Father Stephen

Billings Gazette Clergy Ad

This is the ad that the Billings area Episcopal clergy put in the Billings Gazette on Sunday, February 23, 2020. This was done by the clergy as individuals, and not as representatives of any church or churches.

Sermon: Power, Control and Fear

Tissot 1 — “Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness” by James Tissot

First Sunday in Lent

Readings: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Matthew 4:1-11

Shared on March 1, 2020

Sermon: Ironic Readings

Ash Wednesday

Readings: Isaiah 58:1-12, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

February 26, 2020

Lenten Series 2020

During Lent this year we will have an adult forum series. On Sunday mornings during Lent (March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5) at 9 am we will have a discussion about scripture and art. The description from Church Publishing explaining the program is:

Unique DVD-based study blends striking artwork with insightful commentary for Lent or anytime. Holy Week and Easter come alive in these challenging video commentaries by academic luminaries, coupled with masterpiece illustrations by John August Swanson.

The DVD features six individual “chapter” commentaries by the scholars plus a Swanson work of art, focused on a familiar Scripture passage. The accompanying Discussion Guide (sold separately) depicts the Swanson artwork from the DVD, along with thought-provoking questions, to spark fresh insights into the Bible story.

Commentators include Thomas G. Long, Luke Timothy Johnson, Carol Newsom, Steven Kraftchick, Jan Love, Walter Wilson, Carl Holliday, Joel Lemon and Andrea White from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

The goal is to provide an opportunity for us to dig deeper into scripture and our understanding of God through artwork and discussion. You don’t have to do anything to prepare for the discussions, just show up! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk to Fr. Stephen.

The six sessions in the curriculum cover the following scripture passages: