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Perfectionism
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 17 Aug, 2025
Life would have little meaning or purpose if we didn’t set goals for ourselves and if we didn’t push ourselves to put in our best effort. But striving to be perfect is very different from being perfect. We often confuse the two. The first is part of the Lord’s plan, the second is a lie perpetuated by the hells which causes tremendous damage because we end up demanding perfection of ourselves and others. In the story of the Rich Young Ruler, the Lord addresses the question of perfectionism and provides an answer that is truly freeing (Matthew 19:16-22). | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Perfectionism
Worship Service: Sermon only - 17 Aug, 2025
Life would have little meaning or purpose if we didn’t set goals for ourselves and if we didn’t push ourselves to put in our best effort. But striving to be perfect is very different from being perfect. We often confuse the two. The first is part of the Lord’s plan, the second is a lie perpetuated by the hells which causes tremendous damage because we end up demanding perfection of ourselves and others. In the story of the Rich Young Ruler, the Lord addresses the question of perfectionism and provides an answer that is truly freeing (Matthew 19:16-22). | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Free to Do What?
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 20 Jul, 2025
We’re taught that “all freedom is a matter of love…” (DP 73), and yet not all “freedoms” are equal. Eating a bowl of ice cream might seem like heaven on earth but it doesn’t carry the same kind of weight or significance as choosing to help a friend in need, or choosing to invent or create something that benefits society. The type of freedom which the Lord wants us to experience is not something we are born with. It doesn’t just fall in our lap. The truth will indeed “set us free” – it’s just a matter of asking ourselves how hard are we willing to fight for it. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Free to Do What?
Worship Service: Sermon only - 20 Jul, 2025
We’re taught that “all freedom is a matter of love…” (DP 73), and yet not all “freedoms” are equal. Eating a bowl of ice cream might seem like heaven on earth but it doesn’t carry the same kind of weight or significance as choosing to help a friend in need or choosing to invent or create something that benefits society. The type of freedom which the Lord wants us to experience is not something we are born with. It doesn’t just fall in our lap. The truth will indeed “set us free” – it’s just a matter of asking ourselves how hard are we willing to fight for it. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
"God has made me laugh…" (Genesis 21:6)
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 8 Jun, 2025
The Lord doesn’t just want to cheer us up – He wants our hearts and minds to be filled with joy and laughter. Our grumpy, skeptical side tends to have a hard time believing this is possible. What’s there to laugh about – life is full of serious business; bills to pay, pressures at work, health issues, relationship stresses, etc.? Turns out, we have a lot of reasons to laugh if we’re to take our cue from the angels in heaven for “everything they see seems to laugh and play and come alive” (HH 489). What are they seeing that we aren’t seeing? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
"God has made me laugh…" (Genesis 21:6)
Worship Service: Sermon only - 8 Jun, 2025
The Lord doesn’t just want to cheer us up – He wants our hearts and minds to be filled with joy and laughter. Our grumpy, skeptical side tends to have a hard time believing this is possible. What’s there to laugh about – life is full of serious business; bills to pay, pressures at work, health issues, relationship stresses, etc.? Turns out, we have a lot of reasons to laugh if we’re to take our cue from the angels in heaven for “everything they see seems to laugh and play and come alive” (HH 489). What are they seeing that we aren’t seeing? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
“I Will Remember…” Psalm 77:11
Worship Service: Childrens Talk & Adult Sermon - 18 May, 2025
The Scriptures urge us to remember – the Sabbath, the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, many important things. And yet we forget, not in the sense that these truths are lost or wiped from our memory but in the sense that their value can be forgotten. Thankfully, “remembering” is an act of mercy, done by the Lord alone. Let’s talk on Sunday about how the Lord helps us remember and then consider what new, spiritual practices we might want to incorporate into our lives to safeguard against our own forgetfulness. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Easter Family Festival “Why Do You Seek the Living Among the Dead?”
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 20 Apr, 2025
The 9:30 and 11:00 am services will be identical family services, both in the nave. There is no Informal Family or Young Children's Service on Easter. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Come and See
Worship Service: Childrens Talk & Adult Sermon - 26 Jan, 2025
We’re not very good predictors of the future and yet this doesn’t stop us from trying. Our predictions about the future tend to limit God’s capabilities which means we tend to anticipate “sameness” in our relationships and work, and in our sense of purpose and direction. We see this mindset in the brand-new disciple, Nathaniel, who, being invited by fellow disciple Philip to come see Jesus of Nazareth says, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” to which Philip replies, “Come and see” (John 1:46). Nathaniel did “come and see” and his life unfolded in a way he could never have predicted. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Abram and Melchizadek
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 12 Jan, 2025
Abram’s daring rescue of his nephew, Lot (who had been taken captive by the kings of the north), is followed immediately by Melchizedek, priest and king of Salem, bringing out “bread and wine”" to the weary victors (v. 18). This pre-cursor to the Holy Supper pictures the peace that comes after conflict, and how the Lord “refreshes us” (AC 1726). | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Abram and Mechizadek
Worship Service: Sermon only - 12 Jan, 2025
Abram’s daring rescue of his nephew, Lot (who had been taken captive by the kings of the north), is followed immediately by Melchizedek, priest and king of Salem, bringing out “bread and wine”" to the weary victors (v. 18). This pre-cursor to the Holy Supper pictures the peace that comes after conflict, and how the Lord “refreshes us” (AC 1726). | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
In the Company of Angels
Worship Service: Children & Adult - 24 Dec, 2024
The Christmas story is woven together by the glad tidings of angels. The angels didn’t simply announce the birth of Christ; they gave specific directions, counsel and support to the participants of this holy event. This Christmas Eve service will be a wonderful reminder that we live in the company of angels and that we have the opportunity to let their glad tidings reign in us in new and different ways. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Open Your Treasure
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 22 Dec, 2024
The Lord encourages us to lay up treasures in heaven (Mt. 6:20) but it’s also a good practice to “open” our treasures so that they can be seen and shared with others. The wise men did this when presenting their gifts to the young Child. It says, “and when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him…” (Mt. 2:10). Why didn’t the wise men let Jesus’ parents open the gifts? Why did they open them first? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Open Your Treasure
Worship Service: Sermon only - 22 Dec, 2024
The Lord encourages us to lay up treasures in heaven (Mt. 6:20) but it’s also a good practice to “open” our treasures so that they can be seen and shared with others. The wise men did this when presenting their gifts to the young Child. It says, “and when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him…” (Mt. 2:10). Why didn’t the wise men let Jesus’ parents open the gifts? Why did they open them first? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Love and Logic – The Request of a King.
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 17 Nov, 2024
King Solomon asked for an “understanding heart” so that he might judge his people wisely. The parallel of this story is that we too must pray for a heart that understands because our heart (love), which is the driving force in everything we do, is often at odds with our understanding (logic) and the two can end up living separate lives. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Love and Logic – The Request of a King
Worship Service: Sermon only - 17 Nov, 2024
King Solomon asked for an “understanding heart” so that he might judge his people wisely. The parallel of this story is that we too must pray for a heart that understands because our heart (love), which is the driving force in everything we do, is often at odds with our understanding (logic) and the two can end up living separate lives. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
And Forget Not All His Benefits
Worship Service: Informal Family - 10 Nov, 2024
When we’re under stress, or annoyed about something, or feel threatened, the clear rational thoughts that are usually within our reach go right out the proverbial window! What can we do to help each other recall the calm, rational, healing truths of the Lord’s Word? What can we do to help each other “forget not all His benefits?” | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral Undercroft
The Minority Report
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 13 Oct, 2024
“The Minority Report” Of the twelve men sent to spy the land of Canaan to determine the strength of its people, fortifications and resources, only two, Caleb and Joshua, came back with the news that they could conquer the land if they trusted the Lord. Caleb and Joshua’s report contained the truth, the blueprint for a happy life, and yet the people sided with the majority, the ten, who gave a “bad report” (Numbers 13:32) by invoking fear instead of trust. How do we learn to trust the “minority report” and why do we need to listen to the “Calebs” and “Joshuas” of the world? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
The Minority Report
Worship Service: Sermon only - 13 Oct, 2024
“The Minority Report” The hells want us to think we’re in the minority, that we’re alone in doing the right thing. It can certainly feel that way at times. Think of Caleb and Joshua, two of the twelve spies, who found themselves in the minority when they gave their report that the children of Israel could conquer the land of Canaan if they trusted the Lord and didn’t let fear consume them (Numbers 13-14). But we don’t see as the Lord sees. We’re not alone. All great things start with a few, with a minority. This Charter Day weekend marks the celebration of the Academy Charter. All it took was a few brave souls to cast a vision. What can we do to be like “Caleb” and “Joshua” and further the cause of the New Church? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Bless this Community
Worship Service: Children & Adult - 15 Sep, 2024
It’s been a humbling and gratifying experience for myself and the staff to brainstorm, plan and launch these Community Worship Services in the months we don’t have a festival service. However, in planning the topics for each service, I realized I’ve never spoken directly about the “community” part of these services. We are, of course, taught that heaven is made up of countless communities. Why is that? What is the purpose of these communities in heaven? Is Bryn Athyn built on this model? We’ll be looking at the story of Balaam being ordered by the king of Moab to curse the Israelites who instead blesses them. Do we ever “curse” that which “God has not cursed?” or denounce that which “the Lord has not denounced?” (Numbers 23:8). | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
6-1 Ratio
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 1 Sep, 2024
The third commandment in the Decalogue encourages us to remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy, and, in preparation for that day of rest, to labor six days. But why not labor for five days and rest for two or, even better, labor for three days and rest for four? Isn’t this 6-1 ratio of work to rest a little over the top? People sometimes think of heaven (that is, happiness) as being “rest” or “leisure,” a reward, a free pass, from ever having to “work” again, but would this make us happy? Would this be heaven? It turns out the Lord knows what He’s talking about – His prescribed ratio of 6-1 is perfect. Come find out why those in heaven “are caught up in a love of their work” (HH 393) and why “a life with no activity has no happiness” (HH 403). | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
6-1 Ratio
Worship Service: Sermon only - 1 Sep, 2024
The third commandment in the Decalogue encourages us to remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy, and, in preparation for that day of rest, to labor six days. But why not labor for five days and rest for two or, even better, labor for three days and rest for four? Isn’t this 6-1 ratio of work to rest a little over the top? People sometimes think of heaven (that is, happiness) as being “rest” or “leisure,” a reward, a free pass, from ever having to “work” again, but would this make us happy? Would this be heaven? It turns out the Lord knows what He’s talking about – His prescribed ratio of 6-1 is perfect. Come find out why those in heaven “are caught up in a love of their work” (HH 393) and why “a life with no activity has no happiness” (HH 403). | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Don't Look Back
Worship Service: Family (may include music) - 18 Aug, 2024
A number of stories in the Word warn us not to “look back” or “turn back” once we’ve made the decision to go forward. This speaks to the fact that there are certain times in our lives when we need to “move on” and put “hand to plough” (Luke 9:62). But what about those times in our lives when we “look back” with nostalgia, with fondness, on what has come before? Is this not appropriate? What’s the difference between these two kinds of “looking back,” and how do they help us move forward? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Don't Look Back
Worship Service: Sermon only - 18 Aug, 2024
A number of stories in the Word warn us not to “look back” or “turn back” once we’ve made the decision to go forward. This speaks to the fact that there are certain times in our lives when we need to “move on” and put “hand to plough” (Luke 9:62). But what about those times in our lives when we “look back” with nostalgia, with fondness, on what has come before? Is this not appropriate? What’s the difference between these two kinds of “looking back,” and how do they help us move forward? | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Bitter Realizations, Sweet Resolutions
Worship Service: Informal Family - 21 Jul, 2024
Our lives can build up quite quickly with “shoulds” – “I should be more patient with ______.” “I should apologize for ______.” “I should reach out to _____.” These “shoulds” stack up whenever we give our old self, our ego, free reign. We have our reasons – we’ve had a long day, we tried before, we’re super busy, etc. – but what we often don’t realize is that the truth we know we should act on will remain bitter and unpleasant until we follow the Lord’s advice and, like Moses, throw “wood” into the situation. | By Rev. Derek P. Elphick , Bryn Athyn Cathedral Undercroft