Sermons from Christ Church in Short Hills

June 1, 2025 | The Rev. Paul Keene | The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Just how broad are the Kingdom of God’s boarders, and who do we find inside of them? They’re bigger than we expect and filled with all sorts. They always have been, Jesus has always shown us their breadth. Today we’re invited to search them out and learn that we’re all encompassed within the Kingdom. Happy Pride.
Rev. 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26

May 25, 2025 | The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass | The Sixth Sunday of Easter

In the Book of Acts, Lydia was a business woman and head of a household, who became the first convert in Europe, opening her heart and home. How do we translate the ways she was exceptional then into our lives and the church today? (Acts 16:9-15)

May 18, 2025 | The Rev. Paul Keene | The Fifth Sunday of Easter

St. Peter describes to his friends in Jerusalem the vision he had about a heavenly sheet filled with every sort of animal that helped shake him from his place of comfort and welcome him into the wideness of God’s plan for creation. What would be on the sheet for you? What is hindering you from fulfilling Jesus’ commandment to love as he loves (Acts. 11:1-18; John 13.31-35) 

May 4, 2025 | The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass | Rector's Report on the Third Sunday of Easter

Rector’s Report for the 2024 Annual Meeting: reflections on breaking bread with the risen Christ, hospitality, spiritual growth, intergenerational relationships, outreach, stewardship, worship, and love as the work we are called to in 2025. (Acts 9:1-20, John 21:1-19) 

April 27, 2025 | The Rev. Paul Keene | The Second Sunday of Easter

How we greet one another is important. Greetings help us to understand how interactions will go and identify who we are speaking to. They also can be a source of blessing and wellness. Jesus does all this when he says, “peace be with you.” Today we explore how Jesus teaches us to greet one another. (Revelation 1.4-8; John 20.19-31)

April 20, 2025 | The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass | Easter

Sometimes life feels like that first Holy Week, when everything changes so quickly. Easter is the start of a whole new beginning! Be on the lookout for the Risen Christ walking among us, for light and love and resurrection! (Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43)

April 19, 2025 | The Rev. Paul Keene | The Great Vigil of Easter

Who are we? That’s the simple question I’d like us to answer, because we often confuse who we are for who we think we should be. God isn’t interested in who we ‘should be,’ our Lord is interested in who we are. Today God shows us who we are by showing us who God is: Ecce Homo—here is the man. Alleluia!

April 18, 2025 | The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass | Good Friday

Through crucifixion, the political and religious leaders thought they had broken Jesus’ power over the people, scared off his followers, and ended his influence. The Good News of Good Friday is that Christ is in control. (John 18:1-19:42, Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

April 13, 2025 | The Rev. Paul Keene | Palm Sunday

Today we reckon with how our tongues can both sing “Hosanna,” and scream “Crucify Him.” Today we begin again the devotional journey of seeking to understand Jesus’ response: “forgive them,” he says. We are reminded today, that God is not made in our image, but we are made in God’s. Today we are reminded why we sing Hosanna. 

March 30, 2025 | The Rev. Paul Keene | The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Imagine the embarrassment: everything went wrong; you’ve worked up the courage to ask for help, to seek forgiveness for what happened and what you’ve done. But rather than the expected shame and punishment, you’re decked out in the finest clothes you’ve ever worn, celebrated, and given a party. Whoa! This is the prodigal son’s experience, and there’s a lot to learn from it. (Luke 15.11-32)