This sermon was first preached at a hybrid in person and online service of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wilmette on July 31, 2022. Relevant lectionary readings can be found here. Thousands of people had come to listen to Jesus preach and teach. There were so many of them that they were tripping over each […]
Author: ddowd88
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Cyclical, Mutual Hospitality
This sermon was first preached in a joint service for St. Luke’s of Logan Square and Grace Church. Relevant lectionary readings can be found here. It was a hot, hazy day. Abraham’s tent was enveloped by the shade of the oak trees. Trees in scripture are imbued with meaning. Oak trees, because of their age, […]
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An Abolition Sermon for Jailers
This sermon was first preached for Easter 7 at a hybrid online and in-person service of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square on May 29, 2022. Relevant lectionary texts can be found here. “These men are slaves!” the enslaved girl cried out. Day after day she raised her voice, “These men are slaves of […]
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The Practical Tasks of Love
This sermon was first preached at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square for Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022. Relevant lectionary readings can be found here. “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Tonight Jesus commands us, “Love one another.” But what does that even mean? At St. Luke’s, you […]
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The Parable of the Woman Baking Bread
This sermon was first preached at Holy Family Lutheran Church in Cabrini Green on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Holy Family is using The Woman’s Lectionary by Dr. Wil Gafney. You can see the relevant Gospel reading here, but I encourage you to order Dr. Gafney’s version. Good morning! I am Pastor Elle Dowd, the spouse […]
This sermon was first preached at a hybrid service of Grace Episcopal Church on March 27, 2022 as part of a special Campus Ministry Sunday. Relevant lectionary readings can be found here. Good morning! My name is Pastor Elle Dowd, I use pronouns like “she” or “they.” I am the campus pastor of South Loop […]
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Fierce Like Mama
This sermon was originally preached for a hybrid service at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square on March 13, 2022. The Lenten theme for St. Luke’s is “Coming Home” and this Sunday’s theme was “Coming Home to a Mothering God.” Relevant lectionary readings can be found here. Grace and peace are yours from God […]
Originally featured on the Salt Collective in 2018 Progressives have got to start memorizing scripture again. For so many of us, memorizing scripture brings up associations with church-related trauma. Especially for those of us who are LGBTQIA+, we know too well the ways that proof texted pieces of the Word were weaponized against us, hurled […]
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Mama’s Song
This sermon was first preached at Lord of Life Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Relevant lectionary readings can be found here. This Sunday we remember the Magnificat. Mary’s song. So often we hear Mary portrayed as meek and obedient. But the lyrics to this song are anything but. When we hear the words […]
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Joy in Gratitude
This sermon was first preached for a hybrid online and in person service at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square on November 28, 2021. Relevant lectionary readings can be found here. It is the fourth Sunday in our extended season of Advent. We are thinking together about what it means to cultivate authentic joy. […]
