St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Albuquerque

Set against stories of injustice past and present, this sermon explores Jesus’ commandment to love as a costly, embodied practice. Rooted in the farewell discourse and the Eucharist, it calls the church to resist separation, stand with the suffering, and become Christ’s body, broken and given for the life of the world.

In this sermon, our rector reflects on how Christian faith has often been shaped by an anxious focus on salvation that Jesus himself never centers. Drawing on John 14, he argues that Jesus’ words about being “the way” point not to exclusion or superiority, but to a way of life marked by trust, compassion, and openness to God here and now. When fear‑based theology turns faith into boundary‑making or nationalism, it loses sight of a God whose house always has room to spare.

On Good Shepherd Sunday, the image of sheep and shepherd can feel distant or even insulting. Drawing on Palestinian shepherd practices, Howard Thurman’s wisdom, and Psalm 23, this sermon explores discernment, trust, and how we recognize the voice that leads toward life rather than fear or domination.

On the road to Emmaus, the risen Christ walks unnoticed beside grieving disciples. The Rev. Lee Lowery explores how we remake Jesus in our own image, miss his presence in everyday life, and yet encounter him again in community, Scripture, sacrament, and the faces of those most in need.

Preaching on Doubting Thomas Sunday, the Rev. Joe Britton reflects on John’s Gospel and its surprising claim that the Holy Spirit is given on Easter Day itself. Drawing on music, lived experience, and the sacrament of baptism, he reframes Thomas’s doubt not as skepticism but as spiritual illumination delayed. Baptism, he argues, is the moment when Christ breathes the Spirit into us, opening our eyes to abundant life and commissioning us as co‑creators in God’s ongoing new creation.

We celebrate Easter this year in a world at war, a world tired, anxious, and hungry for good news that does not deny reality. This reflection asks what Christians really mean by victory when suffering, fear, and injustice persist. Easter is not about pretending everything is fine, but about refusing to let despair win.

On Good Friday, Angel Nalubega preaches a powerful homily about the cross. Leaning on the theology of James Cone, she says that we cannot understand the cross without the lynching tree. Christ the Victor is the suffering servant, the poor man.

The Rev. Simone Drinkwater explores the significance of the cross and passion narrative, emphasizing its central role in early Christianity. She challenges the modern focus on resurrection, urging believers to embody self-giving love and hope, transforming present suffering into a vision of the world to come.

This sermon reflects on Jesus’ raising of Lazarus as the culmination of his life‑giving ministry and a witness to God’s desire for human beings to be fully alive. It challenges Christians to confront the death‑dealing powers of our world that deny abundant life to so many. It ends by returning to the honest questions of a child, grounding hope in the conviction that no one is abandoned to the tomb.

We live in a world that trains us to scroll past complexity and look away from suffering. This sermon invites us to resist that pressure and to see again with the clarity, nuance, and courage Lent demands. From encounters with unhoused neighbors to rising antisemitism, and from disability justice to digital distraction, we’ll ask what God longs for us to see. And where the Spirit is already helping us take a second look.

In this session of our newcomers class at St. Michael and All Angels in Albuquerque, we explore how Christians — especially in the Episcopal tradition — understand the Bible as a library of texts written across many centuries.Together we look at the structure of the Hebrew Bible (the TaNaK), the origins of the New Testament, how the canon came to be, and why different Christian communities treat biblical books differently.We also talk about interpretation: literalism, inspiration, and how Episcopalians read scripture in community. Rather than treating the Bible as a rulebook, we look for the larger direction it points us toward — freedom, life, and the possibility of becoming fully alive in God.This class is part of our “Newcomers Class” a series for newcomers and the curious. If you're wondering how Episcopalians approach scripture — historically, theologically, and spiritually — this video is a great place to start.Join us Sunday for discussion, questions, and some hands-on engagement with the text.🙏 Thanks for watching, and God bless.00:00 – Welcome & Overview  00:19 – What Is the Bible? A Library of Books  01:41 – Hebrew Bible and New Testament  05:00 – The Torah and the Foundations of Scripture  12:04 – The Gospels and Early Christian Writings  17:19 – Understanding Revelation  21:56 – Inspiration, Literalism, and Interpretation  28:40 – How Episcopalians Read Scripture  31:25 – The Bible as Direction, Not Directions  32:31 – Closing Blessing

The Rev. Simone Drinkwater reflects on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John’s Gospel as a story shaped by cultural tension, religious estrangement, and unexpected openness. She notes how the conversation crosses boundaries of gender, ethnicity, and faith, even as it reveals the awkwardness and pain carried by John’s community of outcasts. Drawing on her own perspective as a trans woman with Samaritan ancestry, she names both the dignity and the difficulties within the story. In a world marked by conflict and misuse of power, she calls the church to engage in similarly uncomfortable but necessary conversations, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through them and make us instruments of peace.

In this newcomers class at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, we look at two core questions: Why Christianity? and Why the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement?The class follows four main movements:1. Christianity and resistanceWe begin with the world Jesus lived in: a world shaped by empire. Drawing on Howard Thurman and liberation theologians like Orlando Espín, we explore how Christianity began as a way for ordinary people to endure and resist systems of domination. We also name the hard truth that the church has often blessed empire—and how many Christians today are returning to the movement’s earliest roots in compassion and justice.2. Christianity as inheritanceChristianity gives us stories that have shaped our culture and our moral imagination. Many of us inherit prayers, practices, and community through family or through returning to faith after time away. We talk about what it means to receive these stories honestly and interpret them for our own lives.3. The centrality of JesusWe turn to Jesus himself: his boundary-crossing compassion, his preaching about the Reign of God, and his ability to make people more fully alive. Jesus remains the deepest reason many of us stay Christian.4. Why the Episcopal ChurchWe consider how the Episcopal tradition holds ancient faith and real openness together. We talk about the Anglican approach to questions, the role of the creeds in worship, and the central place of the Eucharistic table.The video ends with two icons of the Trinity—Rublev’s traditional image and Kelly Latimore’s contemporary reimagining—both reminding us that there is room at the table for every person, including those the church has excluded.

In this sermon, the Rev. Mike Angell reflects on Jesus’ nighttime conversation with Nicodemus and what it means to be “born from the source” in a moment of global fear. Drawing on Archbishop Hosam Naoum’s plea for peacemakers in the midst of new conflict involving Iran, Mike challenges Christians to reject religious division and reclaim a faith rooted in connection, courage, and the cosmic love of God. This sermon calls us back to the Source that binds all people together and points us toward the kingdom where peace, not fear, has the final word.

Join us this Second Sunday of Lent as our Director of Youth & Outreach, Angel Nalubega, brings a powerful and challenging sermon. Together, we will reflect on the “Empires” in our lives that demand our ultimate allegiance.Angel’s sermon draws striking parallels between the steadfastness of Palestinian Christians and the faith‑driven defiance of Ida B. Wells and Fannie Lou Hamer. Through these stories, Angel invites us to examine the illusion that we can transform systems we have already bowed to.This is a candid call to use these 40 days to strip away the world’s “glittering” distractions and reclaim a faith that is not for sale.Join us as we explore why saying “No” to the mountain’s offer is the first step toward true, costly liberation.

Join us on this Ash Wednesday as we lean into the beautiful messiness of faith, treating it not as a goal of perfection but as a practice. This sermon is a gentle invitation to stop pretending and start being honest. Join us as we remember that while we are indeed but dust, we are more importantly Beloved.

We sing our last Alleluias before Lent. We leave behind the long green seasons after Pentecost and Epiphany—“ordinary time”—and reflect on why that ordinariness feels so appealing in days that are anything but ordinary.This sermon explores how people of faith respond to disorderly times: through mystery, courage, and refusal to accept cruelty as normal. From biblical mountaintops wrapped in cloud to a modern story of a priest “outed” as a Christian, we see how encountering God makes us a little odd—and more alive.We recall the struggle for immigrant justice in New Mexico, a reminder that sometimes the world must finally see injustice before change becomes possible.As we turn toward Lent, we reflect on faith as consciousness, resistance, and trust in the dazzling darkness of God’s love. We may never return to ordinary time—and maybe that’s grace.

Rudy Nickens—renowned facilitator, equity leader, and storyteller—delivers a sharp, soulful call to confront injustice. Drawing on Niemöller’s warning and George Clinton’s liberating wisdom, he urges us to reject silence, free our minds, and continue the essential work of justice.

On this Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the Rev. Mike Angell preaches and invites us to reflect on the heaviness so many of us are carrying. The heaviness of these days, when everyday choices feel overwhelming and the world feels loud, anxious, and divided.The sermon reminds us that God’s blessing rests not on power or perfection, but on compassion, courage, and care for the vulnerable. It invites us to see the world through the lens of Jesus’ upside‑down wisdom, to become helpers and peacemakers, and to walk humbly, faithfully, and persistently even when the way forward is unclear. This sermon offers hope: you are blessed, you are not alone, and love is still the way.

On this Sunday The Rev. Mike Angell explores a radical redefinition of "repentance" as a mindset shift toward justice rather than a weight of personal guilt. We dive into the life of St. Michael's Parish as they navigate the challenges of 2026, from supporting immigrant neighbors to becoming a literal antidote to despair. Join us for a candid look at how faith moves beyond the pews and into the streets to prove that Love, not violence, has the last word.

On this third Sunday after Epiphany, the Rev. Simone Lilith Drinkwater preaches and poses a powerful question: “What are you looking for?” Simone reflects on the reality of modern systemic injustice and suggests that instead of waiting for God to “fix” the world, we must recognize our own calling to be God’s hands and feet in the midst of suffering. By shifting from passive seekers to active participants, she challenges the congregation to transform the ordinary into the holy through acts of service.So—"what are you looking for?"Perhaps we are called to look for reconciliation and to build our lives on a foundation of active, courageous love.

The methodically explores the nuanced and curious interpretation of Elaine Pagels' new book, delving into the polarized times, unexpected organization of the book, the crucifixion and anti-Jewishness in the Gospels, the resurrection and canonical texts, and the discussion around how Jesus became God and the Creed. The conversation encourages a thoughtful and open-minded approach to theological exploration.

Join us this first Sunday after Epiphany as The Rev. Mike Angell reflects on the baptism of Jesus. He connects this ancient story to the struggles of our modern world, calling us to stand in solidarity with those who are hurting or afraid. Rather than focusing on exaltation, he highlights Jesus’ vulnerability and humility as he wades into the risky, muddy waters of the Jordan. This message invites us to let go of our certainties and embrace a life shaped by openness, compassion, and love.

The Rev. Mike Angell explores the story of the Magi from the Gospel of Matthew, delving into themes of mystery, defiance against tyranny, the journey of migration, and the freedom to choose one's faith. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality to strangers and the hope that drives migration, while also discussing the broader implications of faith beyond traditional boundaries.

The Sunday after Christmas, director of Youth and Outreach Angel Nalubega preaches about the Word made flesh.

Christmas isn’t about picture-perfect moments or postcard expectations. It’s about God showing up in the real world—in the rubble, in the chaos, in the places we least expect. This sermon invites us to bless the Christmas we actually have, to discover hope as a gentle light and love as a quiet, attentive presence. Not all places life’s road will lead will be pleasant, but they can all be redeemed.

This Forum Conversation on Elaine Pagel's new book "Miracles and Wonder" and delves into the historical criticism of scripture, the influence of Gnosticism, and the meaning of scripture. Mike dives into contemporary conversations in Christianity and Scripture like the deconstruction journey, the concept of neo-orthodoxy, the significance of miracles, and the provocative question of Jesus' conception. Additionally, it discusses the relationship between scripture and the historical record, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the enigmatic figure of Joseph.

Join us this Sunday as our Priest Associate, Rev. Susan Allison-Hatch, brings a powerful and timely message. This sermon reflects on Matthew’s understated Nativity story, inviting us to imagine Mary and Joseph’s fear, courage, and faith amid uncertainty. It emphasizes God’s presence not as a distant miracle-maker but as One who stands with the vulnerable and creates “a way out of no way.” Drawing parallels to today’s struggles—war, poverty, injustice—the message calls us to embody Christ’s promises through acts of mercy, justice, and compassion. Ultimately, it reassures us of God’s enduring promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Join us this Sunday as the Rev. Mike Angell preaches and challenges the commercialization and sentimentality of Christmas, calling us back to its radical message of justice and hope. Drawing on the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe and John the Baptist’s question, it reminds us that God shows up among the vulnerable—the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten. It urges us to make room for God and for those in need, turning Advent from consumption into compassion. True faith is measured not by labels but by whether the least among us receive good news.

Join is this Second Sunday of Advent as the Rev. Simone Lilith Drinkwater preaches about the deep connection between John the Baptist and Jesus, two fiery preachers whose lives and teachings challenged the status quo and opened new paths to God. Through their stories, we uncover the meaning of baptism, reconciliation, and the hope that sustains us in a broken world. Discover how Advent calls us to self-examination, repentance, and readiness for the reign of God breaking through around us.

In a world addicted to dread, Advent calls us to something deeper. This sermon wrestles with fear, explores Jesus’ words about keeping awake, and reminds us that waiting is not passive—it’s a call to justice. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned: Advent is a countdown to God’s kingdom breaking in.”

Join us this Sunday and The Rev. Dr. Paul Hanneman preaches on what it really means to be “saved”? In this powerful sermon, we move beyond old stereotypes of salvation to discover its true essence: an experience of love, belonging, and transformation in the here and now. Through vivid stories—from childhood road trips to moments of grace in everyday life—we explore how God’s unqualified love calls us by name, invites us out of darkness, and empowers us to be light in the world. Tune in for a message of hope, identity, and the challenge to become “someone with skin” for others in need.

On the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost our Director of Youth and Outreach, Angel Nalubega preaches on what it means to live faithfully in a world that feels uncertain and turbulent. Drawing from Isaiah and the Gospel of Luke, we hear the radical promise of God: “I am creating a new heaven and a new earth.” What does that look like when institutions fail, when chaos surrounds us, and when fear threatens to take hold?This message invites us to see possibility in the midst of upheaval—where old systems crumble, new life emerges. Through stories of mutual aid, acts of love, and glimpses of the Holy Spirit at work, we are reminded that God’s vision of justice and renewal is not a distant dream but something we build together, here and now.

The Rev. Mike Angell explores Luke’s gospel through the lens of resurrection, identity, and the deeper purpose of faith. This sermon invites listeners to reflect on the true nature of Christian discipleship: not control, but liberation; not judgment, but grace. Especially poignant in the days following All Saints, it reminds us that our faith is rooted in mystery, presence, and the steady love of God.“Don’t settle for small answers. Don’t settle for small Gods.”Tune in and be inspired to go deeper.

On All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos, we reflect on the communion of saints, the thin veil between time and eternity, and the radical call to love—even our enemies. Featuring stories of resilience from Gaza and the Beatitudes’ upside-down values, this sermon invites us to live the reign of God in the present moment.

This week we dive into a powerful sermon that unpacks Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Don't be too quick to judge the Pharisee. The Rev. Simone Drinkwater challenges us to look inward, revealing how we often repeat the same self-justifying logic when we define ourselves by what we are not or what we don't believe. Join us as we wrestle with God, embrace our shared imperfections, and learn to accept the profound, humbling gift or grace.

Don't Lose Heart. That's the simple, urgent command at the center of Jesus's parable of the persistent widow. In this sermon, We're challenged to rethink this familiar story, shifting the focus from the unjust judge to the persistent woman. The "Santa Persista" whose "pluck and courage" force change. Drawing on the work of Howard Thurman and Richard Rohr, The Rev. Mike Angell argues that true Christianity is not a system of "order" or a set of rules, but a thread of faith that carries us through seasons of "disorder". This is an invitation to let your faith be stretched between what was and what can be, and to embrace the persistent justice-seeking the Holy Spirit busy re-making faith across the globe.

Feeling like the world you knew is vanishing? In this sermon, The Rev. Mike Angell helps us explore the ancient words of the prophet Jeremiah to find a radical, spiritual response to our modern-day "exile". Forget waiting for the Rapture. The real work is to "seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you," or as the Hebrew commands: to work for the Shalom (wholeness, justice, and peace) of our very captors. Discover how our call to generosity and justice is not just a nice idea, but the defiant, transformative way we find our own peace in strange and threatening times.

Join us this beautiful Sunday as The Rev. Simone Lilith Drinkwater preaches about the wild energy of scripture—from divine sarcasm to radical humility. We reflect on St. Francis, the saint who embodied the gospel more than he preached it. What does it mean to be called a “fool” by Jesus—and how does Francis change the tone? We talk about encountering God in unexpected places, even in the natural world. And we remember: sometimes the loudest gospel is the one lived, not spoken.

Happy Michaelmas! Join us this beautiful Sunday as The Rev. Mike Angell re-examines the idea of interruption. Beyond being a rude habit, interruption can be a spiritual practice. A way to break through cynicism, fear, and hopelessness. He share a candid story about facing online vitriol and uses it to frame a broader discussion on how our faith calls us to be a beautiful interruption to the world's ugliness. This is a call to action to find courage, foster community, and choose love in a time defined by vision.

Join us on this fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost as The Rev. Simone Lilith Drinkwater reframes a classic parable to expose Mammon, a corrupting force far more sinister than simple wealth. It's the system that makes people feel expandable, valuing profit over human life. The message? Our commitment to God is an ongoing choice.

Jesus tells a story that doesn’t make sense: a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep in the wilderness to search for one that’s lost. When the logic of the world leads to more violence, followers of Jesus are invited to be illogical, to confront a background theology shapes our politics, our divisions, and our assumptions about who belongs.

Paul’s letter to Philemon challenges us to welcome the outsider as family. Jesus calls us to re-evaluate our values and embrace those who don’t fit our mold. True Christian welcome is costly, uncomfortable, and transformative. It means making space for everyone—especially the ones who challenge our comfort zones. 💬✝️ #RadicalWelcome #FaithInAction #Philemon #CostOfDiscipleship

On this twelfth Sunday after Pentecost our new Director of Youth & Outreach, Angel Nalubega, offers a powerful reflection on what it means to live out our faith in a world full of suffering and uncertainty. This sermon speaks to the heart of Christian community—mutual love, hospitality, and solidarity with those who are hurting and to remind us that our security is found not in wealth or power, but in the unwavering presence of God, who promises to never leave us. Join us as we discover why living a life of Love is the ultimate act of worship in a world that desperately needs it.

The Rev. Mike Angell preaches on the sacredness of the human body. God cares deeply about our bodies, not just our souls.This sermon calls for a broader meaning of the term "Pro-Life," suggesting that it should encompass concern for all lives: the poor, the elderly, those with health challenges, and those who are oppressed. In these difficult conversations, we must practice humility and radical acceptance of ourselves and our bodies, learning to care for and accept this beloved gift from God.

This week’s sermon wrestles with Jesus’ startling words: “I have come not to bring peace, but division.” What kind of peace does Christ offer if it’s not the Pax Romana, not the silence of fear or compliance? We explore the difference between false peace and God’s peace, a peace rooted in justice, community, and courage over fear—drawing on the witness of prophets, Dr. King, Oscar Romero, and Jonathan Daniels.

On this Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Simone Lilith Drinkwater reflects on the powerful biblical phrase, “Do not be afraid.” She explores how divine encounters—though often unsettling at first—ultimately reveal a God who gently nurtures trust rather than demanding unquestioning belief. In response, we are called to be spiritually prepared, to reimagine how we support others, and to help them recognize their own belovedness in the eyes of God.

Join us on this Eighth Sunday after Pentecost as The Rev. Mike Angell shares a powerful sermon on Abundance, Generosity, and Hope.He invites us to reflect, in a world shaped by the story of scarcity, how we can shift toward a better story—God’s story of generosity and abundance. By telling this intentional story, we begin to imagine and work toward a world rooted in Hope. Through active participation in God’s narrative of Love, Justice, and Community, we discover the strength and inspiration to persist.

Join us on this Seventh Sunday after Pentecost as The Rev. Lee Lowery challenges our assumptions about prayer and spirituality, suggesting that true connection with God isn't found in special places, postures, or dramatic experiences, but in the everyday moments of our lives. Discover how the simple yet profound relationship with Jesus shared with God can transform your own "ordinary time" into sacred ground.

In the second forum on Richard Rohr's book, "The Tears of Things" we look at contemplation and action, the balance between them, and the contemplative themes that have emerged across Richard's work. We will also look at other teachers like Barbara Holmes, Howard Thurman, and the Latin American Liberation Theologians as they influence the ideas of working for justice.