Resources for Preachers, Lay and Ordained

Lectionary Study Groups

For anyone: Lay Persons Bible (lectionary-based) Group — Zoom with the Rev. Celeste Hemingson - Wednesday mornings

This is a study group, not a course. The group  works together each week to understand the assigned lectionary readings for the coming Sunday. You don’t need to attend every meeting.  On Zoom, Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Email the Rev. Celeste Hemingson for an invitation and link.

For Lay Preachers: Lay Preachers Lectionary Study  — Zoom with Bishop Rob & Canon Kelly  -  Thursday evenings

On Thursday evenings at 7, all diocesan lay preachers are invited to a weekly lectionary study group. Accompanied by Bishop Rob, Canon Kelly, or members of the SFM faculty, we reflect as preachers on the Gospel for the Sunday 10 days ahead.  If you are a licensed preacher in your community and are not receiving the weekly Zoom invitation to join the Lay Preachers’ lectionary group, please reach out to Canon Kelly to be added to the mailing list. 

For Clergy: Bishop's Weekly Lectionary Reflection for Preachers — Zoom with Bishop Rob - Tuesday afternoons

Canonical and licensed clergy, and the Pastoral Leaders of lay-led congregations receive the link to join this group weekly. If you would like to participate and do not receive that invitation, contact Kathy Traynor, Executive Assistant to the Bishop.

NH School for Ministry

The School for Ministry offers courses each year for those seeking a Lay Preacher license and for postulants and candidates for ordination who are studying at SFM. Learn more here.

Iona Collaborative

As a partner diocese of the Iona Collaborative, New Hampshire Episcopalians can access continuing education (including courses in preaching) through the Collaborative and the Seminary of the Southwest. Review sample courses here, and contact Canon Kelly to express interest in enrolling in future sessions.

Foundations and Programs

The mission of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation is to inspire, form, and equip preachers to propel people on journeys of faith through dynamic preaching in the Episcopal Church. We carry out this mission by offering programs such as the Preaching Excellence Program (PEP), Sermon Roundtable, and Lay Preacher Training, and we work with both clergy and laity to enhance their preaching skills. Connect here.

Festival of Homiletics: “For more than three decades, the Festival of Homiletics has brought together the finest preaching and cutting-edge thinking about homiletics, worship, church, and culture. After a successful 2025 conference, we are needing to listen and learn as we reimagine support for preaching in a changing world. As a result, there will be no conference in 2026.” Connect here.