This rather unusual sermon, as Fran explains, was written by Matthew who is temporarily without a voice, but delivered from the pulpit by Fran. The reading referenced today is Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16.

This is the Rev. David Sheetz' final sermon while on staff at Transfiguration Episcopal Church. We will miss him.

Litany of Repentance

Voice 1: Our tower powerfully reminded Kent of his internment in World War II - but on it he also sees hope in the sign of the cross.

Voice 2: For the unlawful four year internment of Japanese-Americans, for the dangerous and inequitable treatment of Chinese laborers, and for all the times that our nation has failed to recognize the rights and equal protection of our Asian neighbors, we repent.
Response sung by all

Voice 1: We heard in Noreen’s story a history of relocation of Chinese congregations within our diocese, but also hope that within our diocesan family all may find a place to belong.
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Voice 2: For the prejudice and exclusion Christians have practiced against Asian-Americans, for our Diocese’s relocation of both Chinese congregations, and for all the times that our church has failed to honor our Asian neighbors as equals in Christ, we repent.
Response sung by all

Voice 1: We heard in Ting Ting’s story the pain of separation, and we find that our national policies still separate parents from children. But we also heard from her the hope that healing is possible.

Voice 2: For our stereotyping of others based on their ethnicity or native language, for our unwillingness to welcome or honor those who are different from us, and for all the times when, as individuals, we have discriminated against Asian-American communities, for our participation in systems that separate children from parents, we repent.