Sermons On-the-Sound

The Mystery of Discipleship: The Second Sunday of Pentecost

On the Second Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Sue Cushinotto reflects on what it means to live as disciples during the long season of Ordinary Time. Through the stories of Matthew, the hemorrhaging woman, and the raising of a young girl, Rev. Cushinotto reminds us that Jesus continually moves toward those pushed to the margins, meeting people with compassion, mercy, and healing. She invites us to see discipleship not as perfection or certainty, but as faithfully responding to where God calls us in everyday life. We may never fully know how our kindness, presence, or compassion affects another person, but God works through those ordinary encounters in ways we cannot always see. At the heart of the sermon is a simple but powerful reminder: God does not call the qualified. God qualifies the called.

Trinity Sunday: Everyday Missionaries

On Trinity Sunday, The Rev. Michael Singer reflects on the Great Commission and challenges us to rethink what it means to be a missionary. Rather than something reserved for a few extraordinary people far away, Fr. Michael reminds us that mission happens in the ordinary rhythms of everyday life. As we go to work, school, the grocery store, or care for loved ones, we are invited to carry God’s love into the world. Reflecting on doubt, discipleship, baptism, and community, Fr. Michael describes faith not as certainty or perfect doctrine, but as learning to walk with Jesus in the messiness of life. At the heart of that mission is a simple calling: love God, love your neighbor, and let your baptismal identity “splash” onto everyone around you.

Pentecost: Come, Holy Spirit

On Pentecost Sunday, The Rev. Michael Singer reflects on the Holy Spirit as both wind and breath, a presence that can unsettle us, transform us, and breathe new life into the world. Drawing from the story of Pentecost in Acts, Fr. Michael explores how the Spirit moves not only through dramatic moments, but also through quiet prayer, music, relationships, compassion, and simple acts of kindness. While the Spirit may sometimes disrupt our comfort and stir us beyond complacency, it also grounds us deeply in God’s presence and reminds us that love will prevail. Through vivid imagery, humor, and the playful act of blowing bubbles together, Fr. Michael invites us to rediscover wonder, openness, and the life-giving movement of the Spirit within and among us.

Faith, Uncertainty, and Belonging: The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Last Sunday, on Senior Sunday, graduating senior Lane Tompkin offered a moving reflection on faith, uncertainty, compassion, and belonging. Rev. Michael Singer asked that the parish share her sermon because of its honesty and grace. Lane’s words were a powerful reminder that faith is not about having all the answers, but about learning to trust God and love others well.

The Sixth Sunday of Easter: Love Enough to Follow

In this sermon, The Rev. Sue Cushinotto reflects on Jesus’ words, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” inviting us to understand discipleship not as guilt or obligation, but as a response to love. Rev. Cushinotto explores the challenge of loving both God and neighbor, especially when love asks us to move beyond comfort, agreement, or ease. She reminds us that every person we encounter is loved by God, and that Christian life means allowing “the Christ in us to meet the Christ in them.” Recognizing how difficult that calling can be, Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who guides, strengthens, and sustains us. Through prayer, silence, and love lived out in everyday life, we are invited to follow Christ more deeply and faithfully into the world.