The Rooster Crows LPCC Podcast

In this week’s sermon, Male and Female and…, Rev. Stephen Milton challenges rigid interpretations of gender through the lens of scripture, hospitality, and compassion. Preached on Pride Sunday, the message begins with Jesus rebuking his disciples for wanting to call down fire on an inhospitable Samaritan village—an echo of the destruction of Sodom, often misused to condemn queer people. Rev. Milton reclaims the Sodom story as one about violent inhospitality, not sexuality, and draws a parallel to today’s climate of exclusion fueled by attacks on diversity and trans rights. Highlighting lesser-known biblical insights—from Jesus’ acceptance of eunuchs to the Talmud’s recognition of seven genders—he underscores that the Bible has room for more than binary thinking. As cultural backlash threatens DEI efforts and Pride celebrations, the sermon calls the Church to emulate Christ’s example: to reject fear, extend hospitality, and affirm the sacred worth of all people, regardless of gender identity or orientation.

In this week’s sermon, Improvising the Kingdom, Roberta reflects on Paul’s vision of a church built on radical equality, as found in Galatians 3:23–28. Drawing a humorous parallel to Monty Python and the Holy Grail, she questions the long-term authority of Paul’s improvised letters, written with the belief that Jesus’ return was imminent. The sermon challenges the Church to distinguish between the letter and the spirit of the law, especially in light of historic and ongoing injustices like the treatment of Indigenous peoples. Through examples such as hospital smudging ceremonies and the evolving work of the United Church of Canada, Roberta urges us to build a more compassionate, inclusive faith—one that honors the divine in every person and reflects Christ’s love through care, flexibility, and justice.

In this week's sermon, Perseverance, Rev. Stephen Milton explores how hardship can shape character and deepen hope, drawing on Paul’s words in Romans 5:1–8. Delivered on Father’s Day and Trinity Sunday, the sermon traces the evolution of fatherhood—from distant authority figures to emotionally present caregivers—and warns against modern political movements that idolize authoritarian “father figures.” Connecting the struggles of early Christians under Roman rule to today’s resistance to injustice, Rev. Milton calls us to persevere in faith, stand for compassion, and trust in a God whose love transcends fear and violence.

In this week's sermon, The Vote,  Rev. Roberta Howey reflects on Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit would guide his followers after his departure, urging them to discern with love, not fear. Drawing from John 14:23–29, the sermon traces the United Church of Canada’s historic decision in 1988 to allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers. It recounts the courageous risks taken, the fierce backlash that followed, and the enduring call to love in the face of fear. This sermon reminds us that true discipleship often means leaning into the Spirit, embracing change, and taking bold steps toward justice—even when the path is uncertain.

In this week's sermon, Getting it Wrong, Rev. Stephen Milton explores how God often works through our failed plans and unexpected turns. Reflecting on Peter’s vision that broke Jewish food taboos to spread the gospel to Gentiles, he draws a parallel to Lawrence Park’s own bold experiment with Soul Table. Though the initiative didn’t go as hoped, surprising blessings followed. This sermon invites us to stay humble, open to the Spirit’s leading, and ready to follow—even when we get it wrong.

In this week's sermon, Going Deeper, Rev. Stephen Milton explores the profound spiritual depth of Psalm 23, moving beyond its comforting words to uncover its deeper message for the soul. Reflecting on the image of God as shepherd and the soul as the beloved sheep, he invites us to reconnect with the sacred part of ourselves that remains rooted in divine presence—even through life’s darkest valleys. This sermon challenges modern assumptions about identity and reminds us that true peace lies not in external stability, but in the soul’s eternal connection to God.

In this week's sermon, Feed My Sheep, Rev. Stephen Milton reflects on Jesus' call to selfless leadership through Peter's redemption and recommissioning. Drawing parallels to today’s political climate, he challenges us to embrace a servant-hearted model of leadership that feeds others—spiritually and physically—with compassion and love.

This week, Rev. Stephen Milton reflects on a beautiful change the Gospel of Luke makes to the Palm Sunday story, one that looks at how to make peace.

Rev. Stephen Milton meditates on the relationship between Christianity and those living in poverty, and how that relationship is often forgotten in practice.

Reimagining God's Justice. In this week's sermon, Rev. Stephen Milton challenges the idea that disasters and tragedies are punishments from God, exploring how Jesus redefines divine justice and mercy. Through the parable of the fig tree, he invites us to see God not as a punisher, but as a patient gardener, nurturing us to grow, thrive, and bear fruit in a world that desperately needs love and compassion.