For over thirty years Alan Neale has spoken with passion, relevance, authenticity and humor of themes that are profound and pressing; the profound he makes simple and accessible, the pressing he makes immediate and welcoming. All these years past have provided little time for Alan to write extensively and so now he begins a long-postponed desire and there are many themes waiting to be translated into books; the task is daunting and enthralling and he longs to begin in 2015
Sermon preached at Trinity Church, Newport RI Sunday May 22nd 2016 (Trinity Sunday) The Reverend Alan Neale “Will you, won’t you… join the dance?” Sermon Audio Sermon Text Romans 5:1,5 “Since we are justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. And God’s love is poured into our hearts by… Continue reading
Yes, all good humor has a critical function; critical in the sense of offering analysis and calling for reflection. In sermons all the time, I use humor to allow people to breathe between discussion of ‘eternal verities’. And I use humor to make sharp commentary on the human condition, indiscriminately. I hold dear these two… Continue reading
A prayer for today – “O God, I recognize and offer to you the places of wilderness in my life right now. Come with creative power and generous charity to set a table of nourishment in the wilderness. Amen.” Whenever I read the Psalms in Hebrew Scripture I recognize the same delights and disappointments, the… Continue reading
Common to all faiths, to all spiritual journeys is the concept and experience of “the divine spirit”. Yesterday at Trinity Church, Newport I began a three-part study series on “Divine Dynamite – The Holy Spirit”. The first session was named “Energy”; the next two sessions “Expression” and “Experience” take place May 8 and May 15… Continue reading
Here are the rather extensive notes I shared with the Adult Class this morning on “Doubt”. Trinity Church Newport, Rhode Island Doubt Sunday April 3rd 2016 “When they saw Him, they worshiped but some were doubtful” Matthew 28:17 “They” – the community “Worshiped” – the value of worship “Some were doubtful” – the interplay/commingling of… Continue reading
What a joy to worship in the community of faith today, a community that offers a safe and restorative place for those who doubt and question. Below is the audio and text of the sermon “The Doubt Welcoming Community” Sermon Preached at Trinity Church, Newport Rhode, Island Sunday April 3 2016, The Reverend Alan Neale… Continue reading
Trinity Church Newport, Rhode Island Trinity’s Website Sunday April 3rd 8am Holy Eucharist (said) “The Doubt Welcoming Community” 9am Adult Study “Doubt – Friend or Foe, Resident or Guest” 10am Holy Eucharist (choral) “The Doubt Welcoming Community” 11:15am Sermon Review/Conversation with the Preacher The Sunday following Easter Day has often been called “Low Sunday”…. Continue reading
The task of preaching at the Three Hours, guiding the service and presenting nine separate addresses is surely one of the most precious, challenging and renewing experiences of any preacher. The congregation was not large in numbers but it remained a holy experience and it is, regardless of numbers, an act of devotion for any… Continue reading
Today, Good Friday, The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross. Noon – 3pm. Trinity Church, Newport, RI trinitynewport.org. The Reverend Alan Neale Please come and go (and return) as you are able.