Sermons by Rev. Carrie Cabush
Many Dwelling Places
May 3, 2026 sermon by Libby Clarke
Jesus tells us that the Father’s house has many dwelling places. I used to hear that as a promise about what is waiting for us, rooms already built, already assigned, already ours. But I think it means something more active than that. When we genuinely welcome each other, when we enter the work of loving someone as they actually are, we discover more of the house. Welcome is not the management of existing space — it’s how the house grows.
May 3, 2026 sermon by Libby Clarke
Jesus tells us that the Father’s house has many dwelling places. I used to hear that as a promise about what is waiting for us, rooms already built, already assigned, already ours. But I think it means something more active than that. When we genuinely welcome each other, when we enter the work of loving someone as they actually are, we discover more of the house. Welcome is not the management of existing space — it’s how the house grows.
Abundant Life
April 26, 2026
One Sunday, early in my priesthood, a particularly bad variant of COVID was making the rounds. Many people were quarantining at home that morning, including my fellow priest and most of our Altar Guild and ushers. Everything was going smoothly, until it got to communion. I realized I had forgotten to count how many people were in the congregation, so I didn’t know how much bread to consecrate....
April 26, 2026
One Sunday, early in my priesthood, a particularly bad variant of COVID was making the rounds. Many people were quarantining at home that morning, including my fellow priest and most of our Altar Guild and ushers. Everything was going smoothly, until it got to communion. I realized I had forgotten to count how many people were in the congregation, so I didn’t know how much bread to consecrate....
But We Had Hoped
April 19, 2026
The beloved slogan of St. John’s is “many paths, one journey.” And one of those paths is the road to Emmaus. Even though scholars cannot agree where exactly Emmaus was, we’ve all walked that road. It’s that journey between the grief and fear of Good Friday and the joyful surprise of Easter Sunday. It’s the road we walk after one door closes and before the next one opens. The road between a diagnosis and any clear sense of what comes next.
April 19, 2026
The beloved slogan of St. John’s is “many paths, one journey.” And one of those paths is the road to Emmaus. Even though scholars cannot agree where exactly Emmaus was, we’ve all walked that road. It’s that journey between the grief and fear of Good Friday and the joyful surprise of Easter Sunday. It’s the road we walk after one door closes and before the next one opens. The road between a diagnosis and any clear sense of what comes next.
A Peace Worth Fighting For
April 12, 2026
The Irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven and asks to be let in. St. Peter says, “Of course, just show us your scars.” The man responds, “I have no scars.” To which St. Peter says, “What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?”
April 12, 2026
The Irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven and asks to be let in. St. Peter says, “Of course, just show us your scars.” The man responds, “I have no scars.” To which St. Peter says, “What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?”
Jesus Goes Before Us (Children's Homily)
April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday
This is what Easter is all about. Knowing that there is no place we can go that Jesus has not already been. Jesus goes ahead of us in life and in death. But there is something else important too: Jesus doesn’t just go ahead of us - he also makes sure we are not alone on the way.
April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday
This is what Easter is all about. Knowing that there is no place we can go that Jesus has not already been. Jesus goes ahead of us in life and in death. But there is something else important too: Jesus doesn’t just go ahead of us - he also makes sure we are not alone on the way.
What Becomes of the Dream?
Saturday, April 4, 2026: Easter Vigil
Outside the Lorraine Motel, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, there is a verse from Genesis engraved on a plaque. It comes from the story of Joseph, and it reads “they said to one another, behold, here cometh the dreamer, let us slay him and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” This is how the world responds to dreamers - to Joseph, Martin, Jesus, and so many others.
Saturday, April 4, 2026: Easter Vigil
Outside the Lorraine Motel, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, there is a verse from Genesis engraved on a plaque. It comes from the story of Joseph, and it reads “they said to one another, behold, here cometh the dreamer, let us slay him and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” This is how the world responds to dreamers - to Joseph, Martin, Jesus, and so many others.
Missing the Mark
April 3, 2026: Good Friday
The Greek word used most often for sin in scripture is “hamartia.” It means, “missing the mark.” Which could make it sound as though sin is failing God’s test, not measuring up to the perfection asked of us. But it takes on a different meaning when we know that the word “hamartia” was originally used to describe missing the mark in archery or spear-throwing - moments when a miss does not simply fall short, but strikes something it was never meant to hit.
April 3, 2026: Good Friday
The Greek word used most often for sin in scripture is “hamartia.” It means, “missing the mark.” Which could make it sound as though sin is failing God’s test, not measuring up to the perfection asked of us. But it takes on a different meaning when we know that the word “hamartia” was originally used to describe missing the mark in archery or spear-throwing - moments when a miss does not simply fall short, but strikes something it was never meant to hit.
Embodying Maundy Thursday
April 2, 2026: Maundy Thursday
Before I could really understand why this night mattered - before I had fancy theological words to put around it - I understood that this night was different, because it invited every part of me to participate.
April 2, 2026: Maundy Thursday
Before I could really understand why this night mattered - before I had fancy theological words to put around it - I understood that this night was different, because it invited every part of me to participate.
Jesus' Kingship
March 29, 2026: Palm Sunday
In whom do we put our trust? The gospel of Matthew begins with magi journeying to find the newborn king of the Jews, and as we heard today, it ends with the epitaph “King of the Jews” hanging on the cross. From beginning to end, Matthew is asking us: what kind of king will we trust—and to what kind of kingdom will we belong?
March 29, 2026: Palm Sunday
In whom do we put our trust? The gospel of Matthew begins with magi journeying to find the newborn king of the Jews, and as we heard today, it ends with the epitaph “King of the Jews” hanging on the cross. From beginning to end, Matthew is asking us: what kind of king will we trust—and to what kind of kingdom will we belong?
Come and See
March 22, 2026
There’s one moment in the gospels when these words are spoken in grief. This time, the words “come and see” are uttered by those who doubt rather than those who believe. Their invitation is to see the place where Lazarus has died. To witness death, despair, and decay. To see the ending of a story - or so we think.
March 22, 2026
There’s one moment in the gospels when these words are spoken in grief. This time, the words “come and see” are uttered by those who doubt rather than those who believe. Their invitation is to see the place where Lazarus has died. To witness death, despair, and decay. To see the ending of a story - or so we think.
A Different Type of Healing Miracle
March 15, 2026
What if…what if I told you the story we just heard is about restoring the sight of the community, and not the man born blind? That the greater miracle is the one that we do not get to see fulfilled in the text, because it requires us to take part in it. Now don’t get me wrong—Jesus spitting into the dirt, making mud, rubbing it on the man’s eyes, and sending him to wash so he can see for the first time in his life is an impressive miracle. But it only takes 2 verses, and we just read 40. So clearly there is more to this story.
March 15, 2026
What if…what if I told you the story we just heard is about restoring the sight of the community, and not the man born blind? That the greater miracle is the one that we do not get to see fulfilled in the text, because it requires us to take part in it. Now don’t get me wrong—Jesus spitting into the dirt, making mud, rubbing it on the man’s eyes, and sending him to wash so he can see for the first time in his life is an impressive miracle. But it only takes 2 verses, and we just read 40. So clearly there is more to this story.
God's Love Story
March 8, 2026
For as long as I can remember, I have been entranced by the story of the woman at the well. Despite its familiarity to us now, no part of the story goes as ancient audiences would have expected. You see, throughout scripture when a man and a woman meet at a well it’s usually a meet-cute, the start of their relationship. It’s how Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, and Moses and Zipporah all meet. Generally speaking, the man is thirsty, a surprising woman helps quench his thirst, and suddenly marriage is being arranged. But in this story, Jesus is the one quenches the woman’s thirst. And spoiler alert: Jesus and the Samaritan woman do not make their way down the aisle. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a love story.
March 8, 2026
For as long as I can remember, I have been entranced by the story of the woman at the well. Despite its familiarity to us now, no part of the story goes as ancient audiences would have expected. You see, throughout scripture when a man and a woman meet at a well it’s usually a meet-cute, the start of their relationship. It’s how Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, and Moses and Zipporah all meet. Generally speaking, the man is thirsty, a surprising woman helps quench his thirst, and suddenly marriage is being arranged. But in this story, Jesus is the one quenches the woman’s thirst. And spoiler alert: Jesus and the Samaritan woman do not make their way down the aisle. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a love story.
New Beginnings
March 1, 2026
The church register records those moments in the church when we step away from what we know and step into something new in our life of faith. Baptism is when we are welcomed into God’s family. Confirmation is when we say yes to the promise God has given us for ourselves. Marriage is when we begin a new life with a partner. And funerals are when our life on earth ends but our life in heaven begins. These are the days we keep records of in the church, but there are many moments in our lives when we can be born again; when we can say yes to an adventure with God.
March 1, 2026
The church register records those moments in the church when we step away from what we know and step into something new in our life of faith. Baptism is when we are welcomed into God’s family. Confirmation is when we say yes to the promise God has given us for ourselves. Marriage is when we begin a new life with a partner. And funerals are when our life on earth ends but our life in heaven begins. These are the days we keep records of in the church, but there are many moments in our lives when we can be born again; when we can say yes to an adventure with God.
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.