We are a small Episcopal Church on the banks of the Rappahannock in Port Royal, Virginia. We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Port Royal, the Nandtaughtacund, and we respect and honor with gratitude the land itself, the legacy of the ancestors, and the life of the Rappahannock Tribe. Our mission statement is to do God’s Will in all that we do.

A Word or Two for each Reading

For Proper 15, Year C, Pentecost 10 , the readings center around themes of divine judgment, prophetic truth, and the tension between peace and division. Here are several key words and phrases that emerge from the appointed texts:

🔥 Thematic Keywords

Jeremiah (Track 2)

Prophecy & Truth – Jeremiah 23:23–29 contrasts false dreams with the power of God’s word

Hammer & Fire (God’s Word) – Metaphors for divine truth breaking through deception (Jeremiah 23:29)

Isaiah (Track 1)

Vineyard – Symbol of Israel and divine expectation (Isaiah 5:1–7)

Justice & Righteousness – God’s desired fruits, contrasted with bloodshed and cries (Isaiah 5:7)

Psalm 82
Rescue &Deliverance – Psalm 82 calls for justice for the weak and needy

Hebrews

Faith – Central to Hebrews 11:29–12:2, highlighting perseverance and trust in God’s promises

Cloud of Witnesses – A poetic image of spiritual ancestors encouraging endurance (Hebrews 12:1)

Luke

Fire – Both destructive and purifying; Jesus speaks of bringing fire to the earth (Luke 12:49)

Division – Jesus foretells familial and societal division as a consequence of his mission (Luke 12:51–53)

Interpretation of Signs – Jesus critiques the crowd’s inability to discern spiritual realities (Luke 12:54–56)