The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption. Throughout Lent, come along with us as we explore Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent, produced by Hillary Raining and Jenifer Gamber. You can find resources mentioned below at Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent.
Week 5
Sunday, April 6
Today’s Practice: Watch the Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining’s video at iam.ec/lifetransformed for Week 5. The topic is based on the practice “Rest” and is titled, “The Valley of Dry Bones.” Read:Ezekiel 37:1-14
Monday, April 7
Today’s Prompt: What relationships do you need to mend? Read: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:8-9
Tuesday, April 8
Today’s Prompt: How has this Way with God impacted your experience of God? Read: “Let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” —John 7:38
Wednesday, April 9
Today’s Prompt: Slowly read this passage aloud. How does this speak to the world today? Read: “As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.” —Matthew 4:18-22
Thursday, April 10
Today’s Prompt: What seminal moments have informed a need to return to Christ? Read: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10
Friday, April 11
Today’s Prompt: Where might God be asking you to take your great love into the world? Read: “You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forward I make you hear new things, hidden things that you have not known.” —Isaiah 48:6b
Saturday, April 12
Today’s Prompt: What are you thankful for? Read: “For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope.” —1 Chronicles 29:15
This weekly bulletin insert provides information about the history, music, liturgy, mission, and ministry of The Episcopal Church. For more information, please contact us at stw@episcopalchurch.org.
Sermons That Work
For more than 20 years, Sermons That Work, a ministry of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, has provided free sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and other resources that speak to congregations across the Church. Our writers and readers come from numerous and varied backgrounds. Small house churches, sprawling cathedrals, and everything between use the resources that Sermons That Work provides.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ final call is to go and make disciples:
To become those who follow his life and teaching.
To become those who fish for people.
To live faithfully as those committed to his way.
Yet living as disciples is often hard in our day and age. We too often lead frenetic lives. Jesus invites us to slow down and to make space and to intentionally choose a different path.
He invites us to embrace zimzum and to be his disciples.
You may be asking what zimzum is, and what does it have to do with discipleship. You can learn more by joining me on our new three-year discipleship series on zimzum discipleship, of intentionally making space to live as a faithful apprentice of Jesus. Visit the new home for our zimzum discipleship series where you can find resources, community, and more at the link below!
I hope you and others in your congregation will engage in this invitation to live as followers of Jesus in this day and age.
The Right Reverend Phillip LaBelle Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia
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The Rt. Rev. Phillip N. LaBelle
The Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle is the Ninth Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. The Diocese elected Bishop LaBelle on May 18, 2024, and he was Consecrated and Ordained on September 14, 2024.
Bishop LaBelle previously served as rector of St. Mark’s Church in Southborough, Massachusetts. During his time in the Diocese of Massachusetts, Bishop LaBelle did the following:
Co-led the Mission Strategy Committee.
Served on Executive Committee and Diocesan Council.
Directed the Fresh Start program.
Additionally, Bishop LaBelle served in the Diocese of Colorado—where he was on the Commission on Ministry—and in the Diocese of Connecticut. Over his nearly 20 years of ordained ministry, he co-led more than a dozen mission trips for youth and adults. Before seminary, he worked in marketing communications and web development at multiple internet startups.
Education
In June of 2024, Bishop LaBelle received his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary focused on Christian Spirituality. His thesis work explored the theology and practice of zimzum and how to make space in our overly busy lives for God, others, and the natural world. He received his Master of Divinity from Yale University in 2004, along with a diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Bishop LaBelle holds a Master’s degree in composition and rhetoric from Northeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in English with an additional concentration in theological studies from Gordon College. He has also received certificates in congregational development and religious fundraising.
Family Life
Bishop LaBelle is married to Dr. Melissa Tobey LaBelle, an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education at Bridgewater State University, focused on language and literacy development. Together, they have two young adult children:
Noah, a recent high school graduate currently on a bridge year program in Senegal.
Olivia, a high school senior who has been recruited to run track at college.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
From early times Christians have observed Holy Week, the week before Easter, as a time of special devotion. As the pilgrim Egeria recorded in the late fourth century, Jerusalem contained many sacred places that were sites for devotion and liturgy. Numerous pilgrims to the holy city followed the path of Jesus in his last days. They formed processions, worshipped where Christ suffered and died, and venerated relics.
From this beginning evolved the rites we observe today on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These services provide a liturgical experience of the last days of Jesus’ earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to his resurrection.
The three holy days, or Triduum, of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are at the heart of the observance. Holy Week ends at sundown on the Saturday before Easter, or with the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
On Sunday, April 17, 2025, experience the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem followed by His betrayal and crucifixion. On Palm Sunday: The Sunday of the Passion you will walk through the experiences of Jesus during that week. ✠ Hosanna, Lord! ✠ Can’t you watch with Me for one hour? ✠ Crucify Him! ✠ It is finished. Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 NE 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. Free parking. Children encouraged to participate. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter at which Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11a, Luke 19:29-40) and Jesus’ Passion on the cross (Mt 26:36-27:66, Mk 14:32-15:47, Lk 22:39-23:56) are recalled. It is also known as the Sunday of the Passion. Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. Red is the liturgical color for the day. The observance of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem was witnessed by the pilgrim Egeria in about 381-384. During this observance there was a procession of people down the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. The people waved branches of palms or olive trees as they walked. They sang psalms, including Psalm 118, and shouted the antiphon (refrain), “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The Palm Sunday observance was generally accepted throughout the church by the twelfth century. The liturgy of the palms is the entrance rite for the service. The congregation may gather at a place apart from the church and process to the church after the blessing of the branches of palm or other trees (Book of Common Prayer, p. 270). The liturgy of the palms includes a reading of one of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. After the entrance rite, the service changes focus abruptly from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the solemnity of the Passion. All are welcome at Redeemer: ✅ All races. ✅ All religions. ✅ All countries of origin. ✅ All sexual orientations. ✅ All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. #palmsunday#holyweek#kenmorewa#lakeforestparkwa#bothellwa#seattle#christian#episcopal#Jesus#redeemer#tectok
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter at which Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11a, Luke 19:29-40) and Jesus’ Passion on the cross (Mathew 26:36-27:66, Mark 14:32-15:47, Luke 22:39-23:56) are recalled. It is also known as the Sunday of the Passion.
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. Red is the liturgical color for the day.
The observance of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem was witnessed by the pilgrim Egeria in about 381-384. During this observance there was a procession of people down the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. The people waved branches of palms or olive trees as they walked. They sang psalms, including Psalm 118, and shouted the antiphon (refrain), “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The Palm Sunday observance was generally accepted throughout the church by the twelfth century.
The liturgy of the palms is the entrance rite for the service. The congregation may gather at a place apart from the church and process to the church after the blessing of the branches of palm or other trees (Book of Common Prayer, p. 270). The liturgy of the palms includes a reading of one of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. After the entrance rite, the service changes focus abruptly from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the solemnity of the Passion.
Judas Iscariot’s intent to betray Jesus formed on Holy Wednesday. The day is sometimes called “Spy Wednesday”. The word spy, as used in the term, means “ambush, ambuscade, snare.” Episcopal Church of the Redeemer has Holy Eucharist on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 12:00 noon during Holy Week. All are welcome at Redeemer: ✅ All races. ✅ All religions. ✅ All countries of origin. ✅ All sexual orientations. ✅ All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. #kenmorewa#lakeforestparkwa#bothellwa#seattle#christian#holyweek#spywednesday#redeemer#episcopal#tectok
Holy Wednesday commemorates the Bargain of Judas as a clandestine spy among the disciples. It is also called Spy Wednesday, or Good Wednesday, and Great and Holy Wednesday.
Everyone is welcome at Church of the Redeemer. We look forward to seeing you at this 7:00 pm service of Holy Eucharist with foot washing at Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington, on April 17, 2025. This service will conclude with the stripping of the altar and procession to the garden of repose. The Thursday in Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday. It is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. The name comes from the Latin phrase mandatum novum, “new commandment,” taken from John 13:34. The ceremony of washing feet was also referred to as “the Maundy.” Maundy Thursday celebrations also commemorate the institution of the eucharist by Jesus “on the night he was betrayed.” Egeria, a fourth-century pilgrim to Jerusalem, describes elaborate celebrations and observances in that city on Maundy Thursday. Special celebration of the institution of the eucharist on Maundy Thursday is attested by the Council of Hippo in 381. All are welcome at Redeemer: ✅ All races. ✅ All religions. ✅ All countries of origin. ✅ All sexual orientations. ✅ All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. #kenmorewa#lakeforestparkwa#bothellwa#seattle#christian#holyweek#maundythursday#triduum#footwashing#eucharist#altarofrepose#gethsemane#redeemer#episcopal#tectok
The Thursday in Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday. It is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. The name comes from the Latin phrase mandatum novum, “new commandment,” taken from John 13:34. The ceremony of washing feet was also referred to as “the Maundy.” Maundy Thursday celebrations also commemorate the institution of the eucharist by Jesus “on the night he was betrayed.”
The washing of feet was a menial act of hospitality in the Hebrew Scriptures (see Genesis 18:4, 19:2). It was often performed for guests by a servant or the wife of the host.
The Gospel of John (13:1-17) records that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus urged the disciples to follow his example of generous and humble service. They should wash one another’s feet, as their feet had been washed by Jesus, their Lord and Teacher.
Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet was a lived expression of his teaching that “whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). The foot-washing also expressed Jesus’ “new commandment” for his disciples to love one another, as he had loved them (John 13:34). The washing of feet continued in the early Christian church. The requirements for enrollment on the list of widows includes the expectation that a widow would have “washed the saints’ feet” (1 Timothy 4:9-10). The ceremonial washing of feet is mentioned by Augustine of Hippo (354-430).
“Could you not watch with me for one hour?” Jesus asked this question to the disciples while he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before the Crucifixion. We have a chance to answer that question in our own day by watching with Jesus on the altar of repose during our Gethsemane Vigil Watch. This follows the evening Maundy Thursday service at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. We invite you to spend time in prayer at the altar of repose in a holy hour watch. The watch will begin following the Maundy Thursday service at about 8:30 pm. It will end at 12:00 midnight. Can you watch with Jesus for one hour? All are welcome at Redeemer: ✅ All races. ✅ All religions. ✅ All countries of origin. ✅ All sexual orientations. ✅ All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. #kenmorewa#lakeforestparkwa#bothellwa#seattle#christian#holyweek#maundythursday#vigil#watch#altarofrepose#gethsemane#redeemer#episcopal#tectok
“Could you not watch with me for one hour?” Jesus asked this question to the disciples while he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before the Crucifixion.
We have a chance to answer that question in our own day by watching with Jesus on the altar of repose during our Gethsemane Vigil Watch. This follows the evening Maundy Thursday service at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. We invite you to spend time in prayer at the altar of repose in a holy hour watch.
The Good Friday service at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington, will have the Adoration of the Cross and communion from the reserved sacrament. The service will begin at 7:00 pm. Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Day, on which the church commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a day of fasting and special acts of discipline and self-denial. In the early church candidates for baptism, joined by others, fasted for a day or two before the Paschal feast. In the west the first of those days eventually acquired the character of historical reenactment of the passion and death of Christ. The liturgy of the day includes John’s account of the Passion gospel, a solemn form of intercession known as the solemn collects (dating from ancient Rome), and optional devotions before the cross (commonly known as the veneration of the cross). All are welcome at Redeemer: ✅ All races. ✅ All religions. ✅ All countries of origin. ✅ All sexual orientations. ✅ All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. #kenmorewa#lakeforestparkwa#bothellwa#seattle#christian#holyweek#goodfriday#triduum#adorationofthecross#redeemer#episcopal#tectok
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Day, on which the church commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a day of fasting and special acts of discipline and self-denial.
In the early church candidates for baptism, joined by others, fasted for a day or two before the Paschal feast. In the west the first of those days eventually acquired the character of historical reenactment of the passion and death of Christ.
The liturgy of the day includes John’s account of the Passion gospel, a solemn form of intercession known as the solemn collects (dating from ancient Rome), and optional devotions before the cross (commonly known as the veneration of the cross).
Holy Saturday is the Saturday after Good Friday, which recalls the day when the crucified Christ visited among the dead while his body lay in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
In the Episcopal Church there is no eucharist on Holy Saturday. The Book of Common Prayer provides a simple liturgy of the word with collect and readings for the Holy Saturday service. The funeral anthem “In the midst of life” (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 484 or 492) is used instead of the prayers of the people (Book of Common Prayer, p. 283).
In the midst of life we are in death; from whom can we seek help? From you alone, O Lord, who by our sins are justly angered.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
Lord, you know the secrets of our hearts; shut not your ears to our prayers, but spare us, O Lord.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
O worthy and eternal Judge, do not let the pains of death turn us away from you at our last hour.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
In the ancient church, those preparing for baptism and perhaps others continued the fast they began on Good Friday. Holy Saturday ends at sunset. Fasting and other preparations end at sunset or with the Easter Vigil, which begins the celebration of Easter.
This is the Easter service you want to attend, if you have a choice. You may bring children. Everyone learns from this liturgy. It starts at 9:00 pm on April 19, 2025, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. The Easter Vigil is intended as the first (and arguably, the primary) celebration of Easter in the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 284-95). It is also known as the Great Vigil. The service begins in darkness, sometime between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter, and consists of four parts: ❦ The Service of Light with the kindling of new fire, lighting the Paschal candle, and the Exsultet ❦ The Service of Lessons with readings from the Hebrew Scriptures interspersed with psalms, canticles, and prayers ❦ Christian Initiation (Holy Baptism) or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows ❦ The Eucharist Through this liturgy, the Book of Common Prayer recovers an ancient practice of keeping the Easter feast. Believers would gather in the hours of darkness to hear scripture and offer prayer ending at dawn on Easter. This night-long service of prayerful watching anticipated the baptisms that would come at first light and the Easter Eucharist. All are welcome at Redeemer: ✅ All races. ✅ All religions. ✅ All countries of origin. ✅ All sexual orientations. ✅ All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. #kenmorewa#lakeforestparkwa#bothellwa#seattle#christian#holyweek#eastervigil#vigil#triduum#resurrection#easter#redeemer#episcopal#tectok
The Easter Vigil is intended as the first (and arguably, the primary) celebration of Easter in the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 284-95). It is also known as the Great Vigil.
The service begins in darkness, sometime between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter, and consists of four parts:
The Service of Light with the kindling of new fire, lighting the Paschal candle, and the Exsultet
The Service of Lessons with readings from the Hebrew Scriptures interspersed with psalms, canticles, and prayers
Christian Initiation (Holy Baptism) or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows
The Eucharist
Through this liturgy, the Book of Common Prayer recovers an ancient practice of keeping the Easter feast. Believers would gather in the hours of darkness to hear scripture and offer prayer ending at dawn on Easter. This night-long service of prayerful watching anticipated the baptisms that would come at first light and the Easter Eucharist.
Easter was the primary baptismal occasion for the early church to the practical exclusion of all others. This practice linked the meanings of Christ’s dying and rising to the understanding of baptism.
Everyone is welcome at Church of the Redeemer. We look forward to seeing you at this 10:30 am service of Holy Eucharist. Easter Day is the annual feast of the resurrection, the Pascha or Christian Passover, and the eighth day of cosmic creation. Faith in Jesus’ resurrection on the Sunday or third day following his crucifixion is at the heart of Christian belief. Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 NE 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. Free parking. Children encouraged to participate. All are welcome at Redeemer: ✅ All races. ✅ All religions. ✅ All countries of origin. ✅ All sexual orientations. ✅ All genders. The Episcopal Church welcomes you. #easter#heisrisen#Χριστὸςἀνέστη#cristisarisen#kristusisopstien#cristoresucitó#kenmorewa#lakeforestparkwa bothellwa #seattle#christian#episcopal#Jesus#redeemer#tectok
Easter Day is the annual feast of the resurrection, the Pascha or Christian Passover, and the eighth day of cosmic creation. Faith in Jesus’ resurrection on the Sunday or third day following his crucifixion is at the heart of Christian belief.
In the western church, Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the full moon on or after the vernal equinox. Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25 inclusive. Following Jewish custom, the feast begins at sunset on Easter Eve with the Great Vigil of Easter.
The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Easter on the first Sunday after the Jewish Pesach or Passover (which follows the spring full moon). Although the two dates sometimes coincide, the eastern date is often one or more weeks later.
The Easter Season, or the Great Fifty Days, lasts from Easter Day through the feast of Pentecost seven weeks later.
Are you are planning to attend either the 8:00 am or 10:30 am worship services on Easter Day at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer? If so, we invite you to attend the Easter Day brunch in the church’s parish hall. It is a potluck meal.
Welcome our visitors coming to one of our services this morning.
Greet your friends that regularly attend the “other” service.
Enjoy a second cup of coffee.
We ask that you bring breakfast items to share.
So that we know how many chairs and tables to set up, please register for a free ticket for each person who is coming.
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption. Throughout Lent, come along with us as we explore Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent, produced by Hillary Raining and Jenifer Gamber. You can find resources mentioned below at Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent.
Week 4
Sunday, March 30
Today’s Practice: Watch the Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining’s video at iam.ec/lifetransformed for Week 4. The topic is based on the practice “Bless” and is titled, “A New Heart and a New Spirit”. Read:Ezekiel 36:24-28
Monday, March 31
Today’s Prompt: What challenges are you facing today? Read: “And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety.” —Job 11:18
Tuesday, April 1
Today’s Prompt: Where do you find joy and passion? Read: “They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” —Luke 24:32
Wednesday, April 2
Today’s Prompt: What can you say “no” to so you can say “yes” to prayer, rest and joy? Read: “Six days shall work be done; but the seventh day is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work: it is a sabbath to the Lord throughout your settlements.” —Lev. 23:3
Thursday, April 3
Today’s Prompt: Practice lectio divina with this scripture. Read:Luke 15:17-24
Friday, April 4
Today’s Prompt: Create a prayer representing how you seek to serve God and follow Jesus. Read: “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.” —Matt. 5:15
Saturday, April 5
Today’s Prompt: How do others experience the love of Christ through you? Read: “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” —Gal. 5:22-23
This weekly bulletin insert provides information about the history, music, liturgy, mission, and ministry of The Episcopal Church. For more information, please contact us at stw@episcopalchurch.org.
Sermons That Work
For more than 20 years, Sermons That Work, a ministry of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, has provided free sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and other resources that speak to congregations across the Church. Our writers and readers come from numerous and varied backgrounds. Small house churches, sprawling cathedrals, and everything between use the resources that Sermons That Work provides.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Lagman, missioner for Asiamerica Ministries for The Episcopal Church. She likes hanging out with family and friends and is passionate about ministry in and with The Episcopal Church. Jo Ann is from Batavia, Ill.
The Rev. Canon Shana McCauley, canon vicar of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Ore. She has been a priest for 18 years and is passionate about helping people find God in the extraordinary and ordinary. She is married to her husband, Ryan, and they have three sons, a dog, and a bunch of fish.
The wise and wonderful Rachel Ambasing, missioner for Community Vitality and Diversity for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. She likes music, reading contemporary re-imaginings of “Pride and Prejudice,” and watching pro-wrestling. She is passionate about the Gospel being expressed in ways that are diverse, authentic, and embodied. Rachel is from National City, California.
The Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, The Episcopal Church’s staff officer for Racial Reconciliation, hosts Prophetic Voices. For more information on Becoming Beloved Community, visit iam.ec/becomingbelovedcommunity.
Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community
Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith. Join us and our invited guests as we share prophetic voices and explore the readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day through the lens of social justice.
You’ll hear ancient texts interpreted in new ways, find fodder for preaching and teaching, and make present day connections to the prophetic voices of the Bible. This podcast will help us rethink how we hear, see, and interact with the lectionary readings.
Welcome to Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. We are a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption. Throughout Lent, come along with us as we explore Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent, produced by Hillary Raining and Jenifer Gamber. You can find resources mentioned below at Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent.
Today’s Prompt: Where can you seek and serve Christ in someone unlike you? Read: “And you shall be my people, and I will be your God. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit.” —Jer. 30:22, 31:4-5
Tuesday, March 25
Today’s Prompt: How might you share what brings you great joy with others? Read: “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.” —Rom. 12:6-8
Wednesday, March 26
Today’s Prompt: How can you incorporate rest from technology today? Read: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” —Matt. 11:28
Thursday, March 27
Today’s Prompt: How is the Jesus who walked this earth beckoning you to meet him? Read:Mark 10:46-52
Friday, March 28
Today’s Prompt: In your prayers today, what new words or thoughts touch you? Read: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” —Phil. 4:6
Saturday, March 29
Today’s Prompt: Try praying with Anglican prayer beads. Read: “Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.” —Luke 18:1
This weekly bulletin insert provides information about the history, music, liturgy, mission, and ministry of The Episcopal Church. For more information, please contact us at stw@episcopalchurch.org.
Sermons That Work
For more than 20 years, Sermons That Work, a ministry of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, has provided free sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and other resources that speak to congregations across the Church. Our writers and readers come from numerous and varied backgrounds. Small house churches, sprawling cathedrals, and everything between use the resources that Sermons That Work provides.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council appointed Christopher Lacovara as the church’s next chief financial officer in a special meeting March 17, 2025. Lacovara is a longtime Episcopalian who brings decades of experience in financial management. He was selected after a nationwide search conducted by Pappas & Pappas Consulting, a Boston-based firm. He will begin his new role in mid-April.
Appointment by chair and vice chair
Per church Canon I.4.2.g, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris jointly nominated Lacovara for the position. They acted in their capacities as the council’s chair and vice chair.
“I am pleased to welcome Chris as our next CFO,” said Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe. “He is a committed Episcopalian with a clear understanding of the financial issues facing our congregations and dioceses and brings significant expertise from his work in finance, law, and the nonprofit sector. I look forward to working with him as we position The Episcopal Church for the coming decades of mission and ministry.”
Professional background
Most recently, Lacovara served at Community Access, Inc., a New York City nonprofit. He was chief financial officer, general counsel, and director of real estate development .
Prior to joining Community Access, he practiced law with a focus on nonprofit organizations and appellate litigation, after more than two decades on Wall Street. He was an investment banker and private equity executive on Wall Street.
Lacovara holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College at Harvard University. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the School of Engineering at Hofstra University. Also, he earned a Master of Science from Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science. He has a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.
For a decade, he was a vestry member and treasurer/finance director at Christ & Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New York City. He is a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Bedford, New York.
He served on the boards of directors, executive committees, and audit committees of more than 20 publicly funded and privately held corporations based in the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, he served on the boards and finance committees of several nonprofit organizations.
Chris and his husband, Sam Green, live in Westchester County, New York, with their children.
“Chris Lacovara’s depth of experience and his commitment to The Episcopal Church make him the right person to lead our financial strategy at this pivotal time,” said House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris. “His appointment reflects a careful and collaborative search process, and I am confident that his leadership will help ensure the church’s resources are stewarded wisely in service of our mission.”
Lacovara’s role in church governance
As CFO, Lacovara reports to the presiding bishop. He supervises the staff of the Finance Office, the Office of the Treasurer, and the Investment Office.
The CFO works closely with members of the senior staff. This ensures the financial management of The Episcopal Church in support of program initiatives and the directives of the General Convention.
The CFO position is based at The Episcopal Church Center in New York City.
Lacovara succeeds CFO Kurt Barnes, who announced his retirement in December 2024. General Convention elected Barnes in June 2024 Barnes as treasurer. and will continue to serve in that position.
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption. Throughout Lent, come along with us as we explore Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent, produced by Hillary Raining and Jenifer Gamber. You can find resources mentioned below at Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent.
Week 2
Sunday, March 16
Today’s Practice: Watch the Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining’s video at Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent for Week 2. The topic is based on the practice “Pray” and is titled, “Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea.”
Today’s Prompt: Where are you being encouraged to “show up”?
Read: “Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”- Matthew 25:44-45
Thursday, March 20
Today’s Prompt: Take 20 minutes in contemplative prayer today.
Read: “As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.” – Matthew 4:18-22
Friday, March 21
Today’s Prompt: Intentionally smile at least ten times today.
Read: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4
Saturday, March 22
Today’s Prompt: Today, intentionally listen devoutly to another.
Read: “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” – Mark 4:23
This weekly bulletin insert provides information about the history, music, liturgy, mission, and ministry of The Episcopal Church. For more information, please contact us at stw@episcopalchurch.org.
Sermons That Work
For more than 20 years, Sermons That Work, a ministry of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, has provided free sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and other resources that speak to congregations across the Church. Our writers and readers come from numerous and varied backgrounds. Small house churches, sprawling cathedrals, and everything between use the resources that Sermons That Work provides.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Rev. Will Bouvel, associate rector of the Church of the Holy Comforter in Kenilworth, Ill., and the co-founder of Tell Me the Truth About Racism, a storytelling approach to wondering, grieving, healing, and hearing Good News in our racialized world. He comes to ministry after a degree in geography and careers as a computer programmer and a classical tenor soloist.
The Rev. Luz Montes, canon for welcome and discipleship at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, Tex. Luz enjoys spending time with her spouse, sassy daughter, and dog. She is passionate about sharing God’s love and making our world a more just place.
The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining, rector of St. Christopher’s Church in Gladwyne, Penn., and creator of The Hiveonline spirituality and wellness digital community. Hillary is a beekeeper, yoga and meditation instructor, and a forest therapist.
The Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, The Episcopal Church’s staff officer for Racial Reconciliation, hosts Prophetic Voices. For more information on Becoming Beloved Community, visit iam.ec/becomingbelovedcommunity.
Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community
Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith. Join us and our invited guests as we share prophetic voices and explore the readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day through the lens of social justice.
You’ll hear ancient texts interpreted in new ways, find fodder for preaching and teaching, and make present day connections to the prophetic voices of the Bible. This podcast will help us rethink how we hear, see, and interact with the lectionary readings.
Welcome to Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. We are a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption. Throughout Lent, come along with us as we explore Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent, produced by Hillary Raining and Jenifer Gamber. You can find resources mentioned below at Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent.
Week 1
Sunday, March 9
Today’s Practice: Watch the Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining’s video at Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent for Week 1. The topic is based on the practice “Turn” and is titled, “Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ.” Read:Romans 6:3-11
Monday, March 10
Today’s Prompt: What is most meaningful to you in worship? Read:Book of Common Prayer, p. 281 (In the Good Friday Service)
Tuesday, March 11
Today’s Prompt: Go for a walk today and pray with your feet, each step with intention. Read: “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’” – Isaiah 2:3a
Wednesday, March 12
Today’s Prompt: Where do you see the seven practice of the Way of Love in this story? Read: “They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but, finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus..” – Luke 5:19
Thursday, March 13
Today’s Prompt: Who has taught you to live a Jesus-filled life? Who have you taught? Read: “So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16
Friday, March 14
Today’s Prompt: Where can you go and intentionally provide kindness? Read: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
Saturday, March 15
Today’s Prompt: How do you incorporate rest in your life? Read: “Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” – Jer. 6:16
This weekly bulletin insert provides information about the history, music, liturgy, mission, and ministry of The Episcopal Church. For more information, please contact us at stw@episcopalchurch.org.
Sermons That Work
For more than 20 years, Sermons That Work, a ministry of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication, has provided free sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and other resources that speak to congregations across the Church. Our writers and readers come from numerous and varied backgrounds. Small house churches, sprawling cathedrals, and everything between use the resources that Sermons That Work provides.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
