Calvary Presbyterian Church San Francisco

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.

This story from Exodus 16 contains one of the best-known miracles in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible: when Moses and the people have no food to eat in the wilderness, God sends the miracle of manna to be their daily bread. The people eat that manna for the next forty years, as God sustains them throughout their wilderness journey. What might manna look like for us, when we find ourselves in our own wilderness seasons? The sermon was delivered by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence on World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2025.The scripture reading was from Exodus 16:10–21, 35

Perhaps it was destiny, child, that drew Moses toward that burning bush. There he learns God's name. Let's remove everything that separates us from holy ground and listen together for a new divine revelation. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Victor Floyd on Sunday, September 28, 2025.The scripture reading was from Exodus 2:23–25; 3:1–15; 4:10–17.

Do you remember your dreams? There are mornings we wake up and wish we could return to the narrative of our dreams, even as the details fade away. No matter how hard we try, we just can’t return to that particular dream story. It would be easier to grab hold of a cloud or catch a shadow.There are mornings we wake up and thank the good Lord is was just a dream. There are some scenarios we play out in our dreams that we couldn’t bear in real life.How do we dream together what God is dreaming for the church? Let's dream together.•The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on Sunday, September 21, 2025.•The scripture readings were from Genesis 27:1–4, 15-23 and Genesis 28:10-17.

The horrifying story of the binding of Isaac by his father Abraham is rightfully troubling to modern readers. Perhaps back then and still today, it challenges us to ask: "What have we sacrificed on the altar of religion, believing it was the 'right thing to do?'" Join us on Sunday as we grapple with one of the most challenging stories in scripture. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann Lee on Sunday, September 15, 2025. The scripture reading was from Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14.You watch a video of the scripture reading/sermon at https://youtu.be/_p0V6Cjb_3U

As we begin a new program year, we'll start at the very beginning. In the Book of Genesis, God creates the world. Humanity one of God's many and marvelous creations. How does our createdness inform our life together in community, with each other, with the other acts of God's creation?The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on September 7, 2025.The reading was from Genesis 1:1—2:4a.

An end-of-the-summer musical extravaganza! Let's worship God in a joyful and challenging service of "Lessons & Show Tunes" with biblical Wisdom as our guide. Readings from Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 2:1–6, Psalm 133, Ecclesiastes 9:7-9, and Proverbs 27:17.Songs:"You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen“Prayer” from Come From Away “With So Little to Be Sure Of” from Anyone Can Whistle “For Good” from Wicked

Song of Songs is a book of erotic poetry, neatly tucked into the middle of our Old Testament. How'd it get there? What might it have to say to us today? Join us for worship as we talk about this adult book, in a way that is appropriate for all ages. The sermon was delivered on Sunday, August 24, 2025 by Rev. Marci Glass.The scripture reading was from Song of Songs 2 :10–13; 8:6–7.

Through ancient rhythms of growing and dying, giving and receiving, losing and saving, holding and letting go, God created a pattern and a season for the world. Times for work and times for rest were included in that first creation story. We live, however, in a time when the lines between work and play, busy and rest have become increasingly blurred. How can we find a time and a place for everything required of us?The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann Lee on Sunday, August 17, 2025.The scripture reading was from Ecclesiastes 1:1–11; 3:1–17 .

Our scripture passage from the Book of Proverbs talks about the place of Wisdom in God's creation, and in God's creating. Wisdom is often a gift we receive later in life, and can feel somber to us, because of how long it took us to learn her lessons. But Wisdom is a joyful character in scripture, delighting in the world around her. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci Glass on Sunday, August 10, 2025.The scripture reading was from Proverbs 8:1–11, 22–36.

Summer Sermon Series: Peace and Perseverance in Poetry.This four-week summer series highlights three biblical books—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. These texts are not narratives; they are poetry, and like all poetry, they communicate in language aimed as much at the heart as at the head. As we ponder these ancient texts, may we find the peace and the perseverance to live a life of faith and love.Trusting in Wisdom:God's word continues to guide and instruct us still today. The Proverbs talk about wisdom and its importance. How can we be wise and faithful people of God?The sermon was delivered on Sunday, August 3, 2025 by Rev. Joann Lee. The scripture reading was from Proverbs 1:1–7; 3:1–8.

In its final chapters, Revelation gives us a vision of a world healed, restored, and bursting with light. The New Jerusalem is not as an escape plan but a divine promise for this world—where there are no temples of exclusion, no gates shut to the outsider, and no more night for the weary. God’s justice includes rivers of healing, trees for all peoples, and a city where glory comes in all colors. This is the future we’re called to build—right here, right now.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Victor Floyd on Sunday, July 27, 2025.The scripture reading was from Revelation 21:1–7, 22–27.

In Revelation chapter 6, the seals on the scrolls start to be opened, unleashing the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse on the earth, and an earthquake happens, and the stars fall from the sky. The world is coming undone. This week, in chapter 7, we’ll consider what it takes to put the world back together after it comes undone.The sermon was delivered on Sunday, July 20, 2025 by Rev. Marci Glass.The scripture reading was from Revelation 7:1–17.

In Sunday's passage, Jesus is getting caught up on his correspondence, writing letters to the churches in Asia Minor, giving them both praise and correction. What do we think Jesus would say to Christians in the United States today, if he wrote us a letter? The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, July 13, 2025.The scripture reading was from Revelation 2:1-7; 3:1-22.

Please enjoy the second episode of our new oral history project, Calvary Storytellers, featuring longtime member Alger (Al) Ciabattoni. The son of Italian immigrants, Al has lived in San Francisco for over 60 years. Listen as Al narrates his early years in New Jersey, the family’s cross country move to California, his stint in the army, to his work advocating for disadvantaged populations in his role with the CA Department of Employment. Calvary (and San Francisco) has changed a lot since the 1960s, and Al makes his way through memories and church lore to describe why he's remained a Calvary member for so long.

As we continue reading the Book of Revelation as a book of resistance, we encounter a story of a woman who gives birth in space, while a dragon waits to eat the baby. Hopefully, none of our own birth stories are that dramatic. But there are days, and sometimes years, when life comes at you in ways other than you predict, or would choose, or can control. We think we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing, being good Christian people, and then a funny thing happens on the way to the hospital and you’re giving birth in space. With dragons. What does resistance look like in the face of the situations we can't control and wouldn't choose? The sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The scripture reading was from Revelation 12:1-6, 13-17.

"Why dost thou doom scrolleth even now?" (Victor 3:16) On this Queer Pride Sunday, we worship the One who shows us how to live with integrity and profound joy. That which is against God shall not stand! As the world unravels, celebration reveals our power to resist. This sermon was delivered by Rev. Victor H. Floyd on June 29, 2025.The scripture reading was from Revelation 5:1-13.

The book of Revelation includes scary beasts with horns and special marks with numbers revealing who they are. But rather than foretelling future events, what if they were unveiling current rulers and empires who preyed on their people? Let us slay the beasts of oppression and injustice as we resist the empire and embrace the reign of God!This sermon was delivered by Rev. Joann H. Lee on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The scripture reading was from Revelation 13:1–18; 17:1–6.