All Sermons
The reflection below was written by the Rev. Roger Douglas as part of the introduction to his book An Audience of One. It expresses the spirit behind all of his preaching and offers a helpful way to approach the sermons preserved in this archive.
As you read these sermons, you may find they help you make sense of the world, or invite you into your own conversation with God. Roger often said that he sought meaning in a world of death and suffering, beginnings and retirements, successes and failures, sense and nonsense.
His experience as a preacher taught him that most sermons first speak back to the one who writes them; the real dialogue is between the preacher and God. If anyone in the congregation hears a word that touches them, it is because God has chosen to let them in on that conversation.
Roger believed that preaching is deeply personal work — a struggle to make sense of Scripture, an openness about doubts, and a willingness to share the journey. The more honestly he engaged that struggle, the better others were able to identify with it.
He described this kind of work as “confessional” preaching, not in the sense of offering anecdotes, but in speaking truthfully from within one’s own life while pointing people toward Jesus. It frees the preacher from having to solve every problem and reminds us that we are not steering the ship, but contributing our part to the dialogue.
May these sermons draw you into that same conversation of faith — one marked by mystery, humility, and the grace of God at work in all things.
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Labor Day
Labor Day September 3, 2000 First, let me say how pleased I am to be here and see Liz. We miss her, and I really think you are most fortunate to have this talented priest as your first woman rector. I look forward to hearing how this wonderful parish has progressed under her able leadership.…
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Covenant or contract?
Covenant or contract? Joshua 24 verses one through 2 John 6 versus 60 through 69 August 27, 2000 when our children were young, we used to travel from Connecticut to South Carolina in the summer time. The drive with four young kids was anything but peaceful. Back then there was no air conditioning, cassette players…
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A Warning to Our Country
A Warning to Our Country Deut. 10: 17-21 Luke 4: 16-22 July 2, 2000 Every three years, the Episcopal Church gathers in a national convention. In a few days, we will begin our convention in Denver, Colorado. You will probably read about the disputes over sexuality, ordination, the Prayer Book, and other hot-button topics. It…
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Pentecost
Pentecost John 20: 19-23 June 11, 2000 The other day in a clergy meeting, the Bishop told us of a television ad. It had a man sitting in bed, reading a Sunday paper. He was exclaiming, “This is where I love to be on a Sunday – just sitting here, reading the paper, relaxing in…
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What is the Meaning of Life?
What is the Meaning of Life? May 14, 2000 You are only young once, but you can be immature forever. And when, we might ask, when do we become mature? is it in the afternoon of life, or do we have to wait until the evening of life? For those of you in the evening…
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God’s Call to Ordinary People
God’s Call to Ordinary People May 7, 2000 In her novel, Breathing Lessons, the author writes about Maggie, a suburban housewife. In one chapter, Maggie tells a friend about a conversation she had with Daisy, her teenage daughter. “You know what she told me the other day? Maggie said. I was testing out the casserole…
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Easter Warnings
Easter Warnings April 23, 2000 What a magnificent day! Easter is the crowning jewel in the church calendar. It’s truly the best day of the entire year. It’s the model for every Sunday. The church overflows with people. Flowers are everywhere. The music is outstanding. The hymns are all golden oldies. There is a magical…
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Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday April 16, 2000 For years, on this Sunday, we have portrayed dramatically the Passion story. Several of us have taken parts, and each time we ask the congregation to assume the role of the crowd. There are only two words that are spoken, but they are repeated several times. “Crucify him” are those…
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Easter
Easter April 16, 1995 One of the activities I thoroughly enjoy is greeting people at the end of the Easter service. Usually people come out with a real high, saying things like: “The Lord is Risen,” or, “Alleluia,” or, “Rejoice.” At other times, they will remark on the beauty of the music, or the architecture,…
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“What Do You Do with Unrealistic Dreams?”
“What Do You Do with Unrealistic Dreams?” Genesis 15: i-6 March 26, 2000 This morning I want to focus our thoughts on the Old Testament reading from Genesis. It’s about Abraham, our spiritual father, who is faithful to God. Abraham who was willing to move out on the promises of God and risk everything on…