Author: Fr. Scott Russell

Scott served for over 10 years as the Episcopal Chaplain at Virginia Tech and as the Associate Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Blacksburg. He then served as Rector of St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church in Franklin Park, PA. He is currently serving as the Episcopal Chaplain at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. He is currently the chair of the LGBTQ Commission of the Diocese of New Jersey and serves the Ecumenical/Interfaith officer for the diocese and coordinates the EDEIO officers for Province II. He serves on the Reparations Commission, and as an Anti-racism trainer. He has been elected to the deputations of the last three General Conventions.
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To weep no more…

Fr. Scott Russell

A sermon for the Feast of All the Saints, Year B Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44 In our readings this morning we have heard stories of suffering but also of restoration. God’s people have suffered. In Isaiah’s prophecy, Isaiah is speaking to God’s people in exile. They have been weeping because of their suffering. They have been crying out to God for salvation. In this morning’s text we are shown a glorious image of God’s restoration. The setting is on a mountain. Mountains are best, because they are high ground. No enemy can sneak up on you. … Continue reading To weep no more…

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Humility and Ambition

Fr. Scott Russell

James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 A sermon for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B The year was 1957, and Americans were suddenly very worried. In the twelve years after the end of WWII, it was clear that the world had two superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. A “cold war” was raging, with both nations scrambling for the upper hand. The competition was not limited to the land, however. On October 4 of that year, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite in history. Americans grew very concerned. Were we losing the Space … Continue reading Humility and Ambition

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Opening More than Just Ears

Fr. Scott Russell

A sermon for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B Isaiah 35:4-7a; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:31-37 There is a classic story told by sociologist and pastor Dr. Tony Campolo. He was attending a conference in Honolulu. His jetlag was keeping him up the first night he was there. At 3 am he ventured out into the dark streets in search of something to eat. He found a tiny coffee shop. He ordered coffee and a donut from Harry, the man behind the counter, and sat down in a booth. Around 3:30, the diner door burst open and group of boisterous … Continue reading Opening More than Just Ears

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When a King Sins

Fr. Scott Russell

A sermon for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B 2 Samuel 11:1-15 David sinned. Scripture leaves no question in our mind. King David sinned. It’s springtime in the story from 2 Samuel we heard this morning. Apparently spring is the favorite time of year for kings to wage war on each other, who knew? Springtime, as we know from poetry, is also a time when men’s thoughts turn to love as well. David has sent his army away to fight the Ammonites, but he remains behind in Jerusalem. Can trouble be far off? Up to this point in the … Continue reading When a King Sins

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He Called Her, “Daughter”

Fr. Scott Russell

A Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B Mark 5:21-43 Last Sunday, we heard the amazing story of Jesus and his disciples being in a boat on the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee. This morning we hear what happens when they have made the return trip to the Jewish side, that is the “safe” side of the Sea of Galilee. We are told that a leader of the local synagogue, Jairus, comes to Jesus. Jairus’ daughter is sick to the point of death, and he is desperate. This is a bold step for this Jewish leader to take – … Continue reading He Called Her, “Daughter”