Second Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Phil Brochard The sermon connects the founding of the Metropolitan Community Church by Troy Perry in 1968 with Jesus' ministry among tax collectors and sinners. Perry created a worshiping community for LGBTQ Christians who had been rejected by society and the church, offering them a place to experience God's love and healing. Drawing on Jesus' call of Matthew and his statement, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” the preacher argues that God's kingdom is characterized by compassion rather than exclusion. Stigma and judgment push people to the margins and convince them they are unworthy, but mercy restores dignity and belonging. The sermon concludes that no one is outside the reach of God's grace. Every person is worthy of healing and wholeness, and Christians are called not to draw tighter boundaries around God's love but to extend mercy as Jesus did.