken pieces of our lives and the darkness that surrounds us. Receive our prayers, and grant us the wisdom to know what we ought to do and the strength to faithfully accomplish it. May your hidden grace transform our suffering into a beacon of hope, and may we live as instruments of your peace in this world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."