The Sermons at St. Paul's

A sermon preached by The Rev. Erika Takacs at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 10, 2026, reflecting on 1 Peter’s seemingly reassuring question, “Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?” Rev. Takacs explores how this “failed” rhetorical question exposes the real suffering of early Christians and of our own fear-saturated world, and proclaims the call, drawn from Isaiah and 1 Peter, to “not fear what they fear” but to orient our lives toward Christ, who blesses us even when we suffer for doing good.

Recorded on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, NC, this sermon by The Rev. Lucy Strandlund reflects on Jesus’ words, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” and what they mean for us today.

The Rev. Jane Patterson, PhD preaches on April 26, 2027.

This Sunday, April 19, 2026, St. Paul's welcomes The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson. The Bishop joined us for confirmations.

On Easter Day 2026, The Rev. Dixon Kinser proclaims that God has already acted in the resurrection of Jesus and that changes everything. Moving from Mary’s grief at the empty tomb to the hope of a world being made new, this sermon invites us to trust that renewal doesn’t rest solely on our efforts and to look for where the risen Christ is already at work in our lives and communities.

Palm Sunday is not just about palms: it’s about cloaks, clothing, and the God who claims everything we are. In this sermon, The Very Rev. Andrew McGowan, PhD traces the journey from cloaks thrown before Jesus in triumph, to his stripping in humiliation, to the white robes of baptism that signify being “clothed with Christ.” He invites us to consider what it means to throw our whole lives—our possessions, roles, and identities—at Jesus’ feet and be re-clothed in his freedom and new life.

Preached at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, March 22, 2016, this sermon by the Rev. Nancy Vaders weaves together a hospice chaplain’s story, the fierce compassion of nurses, and the raising of Lazarus in the Gospel of John.

The Rev. Erika Takacs preaches on John 9 and the man born blind, asking who in the story can truly see. She names the many forms of spiritual blindness—fear, judgment, exclusion—and proclaims that our blindness is exactly where God’s grace goes to work. Not through our effort or theological precision, but through Amazing Grace, God opens our eyes to see our neighbors, ourselves, and God’s kingdom of mercy, justice, and joy.

In this sermon on the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), we look beyond the usual assumptions about her “shameful past” and discover a rich, nuanced conversation between Jesus and a thoughtful, influential woman. Exploring wells as biblical meeting places, Jesus’ first “I am” statement, and the woman’s role as a bold witness, this message invites us to see Christianity not as judgment, but as living water—hope, grace, and belonging that we are called to share: “Come and see.”

In this sermon, Rev. Nick VanHorn weaves together the chaos of a family holiday, the timeless lessons of scripture, and cultural traditions to urge us toward spiritual readiness. This sermon was preached on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 11:15 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC, for the First Sunday of Advent.You can watch more sermons at: https://vimeo.com/showcase/9237318?share=copy&fl=sm&fe=fs

In this sermon, Tim King explores the Feast of Christ the King by tackling the divisions of our world and our lives, from politics to personal relationships. Through the metaphor of “defying gravity,” he invites us to look beyond the pull of anger and division, urging us to find hope, unity, and the kingdom of God within ourselves and even those with whom we most deeply disagree.This sermon was preached at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on Sunday, November 23, 2024 on the Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King.

In this thought-provoking sermon, The Rev. Nancy Vaders weaves together the story of Galileo, the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, and the iconic 'Pale Blue Dot' image from Voyager One. Through these powerful examples, she challenges us to embrace an enduring, dynamic faith—one that looks beyond structures and traditions, and finds God's presence in the ever-changing beauty and trials of the universe. Explore how spiritual endurance and the courage to see more can inspire us to discover our place in God’s vast creation.Watch this sermon here >

 In this powerful sermon, Rev. Lucy Strandlund explores the profound mystery of resurrection through the lens of human uncertainty. Drawing from a biblical passage about the Sadducees' challenge to Jesus, she reflects on the limits of human knowledge and the deeper truths of faith.Preached on November 9, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC, for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.

In this powerful All Saints' Day sermon, The Rev. Erika Takacs explores the profound unity of human experience through the lens of water, from scientific molecular connections to spiritual baptismal transformations. She weaves together fascinating insights about water molecules, historical connections, and the Christian understanding of collective humanity, challenging listeners to recognize their deep interconnectedness and shared responsibility. Preached at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC, on Nov 2, 2025, All Saints' Sunday.

This sermon explores the biblical story of Jacob, highlighting his complex character as a trickster who maintains a persistent and intimate relationship with God. The Rev. Lucy Strandlund uses Jacob's narrative to illustrate that faith is not about perfection, but about ongoing dialogue, wrestling with doubt, and maintaining a deep connection with the divine, even through life's challenges and personal struggles. This recording is from the 11:15 AM worship service on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost.

In this sermon, the Rev. Nick VanHorn explores the difference between being "cured" and being "well," challenging the notion of God as a transactional vending machine. Drawing from the Gospel story of the ten lepers and personal experiences, he reveals how gratitude and faith can bring healing even in moments of pain, trauma, and uncertainty.This sermon was preached at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on October 12, 2025 for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.

Rev. Erika Takacs weaves together the story of two Jewish cousins creating a comic book superhero during World War II with biblical teachings about faith, hope, and the power of seeing the world as it could be. The sermon encourages listeners to embrace their ordinariness and use even a tiny amount of faith to make meaningful change in the world.

In this powerful sermon, Rev. Nancy Vaders weaves together stories of transformation - from a prison quilting program to the biblical healing of the Gerasene demoniac, exploring how healing can disrupt our most deeply held narratives and reveal the possibility of new identities. A message of hope, restoration, and the divine potential for change.

In this thought-provoking sermon, Rev. Erika Takacs unpacks one of Jesus' most challenging parables, exploring how God values our imperfect attempts at doing good. Discover a message of hope that celebrates small acts of compassion, courage, and mercy, revealing how even our flawed efforts can contribute to building God's kingdom of love and grace.

In this sermon, The Rev. Lucy Strandlund invites us to shift our perspective from scarcity to abundance, drawing on the story of Mary of Bethany and Judas Iscariot. With warmth and insight, she weaves together Scripture, personal stories, and a call to see God’s grace as overflowing in our lives. Preached at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem on Sep 14, 2025, this message reminds us that faith in action, boundless love, and hope for all are at the heart of our shared journey.

The Rev. Dixon Kinser preaches on the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost on September 7, 2025.

In this sermon, the Rev. Dixon Kinser explores Jesus' radical approach to hospitality and inclusivity, challenging listeners to move beyond cultural and religious purity codes. Using a Gospel passage about a dinner party, Dixon unpacks how Jesus consistently broke social boundaries by embracing those considered "unclean" or adversarial, inviting his followers to see all people as "their kind of people" through an ethic of solidarity and humility.

In this sermon, Rev. Erika Takacs explores the complexity of the Book of Isaiah, using the iconic stained glass window as a starting point to challenge listeners to examine their own community's shortcomings and respond to Jesus' call to work towards justice, compassion, and liberation.This sermon was preached on the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

The Rev. Lucy Strandlund preaches on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on Sunday, August 17, 2025.Despite our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we can be united by a shared spiritual hunger for community, justice, and God's transformative love.

The Rev. Nick VanHorn preaches on the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on August 10, 2025.

The Rev. Dixon Kinser preaches on the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC, on August 3, 2025. Join Dixon as he explores the temporary nature of life and the goal of understanding this to find purpose.

The Rev. Nancy Vaders preaches at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on July 27, 2025 for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.

The Rev. Erika Takacs preaches at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on July 20, 2025 for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.

The Rev. Lucy Strandlund preaches on July 13, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.In this sermon, Lucy explores the biblical commandment to love God and love one's neighbor, drawing insights from the Jewish Shema prayer and a Gospel story about a lawyer questioning Jesus. She uses Brian Stevenson's civil rights work as a modern example of courageous neighborly love, emphasizing that truly loving others can be challenging but is essential to experiencing the fullness of God's creation and purpose.

The Rev. Dixon Kinser preaches on July 6, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.In this sermon, Rev. Dixon Kinser explores Luke's account of Jesus sending out 70 disciples to proclaim peace, unpacking the complex historical context of different Jewish factions and Jesus' counterintuitive instructions to travel without provisions. The message challenges listeners to embrace radical dependence on God and become peacemakers who resist violence, withdrawal, legalism, and complacency, trusting in the transformative power of God's kingdom.To learn more about St. Paul's, a house of prayer for all people, visit www.stpaulsws.org.

The Rev. Nick VanHorn preaches on June 29, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on the Third Sunday after Pentecost.In this Superhero Sunday sermon, Rev. Nick VanHorn explores the complex relationship between Saints Peter and Paul, using their historical rivalry as a powerful metaphor for Christian unity. Drawing parallels from pop culture and historical examples, the sermon challenges listeners to embrace differences while maintaining mutual respect and a shared commitment to Christ's love, ultimately calling for healing and collaboration despite theological and personal disagreements.

The Rev. Nancy Vaders preaches on June 22, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on the Second Sunday after Pentecost.Nanvy discusses a unique rehabilitation program at the South Central Correctional Center in Missouri, where inmates learn to quilt and create quilts for children in foster care. This activity provides a sense of purpose and healing for the inmates, who are often tormented by their past actions. The narrative is linked to the biblical story of the Gerasene demoniac, highlighting the transformative power of healing and the discomfort it brings to a community accustomed to suffering. Nancy emphasizes the importance of disrupting the narrative of suffering and creating something beautiful from brokenness, urging the audience to embrace healing and proclaim redemption.

In our final stewardship episode, Robert Clark brings it all together with a reflection on how cheerful giving can shape the future of our church. His message is a fitting conclusion to this series as we prepare to celebrate the commitments we’ve made. Be sure to listen and consider your own pledge with an open and joyful heart.

As we near the end of our stewardship episodes, Jack Scruggs offers a reflection on the power of asking “What If?” Let his message spark your imagination and generosity.

Today, we hear from the Capps-Hoffman family, who share what cheerful giving means to them. Their stories show us how generosity can build relationships, strengthen our community, and help us dream big for the future. 

Today, we hear from Debbie Clark as she shares what cheerful giving means to her.

This week, David Broughton reflects on the joy and fulfillment that come from giving. David’s thoughts remind us that stewardship is about more than just making a pledge—it’s about participating in God’s work through our generosity. Take a moment to hear his encouraging words. 

As we continue our stewardship season, Bill and Pam Ball offer us a powerful perspective on the blessings that come from giving with a cheerful heart. His message is one of faith and trust in God’s provision, and it’s sure to resonate with each of us as we consider our own giving. 

This week, we’re invited to consider the deeper purpose of our giving with a reflection from Kate Reece. Kate shares her personal experience of what it means to give with joy and how our generosity can open doors to new possibilities for our church. Be sure to listen and let her words guide your own stewardship journey. 

Today, we hear from Emily and Van Williamson. Their voices remind us that when we give cheerfully, we are truly giving together.

Stewardship is about community, and today, we hear Mike and Janice Ryan reflect on how giving connects us to one another and empowers our collective ministry.

Today, we hear from Dixon, who shares his thoughts on how cheerful giving can be an expression of faith, hope, and love. His reflections are a reminder of the profound impact we can have when we give with a joyful heart. Take a few minutes this morning to listen and let Dixon’s words inspire you. 

Stewardship is a time to consider how our gifts can shape the future of our church and community. This week, Sally Shore reflects on the impact of giving and how our generosity can help us live into the “What If?” possibilities before us. Sally’s message offers both insight and encouragement—don’t miss it! 

As we embark on our stewardship journey with the theme, “Cheerful Giving! What If?” let’s begin by reflecting on the joy and possibilities of generosity. This morning, Ricky Shore shares his thoughts on what cheerful giving can mean for us as a community. You are invited to take a moment to listen to Ricky’s message and let his words inspire your sense of wonder and giving.

Hello, St. Paul's. The stewardship committee is excited to release a new series of audio clips about the value of giving. Each week, we will hear from different parishioners. Listen to Graham Bennett’s Good Morning St. Paul’s stewardship message this week. 

The Rev. Nancy Vaders preaches on August 11, 2024 at the 10 am service of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC.

The Rev. Lucy Strandlund preaches on the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC on August 4, 2024.

The Rev. Sara Ardrey-Graves preaches on July 28, 2024 at the 10 am service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC.

The Rev. Dixon Kinser preaches on the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost during the 10 am service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Today's sermon delves into past societal norms like seat belts and smoking, and how they were eventually deemed harmful. It introduces the idea of 'bad shepherds', leaders who fail in their duties. The Rev. Dixon Kinser underscores the need to identify flawed systems without contributing to their negativity. He expresses optimism for the future, foreseeing the demise of these broken systems and the rise of something new.

The Rev. Nancy Vaders preaches on the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 14, 2024, at the 10 a.m. service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC. The Rev Nancy Vaders explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and grace as gifts from God, drawing from a personal experience in a college photography course and the teachings in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. The talk emphasizes the power of God's love to liberate us from guilt, sin, and shame. Rev Vaders also expresses gratitude for the gifts found in a summer enrichment program and encourages the audience to appreciate God's gifts in their lives.