Calvary Presbyterian Church San Francisco

When bread is shared, this drab world regains its color. Little by little. This week we sit with the desert's own wisdom and ask what it means to rebuild steadily rather than wait to be rescued. And we will share Christ's bread and cup.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Victor Floyd on Sunday, September 6, 2026. The scripture reading was from Isaiah 58:9b–12.

The hymn "How Great Thou Art" is well known and sung in many churches and in many languages. While the story of the hymn itself is interesting enough, how the hymn has helped faith get passed down from one generation to the next is also fascinating! This sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann H. Lee on Sunday, August 30, 2026.The scripture reading was from Psalm 8.

It may be aged and worn, but the old hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" has a story to tell! More than a sweet Sunday School song, this chestnut is planted in biblical narratives and calls us into an intimate theology of abiding love.Rev. Victor Floyd delivered this sermon on Sunday, August 23, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 15:10–17.

Kathleen Norris writes, “There is a powerful moment in any religious conversion… in which a person realizes that… it is nothing you have done, but it is all of one event, God’s being there, and being of help.” The author of the hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” concludes that God’s grace calls for “songs of loudest praise.” How do you respond to God’s grace?Guest preacher Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt delivered this sermon on Sunday, August 16, 2026.The scripture reading was from Luke 15:1-10.

The hymns we sing in church have a theological and often biblical basis. “Holy, Holy, Holy,” one of the most familiar hymns to Presbyterians, takes language from Revelation. Revelation can be a confusing, difficult book, but the writer was responding to the crisis faced by first century Christians: Do we worship God, or the emperor? In 2026, we still have to choose.This sermon was delivered by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Joanne Witt on August 9, 2026. The scripture readings were from Revelation 4.

What if the glory we're waiting for is already shining through us? Presbyterian trailblazer, Janie Spahr, preaches on Job's cosmos and Mark's mountain — where Transfiguration means seeing what was always true: dazzling glory, holy mountains, and the light hidden in ordinary flesh. Holy Communion.This sermon was delivered on Sunday, August 2, 2026 by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Janie Spahr.The scripture readings were from Job:38; Mark 9:2–8; Matthew 18:20.

Why do so many of us feel so much pressure to compete, judge, produce, win? The Parable of the Prodigal Son is about two sons. One son learns the hard way that he doesn’t have to earn his father’s love. The other son doesn’t get it. With which son do you identify?The sermon was delivered by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt.The scripture reading was from Luke 15:11–32.

God does not create for the sake of creating. Rather, God creates in order to enjoy, relate, connect, and abide in love with all that is created. Sabbath allows us to enjoy and rest in that love. This sermon was delivered on July 19, 20206 by Rev. Joann H. Lee. The scripture readings were from Genesis 2:1–3, John 15:9–15.

“Observe the Sabbath day, and keep it holy,” says Deuteronomy's version of the Ten Commandments. Does that sound like one more religious rule that’s too hard, or at least, too inconvenient, to take seriously? Or might an intentional break from our hectic lives be a path to freedom?This sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt on Sunday, July 12, 2026.The scripture readings were from Deuteronomy 5:12–15 and Matthew 11:28–30

The "morning after" our country’s 250th, we turn to a similar would-be dynasty with its own ancient treasury scandal, arbitrary system of discrimination, and freewheeling corruption. As in Queen Esther's time, we live somewhere between our nation's promises and betrayals. And yet miracles still find us! It's as if, all along, they were waiting "for such a time as this." Rev. Victor Floyd delivered this sermon on Sunday, July 5, 2026.The scripture reading was from Esther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:1–2, 20–22, 29–32.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve never heard God’s voice. I couldn't possibly be part of God’s plan or called by God,” the story of Esther is for you! Esther felt the same way. And believe it or not, like Esther, we are called to a particular service, for particular people, in particular times. What do the times call us to do today?Rev. Joann H. Lee delivered this sermon on Sunday, June 28, 2026.The scripture reading was from Esther 4:1–17.

Before Pastor Marci leaves for Sabbatical, she'll share a vision the Session is dreaming for the church, and how we can use this sabbatical time to live into our vision. In our story from Paul's letter to the Romans, we're reminded that we're called to particular service when we follow Jesus. How can we be faithful to who God is calling us to be today? And in our story from Jeremiah, we are reminded that God calls us to care for the communities in which we are planted. How can we be the best neighbor for our community? This sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The scripture readings were from Romans 12 and Jeremiah 29:4–11

Today we hear the ending of the story of Ruth, and while it is a happy ending, of sorts, Ruth is still “acquired” in a transaction by Boaz at the city gates. As honorably as Boaz behaves in this story, he still buys her as property. At the end of the story, Boaz is still Boaz and Ruth is still a Moabite woman—being acquired at the city gates and praised for her fertility. What is a faithful response by modern readers to a story that only partially recognizes the agency of women? The sermon was delivered on Sunday, June 14, 2026 by Rev. Marci A. Glass. The scripture reading was from Ruth 4:1–22

Who is the hero in a story of two women on the margin, looking to survive, praying for a break? What does the story of Ruth and Naomi teach us about the way we care for each other, about the way we structure our society? Where is grace to be gleaned in a story of famine?Rev. Marci A. Glass delivered this sermon on Sunday, June 7, 2026.The scripture reading was from Ruth 2:1–23.

We begin a four-week series on the book of Ruth. In this first chapter we hear about how famine causes Naomi and her family to migrate to the land of Moab. There, they meet Ruth, who will forever change their lives as well as the very lineage of Christ. This story of personal loss and loyalty shows us how to welcome the stranger and care for the marginalized. Ruth is one of two books in the Bible named after a woman, and as the quote goes: well-behaved women seldom make history!The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann Lee on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The scripture reading was from Ruth 1:1–1:22.

God listens to our prayers. Our words? Not so much. God knows what's in our hearts, despite the words we choose. What if we, like the Holy Spirit, were to listen to what's underneath the noise? Perhaps then we could discover true common ground. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Victor A. Floyd on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The scripture reading was from Philippians 4:4–7.

Our passage from the Letter to the Philippians contains what is called the Christ Hymn. Perhaps they used it in worship. It is very poetic language about who Jesus was. Jesus is described in this hymn as someone who 'emptied himself'. We're told in this passage to 'let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus', which means we need to consider what it means to empty ourselves.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The scripture reading was from Philippians 2:1–13 .

The apostle Paul experienced hardships for his preaching. He was imprisoned, kicked out of towns, and suffered harm. He was willing to talk about his struggles, but he never stopped there. It can be easy to see our struggles as the conclusion of a story. It can be more challenging to see them as a part of a bigger story. In Paul's letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds us to look for the bigger thread that weaves our stories together, and, in the midst of his suffering, he makes the decision to rejoice. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, May 10, 2026.The scripture reading was from Philippians 1:1–18a.

In a city crowded with idols and an altar dedicated to an unknown god, the Apostle Paul discovered that humanity's deepest restlessness is itself a longing for the One in whom we live, move, and have our being. As we dwell in the sacred space between the resurrection we have celebrated and the Pentecost fire we have yet to receive, this sermon invites us to trust that the God who raised Jesus from the dead is already present and active in the uncertainties, questions, and uncharted places we have not yet learned to name.The sermon was given by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The scripture reading was from Acts 17:16–31.

When the earthquake opens every door and every chain falls loose, Paul and Silas don’t run. That inexplicable refusal — we are all here — is what converts a jailer, and what might yet convert us.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Victor A. Floyd on Sunday, April 26, 2026.The scripture reading was from Acts 16:16–34.

Paul’s conversion is one of the most dramatic stories in scripture. But if you had told 20 year old Paul that 2000 years later we would know him as the most prolific writer about Jesus, he would not have believed it. What a second act! Do we give people space to live their second acts? Or do we decide that what we already know of them is all we need to know?The sermon was delivered on Sunday, April 19, 2026 by Rev. Marci A. GlassThe scripture reading was from Acts 9: 1–19a.

On this Confirmation Sunday, we read about Thomas, the disciple who doubted and would not believe until he saw Jesus with his own eyes. He is usually viewed negatively, but certainity is the very opposite of faith. Without our doubts, how can we profess to have faith? Join us this Sunday and bring your faith and your doubts!This sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann Lee on Sunday, April 12, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 20:19–31.

Mary went to the tomb on Easter morning while it was still dark. She encountered the living Christ not after day had dawned, not when things were looking hopeful, but while it was still dark. What might the Easter story have to say to our world today? Where is resurrection in our midst?The sermon was delivered on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 by Rev. Marci A. Glass. The scripture reading was from John 20:1-18.

The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann H. Lee on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.The scripture readings were from Isaiah 53:1–5, 53:6–9 , and John 19:23–42.

What we get before Palm Sunday in John’s gospel is the story of people who are ALL IN, saying enough is enough if a culture of violence wants to keep people in their graves. Enough is enough if generosity and abundance are scorned. Enough is enough if talking about new life is threatening to people in power . They lead us to the parade with the reminder to give it all away for love.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on Sunday, March 29, 2026.The scripture readings were from John 12:1-27 and John 19:16b-22.

In this passage from John's gospel, we're reminded that while the occupying Roman government murdered Jesus, they did so with the encouragement of Jesus' own people. What does this story have to say for how we live together, how we acknowledge our mistakes, and how we are called to be faithful today?Rev. Marci Glass delivered the sermon was on Sunday, March 22, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 19:1–16a.

After Pilate examines Jesus, he finds no fault in him. And yet, he offers the crowd a choice any way: release Jesus or Barabbas? The crowd chooses Barabbas, a convicted criminal over Jesus. How do we continue to choose Barabbas over Jesus still today? Come worship with us as we try to make good choices that reflect Christ's love and peace. Rev. Joann Lee delivered this sermon on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The preceding scripture reading was from John 18: 28–40.

In today's reading, Peter denies Jesus three times. Peter isn’t any worse than any other sheep in God’s flock. Here, at least, he’s also not better. We are people, like Peter, who deny.We deny our connectedness.We divide into “us and them”.We seek easy answers to complicated questions.Denial is not the end of Peter's story. It doesn't have to be the end of ours either. Whatever answer we have chosen in the past, we can always choose a new answer today.Rev. Marci Glass delivered this sermon on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The scripture reading was from John 18:12–27.

On the night we expect bread and cup, John’s gospel gives us a towel and a basin. Jesus kneels, turning ritual into relationship and power into vulnerable love. Communion is not words at a table, but embodied connection that changes and binds us together—when we dare to be present. Rev. Victor Floyd delivered this sermon on Sunday, March 1, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 13:1–17.

The rhythm of living, dying, and rising is the story of our faith, and the rhythm of our lives. We worship a man who rose from the dead. After he had lived. And after he died. As we enter the season of Lent, we'll focus on the story of Lazarus, and see how living, dying, and rising affected him and his community.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on Sunday, February 22, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 11:1-44.

In John's Gospel, the signs Jesus performs are supposed to point people to see who Jesus is, to connect them to God. But in the sign of the blind man receiving his sight, it doesn't seem to work. When Jesus' signs don't match what we know to be true in the world, do we dismiss them, explain them away?The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on Sunday, February 15, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 9:1–41.

“In the ways that are exemplified by Calvary, I think San Francisco has changed for the better. Because Calvary and a lot of people in San Francisco and causes rooted in San Francisco are for justice and equality.” Fran Moreland Johns' life is continually colored by a passionate energy for involvement and action. Born in Brazil to Methodist missionaries, her progressive activism and dynamic writing career have persisted through the decades. Fran’s story is one that vitally traipses across 90+ years of American history, from meeting Eleanor Roosevelt to experiencing a pre-Roe v. Wade abortion to intimate involvement with Calvary’s HIV support group in the 1990s. It’s a story that’s not to be missed.

Many of us feel things are falling apart-either in our personal, professional, or public life. How can suffering invite us toward deeper freedom, integrity, and trust in God? How can our helplessness transform us into the people God has created us to be?The sermon was delivered by guest preacher Rev. Mark Yaconelli on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The scripture reading was from John 4:46–54.

We live in a world full of shallow wells, creating a thirsty, isolated world. There’s a lot of anxiety in the world, in the church, because we turn to those shallow wells and are never satisfied. Jesus offers the Woman at the Well living water. What would it take for us to leave our water jars by our wells so we can have our thirst slaked and our souls renewed with living water?The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on Sunday, February 1, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 4:1–42.

Salvation is not an exit plan! It's God’s deep commitment to redeeming what the world has learned to call normal. God does not abandon the world’s brokenness but enters it to make it whole.The sermon was delivered on Sunday, January 25, 2026 by Rev. Victor Floyd. The scripture reading was from John 3:1–21.

What makes Jesus angry? Injustice, exploitation, and religious complicity with corruption and power, among other things. Tom Morello said in the 80s, "If you aren't angry, you aren't paying attention." Perhaps it is time to join Jesus in overturning some tables.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann Lee on January 18, 2026. The scripture reading was from John 2:13–25.

Jesus' baptism is where Christian community begins. The community Jesus creates comes about because of non-anxious invitation. Inviting people to see Jesus is not a popularity contest or a numbers game where we measure victory by budgets, attendance, or other measures. As we claim and remember our baptismal promises, we also claim and remember our call to be community.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, January 11, 2026.The scripture reading was from John 1:29–51.

Join us as we celebrate Epiphany, when the magi journeyed to see Jesus, and receive our Star Words. The prophet Isaiah preaches to people in exile a word of hope. Even as they walk in thick darkness, he tells them that nations will come to their light. How did Isaiah's prophecy come true in the story of the magi? How does it come true in our world? The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on January 4, 2026. The scripture readings were from Isaiah 60:1–6 and John 1:1–14.

The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann Lee on Sunday, December 28. The reading was from Matthew 2:13–23.

In a dream, Joseph received a startling message from God turned his world upside down, and Joseph's faithfulness in responding to God's dream, changed the world. We rejoice for all who hear God's dreams and respond with faith instead of fear. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, December 21, 2025.The scripture reading was from Matthew 1:18–25.

Last Friday, Calvary's oldest member, Louise Takeuchi, passed away peacefully at the age of 100. Louise lived a storied life, traversing 20th century history from a childhood in Fresno to an adolescence in a WWII Japanese internment camp to finally finding a home with Calvary. Today we're re-releasing our oral history episode featuring Louise as a tribute to her trademark positivity, resilience, and grace.

Happy Third Sunday of Advent! The sermon was delivered on December 14, 2025 by Rev. Marci A. Glass. The readings were from Luke 1:46b-55 & Isaiah 35:1-10.

The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann Lee on Sunday, December 7, 2025.Repentance is part of the work of preparation – and both activities have individual and collective elements. As crowds come to John for baptism, their repentance becomes a community event. Preparing the path of God also requires communities to engage in peace, love, and justice.ADVENT 2025: SOON AND VERY SOONThis Advent, we acknowledge our need for radical hope. The scriptures from this season encourage us to prepare for God's best, yet it sometimes feels like we are living in the “worst of times.” Can we hold fast to the promise that “soon and very soon” we are going to see the hope, peace, joy, and love of God manifest in our lives and int the world? Soon and very soon, friends, soon and very soon. This Advent, we wait with hope.The scripture reading was from Matthew 3:1–12.

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” But when? There is no holy itinerary for God’s arrival — no day or hour, no platform or gate. In Matthew 24, Jesus teaches us that if we want to live good and meaningful lives, we must keep awake: stay alert, attentive, expectant. God’s ever-dawning presence is always on the verge. The sermon was delivered on Sunday, November 29, 2025 by Rev. Victor Floyd.The scripture readings were from Isaiah 2:1-5 and Matthew 24:36–44.ADVENT 2025: SOON AND VERY SOONThis Advent, we acknowledge our need for radical hope. The scriptures from this season encourage us to prepare for God's best, yet it sometimes feels like we are living in the “worst of times.” Can we hold fast to the promise that “soon and very soon” we are going to see the hope, peace, joy, and love of God manifest in our lives and int the world? Soon and very soon, friends, soon and very soon. This Advent, we wait with hope.

The Bible has a tendency to compare us to sheep. In the 23rd Psalm, it is a good comparison because God is the shepherd and God's pretty good at the shepherding business, leading us to still waters. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that sometimes human shepherds let God's flock down. How can we be helpful shepherds, filled with compassion for God’s flock?The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on November 23, 2025.The scripture reading was from Jeremiah 23:1–6 

Amos was a small-town shepherd when God called him to be a prophet for justice. This relatively unknown "nobody" spoke boldly to those in power, railing against their policies and systems that favored profit over people. Join Amos on his quest for a fair and equitable society where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann H. Lee on Sunday November 16, 2025. The scripture reading was from Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24.

Elijah is a very relatable prophet. He has moments of great faithfulness, and moments where his fear gets in the way and his hope dissolves into despair. How does God respond to Elijah, and to us, in those moments when we forget just how great God's faithfulness really is. This sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, November 10, 2025.The scripture reading was from 1 Kings 19:1–18.

The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The scripture reading was from Matthew 5:14-16.

We must learn to let our spirits dance with God, even in the thick of this world’s confusion—with Halloween costumes, deep questions, and all the rest. Come ready for joy, mystery and a holy mash-up where darkness becomes the very place where God does her best work.This sermon was delivered on Sunday, October 26, by Rev. Victor Floyd.The scripture reading was from 1 Kings 5:1–5; 8:1–13.

In an age of rising nationalism and executive power that feeds on our fear so it can take over, God offers us a new orientation. God looks to our hearts to guide our actions in the world.The scripture reading from 1 Samuel 15 verses 34–35, 16 verses 1–13.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, October 19, 2025.