The Simple Life

From our service on September 5, 2021, a sermon by Pastor Eric Stetson. Watch video below.


Many of us have heard the famous Shaker song, “Simple Gifts.” It begins,

’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
’Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be …

And so on, about the importance and joy of turning away from worldly pride and living the simple life.

In the Gospel, Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” [Luke 12:15]. This was the preface to an extended soliloquy we heard in our Scripture reading today, on the topic of simple living and relinquishing our anxious grasping for more and more stuff [vss. 16-34]. Jesus made it clear that if we wish to live according to his faith, we should live for God and our fellow man, rather than the things of this world.

September 5, 2021 Service: “The Simple Life”

Many great philosophers and religious teachers throughout history have taught that people should live simply. What does this mean, and why is it so important? In our fast-paced and materialistic modern world, it’s especially easy to get caught up in the desire for worldly things. But Jesus warns of the spiritual danger of accumulating more and more stuff. In today’s service, we explore the theme of the simple life.

Brothers and Sisters

From our service on April 11, 2021, a sermon by Pastor Eric Stetson. Watch video below.


“Am I my brother’s keeper?” It’s a question as old as the story of Cain and Abel, two brothers who competed with each other for God’s blessing.

April 11, 2021 Service: “Brothers and Sisters”

“Am I my brother’s keeper?” Since the beginning of time, we’ve been asking this question. Some have said no: “I need only care about myself.” But others have looked to the Kingdom of God, in which we care for one other as brothers and sisters. In this service, we explore the traditions of Christian monasticism and intentional community. We also remember Macrina the Younger, an early Christian nun, saint, and big sister who inspired her whole family to live extraordinary lives of holiness.