Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Dr. Paula Nesbitt

Using the surprising story of flowers blooming a year after they were

planted, the sermon explores Jesus' Parable of the Sower and the mystery of

spiritual growth. Good soil consists of truth, hope, meaningful

relationships, and openness to God's work, but growth often happens slowly

and unexpectedly.

Drawing on experiences at the Anglican Consultative Council in Belfast, the

preacher describes how delegates from across the world chose unity over

division despite deep disagreements about gender, sexuality, and church

governance. Rather than allowing political conflict to break apart the

Anglican family, they committed themselves to mutual respect, continued

dialogue, and remaining together.