Rev. Stuart Higginbotham, DMin

The resurrection of Christ marks a time of celebration and joy, a welcome rebirth, but overly relying on familiar customs lets us bypass the deep soul work that the resurrection of Christ calls for. How can we, as Fr. Brandon said during the Great Vigil, "set the world aglow?" When our life is our practice, how do we fan the flames and become the resurrection of Christ? How do we become all fire?

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Rev. Brandon Nonnemaker, Ed.D.

"Returning to the Fire" invites us into the mystery at the heart of the Easter Vigil, where light emerges not by avoiding darkness but by entering it. Tracing the journey through soil, water, and breath, this sermon centers on the fire that has always marked God’s presence—guiding, refining, and rekindling life where hope feels lost. In a world of uncertainty, it calls us to become participants in that living flame, carrying resurrection not just as belief, but as practice.

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Rev. Stuart Higginbotham, DMin

So much in our modern world is obsessed with personal desires and power, and a spirit of greed and ambition saturates all aspects of our lives. Good Friday challenges us to become aware of the deep power of Jesus Christ: that in self-emptying and compassion, we are healed together and brought into wholeness.

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Reading:
John 18:1-19:42

Musical Reflection:
Were you there?
James Marshall, bass
Spiritual, arr. Harry T. Burleigh

Music by permission under www.OneLicense.net (license number A-701954)