Sermons by Rev. Carrie Cabush
Temptations of Identity
February 22, 2026
In many ways, Lent feels like a season of spiritual cleaning. We incorporate more silence in our worship, begin our services with confession, we fast from the things that get in the way of us trusting God. But Lent is not six-weeks of austere will-power and beating ourselves up for the ways we have fallen short. It is more about wiping away the things that obscure our ability to remember who and whose we are. Silencing the voices that tell us we are anything other than God’s beloved children.
February 22, 2026
In many ways, Lent feels like a season of spiritual cleaning. We incorporate more silence in our worship, begin our services with confession, we fast from the things that get in the way of us trusting God. But Lent is not six-weeks of austere will-power and beating ourselves up for the ways we have fallen short. It is more about wiping away the things that obscure our ability to remember who and whose we are. Silencing the voices that tell us we are anything other than God’s beloved children.
A Different Type of Fast
Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026
This Ash Wednesday, I am wondering if we as the Church have emphasized Jesus’ description of fasting because the prophet Isaiah’s call for fasting is too difficult. In our reading from the Hebrew scriptures today we see God’s people asking God why their fast is not enough. Why God does not seem to notice their acts of piety. The prophet explains that their fasting is self-serving. Their fast does not change their hearts, at least not if they are still oppressing their workers. Their fast does not last long enough to calm their anger and prevent violence toward one another. And so, instead of fasting from food, God asks the people to fast from injustice.
Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026
This Ash Wednesday, I am wondering if we as the Church have emphasized Jesus’ description of fasting because the prophet Isaiah’s call for fasting is too difficult. In our reading from the Hebrew scriptures today we see God’s people asking God why their fast is not enough. Why God does not seem to notice their acts of piety. The prophet explains that their fasting is self-serving. Their fast does not change their hearts, at least not if they are still oppressing their workers. Their fast does not last long enough to calm their anger and prevent violence toward one another. And so, instead of fasting from food, God asks the people to fast from injustice.
The Power of Silence
February 15, 2026
God is not silent. But sometimes we need to be in order to hear God speak. Because there is so much noise. Noise from outside, and noise from within. And yet, we are called to listen. In fact, that’s what the voice from the cloud says when it stops Peter in his future-planning tracks. “This is my Son - listen to him.”
February 15, 2026
God is not silent. But sometimes we need to be in order to hear God speak. Because there is so much noise. Noise from outside, and noise from within. And yet, we are called to listen. In fact, that’s what the voice from the cloud says when it stops Peter in his future-planning tracks. “This is my Son - listen to him.”
You are the Salt of the Earth
February 8, 2026
St. John’s, being here with you this past year has seasoned my faith and my life in more ways than I could possibly name in a sermon or an annual report. It has been nothing short of a blessing. A blessing that I know so many of our neighbors could use right now. This community - this world - needs your presence and your gifts. Because without who God made you to be, as individuals and as a community? Life dwindles, wounds fester, goodness stays hidden, and nothing lasts. Your witness to the lifegiving love of Christ is essential, now more than ever.
February 8, 2026
St. John’s, being here with you this past year has seasoned my faith and my life in more ways than I could possibly name in a sermon or an annual report. It has been nothing short of a blessing. A blessing that I know so many of our neighbors could use right now. This community - this world - needs your presence and your gifts. Because without who God made you to be, as individuals and as a community? Life dwindles, wounds fester, goodness stays hidden, and nothing lasts. Your witness to the lifegiving love of Christ is essential, now more than ever.
The Church's Thermostat
February 1, 2026
Dr. King explains that the Church is called to be a thermostat. Not to reflect the temperature of what’s happening in the world, but to change it, to make it more Christ-life. So when the world feels cold and distant, we’re called to turn up the heat and provide warmth. And when the world feels hot and fiery, we’re called to help cool it down. So whatever is happening in the world, the Church is called to adapt to meet its needs. To be the relief the world needs when things get extreme.
February 1, 2026
Dr. King explains that the Church is called to be a thermostat. Not to reflect the temperature of what’s happening in the world, but to change it, to make it more Christ-life. So when the world feels cold and distant, we’re called to turn up the heat and provide warmth. And when the world feels hot and fiery, we’re called to help cool it down. So whatever is happening in the world, the Church is called to adapt to meet its needs. To be the relief the world needs when things get extreme.
God Speaks With Stars
January 4, 2026
This year, I am fascinated by how big of a risk the magi took, leaving their country and defying the orders of a powerful earthly king all because they noticed something different in the night sky. God knew they would pay attention to that sky, so God spoke to them in a language God knew they’d understand. And it makes me wonder what God may be using to speak to us.
January 4, 2026
This year, I am fascinated by how big of a risk the magi took, leaving their country and defying the orders of a powerful earthly king all because they noticed something different in the night sky. God knew they would pay attention to that sky, so God spoke to them in a language God knew they’d understand. And it makes me wonder what God may be using to speak to us.