Rev. Brandon Nonnemaker, Ed.D.

Jacob wasn’t searching for God—he was running. Yet in an ordinary place in the desert, with nothing but a stone for a pillow, he awakened to an awesome truth that heaven was already near. This sermon invites us to see God’s kingdom not as a distant place, but as the gracious reality already present among us, waiting for us to simply wake up.

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Readings:

• Genesis 28:10-19a
• Romans 8:12-25
• Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Rev. Andrea Corso Johnson, M.Div.

Scripture texts from all of today’s readings proclaim an idea that great joy is beheld when the fullness of God’s goodness is brought forth unto flourishing throughout all creation. This sermon focuses on today’s Gospel text—The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)—and proclaims that such abundance can become a wonderful harvest in our lives, even when adverse conditions may challenge our growth. Just as Jesus encourages, when we hear, we listen, and we understand how to tend the soil of our lives, with God's help, goodness can flourish throughout creation. And it just might be a marvel to behold!

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Readings:

• Isaiah 55:10-1
• Romans 8:1-11
• Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

Bridging the Gap: How Gainesville's Unity Project Is Bridging the Gap Between Homelessness and Hope

Unity Project is bridging the critical gap between the need for and - availability of - services for our unhoused neighbors in Gainesville. Michael Fisher of Ninth District Opportunity shares how this grassroots initiative brings life-saving medical care, mental health support, housing services, and even pet care directly to Gainesville’s homeless community, all thanks to a broad coalition of partners. But the real story is in the stories of resilience, hope, and transformation that unfold every week, proving that community-driven solutions can create lasting change. You'll discover how Unity Project coordinates with law enforcement, healthcare providers, faith groups, and local businesses to serve hundreds of unhoused neighbors in need. We break down innovative programs like street triage clinics, pet-friendly services from Project Street Vet, and clothing initiatives that restore dignity. You’ll also learn how these efforts connect to Georgia’s Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry system, creating a model that could reshape homelessness response statewide.

Michael shares concrete examples of clients whose lives have pivoted from despair to hope, driven by community compassion and strategic collaboration. This episode uncovers the vital importance of bridging gaps—not just in providing services, but in understanding the complex human stories behind homelessness.

Resources:

• StreetExit (Facebook)
• Unity Project (Facebook)
• StreetExit - North Georgia Coordinated Entry (Facebook)

• Ninth District Opportunity (Facebook)

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Rev. Brandon Nonnemaker, Ed.D.

As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this sermon reflects on the stories we tell and the truths we often forget. Through Rebekah’s courageous “yes” and Jesus’ invitation to rest, it explores a freedom rooted not in certainty but in God’s promise. It is an invitation to give thanks for our country while placing our deepest hope in God’s kingdom.

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Readings:

• Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
• Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Rev. David B. Powell

Throughout scripture, figures like Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and Isaiah answered God's call with three simple words: "Here I am." A consideration of possibilities for which we might be present before God and how Christ might become present in us.

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Readings:

• Genesis 22:1-14
• Matthew 10:40-42

Rev. Brandon Nonnemaker, Ed.D.

Looking at Hagar’s exile in the wilderness and Jesus’ difficult words of division, this sermon explores how God’s deeper work of belonging often begins when familiar structures of identity fall apart. Rather than preserving our false unities, God invites us into the abundant communion of the Trinity—a life of relationship where no one is disposable and no one is beyond God’s hearing.

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Readings:

• Genesis 21:8-21
• Romans 6:1b-11
• Matthew 10:24-39

Rev. Beau Farr

Whether in the transition between Matthew 9 and 10, or on the road to Bucklebury Ferry without Gandalf, striking out without your mentor is transformational. We are forced to the center of the narrative and asked to assume responsibility for the mission. These moments teach us how to bring our foundation with us, and let it carry us through the unexpected journeys ahead.

For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gracechurchgainesville.org⁠/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Reading:

Matthew 9:35-10:23

Street Medicine with Nina Wright: Caring for Gainesville's Most Vulnerable Neighbors

What does it look like when a community refuses to look away from its most vulnerable neighbors? In this episode, Bruce Leyton sits down with Nina Wright, registered nurse and clinical operations director at Good News Clinics, to explore the heart behind Gainesville's Unity Project Street Medicine clinic.

Born out of the closure of the Flat Creek homeless encampment — home to nearly 300 unhoused individuals — Street Medicine operates every Wednesday morning at the Unity Project shelter on Dorsey Street, offering free walk-in healthcare to anyone who walks through the door, no insurance required.

Nina shares how a small but dedicated team of volunteers — nurses and everyday people alike — provides primary care, chronic disease management, medications, and now psychiatry services to some of Gainesville's most overlooked neighbors.

Powered by a partnership with Northeast Georgia Health Systems and deeply rooted in the mission of Good News Clinics, Street Medicine is more than a clinic — it's a lifeline.

Along the way, Nina shares a story of one patient's remarkable journey from open heart surgery to housing and employment — a story that captures exactly why this work matters.

"If we make a difference in the life of one person that needs so much help and so much love and so much support — that is a good work day." — Nina Wright

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Guest: Nina Wright, RN, Clinical Operations Director, Good News Clinics
Host: Bruce Leyton, Grace Episcopal Church Outreach Committee
Learn about Unity Project Gainsville at on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.