October 25, 2020 – 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 21st Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Deuteronomy 34: 1-12
Psalm 90: 1-6, 13-17
Matthew 22: 34-46
Note that the book Rev. DeSmith reads from in his sermon is entitled One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder by Brian Doyle.
While we will continue our online worship, in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Preregistration and masks required. Call the office or visit this page to preregister (413) 448-8277.
October 18, 2020 – 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 20th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Exodus 33: 12-23
Psalm 99
Matthew 22: 15-22
While we will continue our online worship, in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Preregistration and masks required. Call the office or visit this page to preregister (413) 448-8277.
October 11, 2020 – 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 19th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Exodus 32: 1-14
Psalm 106: 1-6, 19-23
Matthew: 22: 1-14
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Preregistration and masks required. Call the office or visit this page to preregister (413) 448-8277.
October 4, 2020 – 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 18th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Isaiah 5: 1-7
Psalm 80: 7-14
Matthew: 21: 33-46
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Preregistration and masks required. Call the office or visit our website to preregister (413) 448-8277.
September 27, 2020 – 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 17th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. Last week The Rev. David DeSmith became our new “bridge rector” and this week we are grateful to have him lead our worship again.
Today’s readings:
Philippians 2: 1-13
Psalm: 78: 1-4, 12-16
Matthew: 21: 23-32
While we will continue our online worship, in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Preregistration and masks required. Call the office (413) 448-8277 or visit this page to preregister.
September 20, 2020 – 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 16th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. On Tuesday our vestry voted to offer The Rev. David DeSmith the newly-coined position of “bridge rector” as we continue on our search process. With grace and love he accepted! This week we are grateful to have him lead our worship.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Preregistration and masks required. Call the office (413) 448-8277 or visit this page to preregister.
Today’s readings:
Exodus 16: 2-15
Psalm: 105: 1-6, 37-45
Matthew: 20: 1-16
September 13, 2020 – 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 15th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. This week we welcome The Rev. Jenny Gregg from Cathedral of the Beloved to lead our worship.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us on Saturdays at 5 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Preregistration and masks required. Call the office or visit this page to preregister (413) 448-8277.
Today’s readings:
Romans 14: 1-12
Psalm: 114
Matthew: 18: 21-35
September 6, 2020 – 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 14th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. After the sudden and tragic passing of our interim Rector, The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant, we are blessed to welcome The Rev. Bill Loutrel to lead our worship this week.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us. Preregistration is required. Masks must be worn. Call the office for details (413) 448-8277.
Today’s readings:
Romans 13: 8-14
Psalm: 119: 33-40
Matthew: 18: 15-20
August 30, 2020 – 13th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 13th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. After the sudden and tragic passing of our interim Rector, The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant, we are blessed to welcome The Rev. Jenny Gregg from Cathedral of the Beloved to lead our worship this week.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us. Preregistration is required. Masks must be worn. Call the office for details (413) 448-8277.
Today’s readings:
Romans 12:9-21
Psalm: 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45c
Matthew: 16: 21-28
August 23, 2020 – 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 12th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us. Preregistration is required. Masks must be worn. Call the office for details (413) 448-8277.
Today’s readings:
Exodus 1:8 – 2 :10
Psalm: 124
Matthew: 16: 13-20
August 16, 2020 – 11th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 11th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship including communion has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We take all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us. Preregistration is required. Masks must be worn. Call the office for details (413) 448-8277.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 45: 1-15
Psalm: 133
Matthew: 15: 21-28
August 9, 2020 – 10th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 10th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We’ve taken all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us. Preregistration is required. Masks must be worn. Call the office for details (413) 448-8277.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28
Psalm: 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b
Matthew: 14 :22-33
August 2, 2020 – 9th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 8th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
While we will continue our online worship, we’re pleased to announce in-person worship has resumed at St. Stephen’s. We’ve taken all the necessary precautions. If you’re comfortable, please join us. Preregistration is required. Masks must be worn. Call the office for details (413) 448-8277.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 32: 22-31
Psalm: 17: 1-7,16
Matthew: 14 :13-21
July 26, 2020 – 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 7th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
While we will continue our online worship, we hope you’ll join us next week for our return to in-person worship. More info on that in this video and in the days to come. Stay tuned, and thank you for being a valued member of the St. Stephen’s community!
Today’s readings:
Romans 8: 26-39
Psalm: 128
Matthew: 13 :31-33,44-52
July 19, 2020 – 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 7th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Romans 8: 12-25
Psalm: 139:1-11, 22-23
Matthew: 13: 24-30, 36-43
July 12, 2020 – 6th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 6th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 25: 19-34
Psalm 119:105-112
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 5, 2020 – 5th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 5th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Psalm 45: 11-18
Romans 7: 15-25a
Matthew 11: 25-30
June 28, 2020 – 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 4th Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. Today we welcome back The Rev. Bill Loutrel as our guest celebrant.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 22:1-14
Psalm 13
Romans 6: 12-23
Matthew 10: 40-42
June 21, 2020 – 3rd Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 3rd Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. Today we welcome guest preacher The Rev. Bill Loutrel.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 21:8-21
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Romans 6:1b-11
Matthew 10: 24-39
June 14, 2020 – 2nd Sunday after Pentecost
Thank you for joining us this 2nd Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
Today’s readings:
Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7
Psalm 116:1, 10-17
Romans 5:1-8
Matthew 9: 35-10:8, 16)
June 7, 2020 – Trinity Sunday
Thank you for joining us this first Sunday after Pentecost for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. Today we welcome The Rev. Jenny Gregg of Cathedral of the Beloved and we honor St. Stephen’s 2020 graduates!
May 24, 2020 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us on this seventh Sunday of Easter for the scripture reading, reflection, a Memorial Day Litany and prayers to honor that occasion.
May 17, 2020 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us on this sixth Sunday of Easter for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. Today’s readings: Acts 17: 22-31, Psalm 66 : 7-18, 1 Peter 3 :13-22, John 14 :15-21.
May 10, 2020 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us this Mother’s Day, the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Today we welcome guest preacher The Rev. Jenny Gregg and a special Mother’s Day reading by her daughter Noelle!
May 3, 2020 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us for the Fourth Sunday of Easter for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers. Today we welcome guest preacher The Rev. Bill Loutrel!
April 26, 2020 – Third Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us for the Third Sunday of Easter for the scripture reading, reflection, and a litany for the stewardship of the Earth and other prayers. We’re glad to have you.
April 19, 2020 – Second Sunday of Easter
Thank you for joining us today on this second Sunday of Easter for the scripture reading, reflection, and prayers.
April 12, 2020: Easter Day
Thank you for joining us as our own Interim Rector The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant teams with Rev. Jenny Gregg of Cathedral of the Beloved (Cathedral – Pittsfield) to celebrate with you the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!
April 10, 2020: Good Friday
Thank you for joining us this Good Friday for prayers and the reading of The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the story that changed the way we understand God and Holiness.
April 9, 2020: Maundy Thursday
Join us as our interim rector The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant takes you through the stories that both established servanthood as a way of following Jesus and the Lord’s Supper as a way of experiencing Jesus over 20 centuries after these events took place.
April 8, 2020: Stations of the Cross
“Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”
Join the Rt. Rev. John Tarrant, his wife Pat, Bill Frazier and Joan Evans as they take you through the stations of the cross inside St. Stephen’s Parish, Pittsfield MA. We hope you enjoy this opportunity to reflect on Christ’s Passion and that it helps you grow closer to Him.
April 5, 2020: Palm Sunday
We’re so happy to have you with us today as we team with the Rev. Jenny Gregg of Cathedral of the Beloved in Pittsfield to celebrate Palm Sunday with you.
March 29, 2020: Lent V
Thank you for joining us on this fifth Sunday in Lent. Pull up a chair as we gather together during this period of social distancing amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
March 25, 2020 – A Mid-Week Reflection
The below is from a book that was in my father’s library: Daily Strength for Daily Needs, compiled by Mary Wilder Tileston. It was originally published in 1884. This edition was published in Boston in 1947. When my father acquired the book in 1949, he signed his name and the place where he was living at the time, Jacksonville, Florida in it.
“If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:12
“All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.” 1 John 3:24
Abide in me; o’ershadow by Thy love
Each half-formed purpose and dark thought of sin;
Quench, ere it rise, each selfish, low desire,
And keep my soul as Thine, calm and divine.
– Harriet Beecher Stowe
“The Spirit of Love must work the works, and speak the tones, of Love. It cannot exist and give no sign or a false sign. It cannot be a spirit of Love, and mantle into irritable and selfish impatience. It cannot be a spirit of Love, and at the same time make self the prominent object. It cannot rejoice to lend itself to the happiness of others, and at the same time be seeking its own. It cannot be generous, and envious. It cannot be sympathizing, and unseemly; self-forgetful, and vain-glorious. It cannot delight in the rectitude and purity of other hearts, as the spiritual elements of their peace, and yet unnecessarily suspect them.”
– John Hamilton Thom (10 January 1808 – 2 September 1894) – an Irish Unitarian minister
Reflection
During these difficult times, we are being called to make decisions out of the Spirit of Love. Perhaps, this challenging period we are living through will be an opportunity to discover the difference between wants and needs; important and essential. It is ironic that, at least for the time being, loving one’s neighbor means keeping our distance.
Stay healthy and may the peace of God be with you,
John
March 22, 2020 – Lent IV: Readings, Reflections & Prayers
Thank you for joining us this Fourth Sunday in Lent for readings, reflections & prayers. Pull up a chair and come together with St. Stephen’s as we gather to worship virtually during this period of social distancing amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
March 16th, 2020 – Gospel, Reflection, & Litany
Pull up a pew as our Interim Rector, the Rt. Rev. John Tarrant reads the Gospel from March 15th, offers his reflection on it, and shares an adapted litany written by Anne and Jeffery Rowthorn addressing the Coronavirus.
Recent audio sermons (links open in new windows):
- February 23, 2020 (Last Sunday after the Epiphany) by The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant
- February 16, 2020 (Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany) by The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant
- February 9, 2020 (Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany) by The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant
- February 2, 2020 (The Presentation of our Lord) by The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant
- January 26, 2020 (Third Sunday after the Epiphany) by The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant
- January 19, 2020 (Second Sunday after the Epiphany) by The Rt. Rev. John Tarrant
- January 12, 2020 (First Sunday after the Epiphany) by The Rev. David DeSmith
Click here to find the sermon archive and to subscribe to future posts via your computer or mobile device.