Spiritual Journeys: Weekly Messages from St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Have you ever felt unseen, overlooked, or forgotten? In this week’s sermon from Luke 13, we explore the story of the “bent-over woman” who lived on the margins for 18 years—unnoticed by society, but never unseen by God. Discover how Jesus notices the forgotten, calls them to the center, and sets them free. Learn what it means for us today to see others with the eyes of Christ, to break down barrie...

Life can feel like a marathon—full of setbacks, obstacles, and moments when quitting seems easier than pressing on. In this sermon, we explore what it means to run life’s race with faith, perseverance, and love. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and the music of U2, we’ll see how God’s word reminds us that we don’t run alone—we run together, sustained by Christ and a community of believers. Wheth...

Are you missing the moments when God shows up in your life? In this week's sermon, we explore how to be on the lookout for God’s presence—even in the most unexpected people, places, and situations. Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the watching servant, you’ll discover why God’s desire is not to burden you with rules, but to give you *good things*, peace, and hope, no matter your past or your pai...

Are you tired of chasing “more” but still feeling empty? In this week's sermon, we dive into Jesus’ parable of the rich fool and explore the deeper spiritual truths about greed, anxiety, and what it means to live a life of purpose. You'll discover how true freedom comes not from storing up treasure for yourself—but from living generously, being rooted in grace, and embracing your identity...

Have you ever prayed and felt like no one was listening? Like your words went out into the air and just... disappeared? This message isn’t about having all the right words or perfect faith. It’s about building a real, honest relationship with God—one where we speak from the heart and learn to listen with the heart too. Deacon Pete explores what Jesus meant when he said, “Ask, seek, and knock,” and...

In a world full of conflict, division, and "othering," what does it mean to follow a reconciling Christ? In this powerful sermon rooted in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we explore the beautiful collision of divine action, community life, and personal faith—and how each of us is called to participate in God’s healing work in the world. From cosmic powers in ancient Colossae to the kitc...

In this week's sermon, Mother Paige weaves together the timeless messages of Disney classics, the fiery justice of the prophet Amos, and the radical mercy of Jesus in the Good Samaritan parable.👑 Discover how Disney films echo the Gospel’s call to justice.📖 Hear how Psalm 82 reveals God’s deep concern for the weak and the needy.🧳 Learn how ancient displacement and modern injustice still spe...

In this sermon, Madeline Polhill invites us to reframe our concerns about the future of the Church and instead focus on what truly matters: God’s mission, not our metrics. Drawing from Luke’s Gospel and Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we are reminded that Jesus sends us out not to seek our own success, but to proclaim that **"the kingdom of God has come near."** The real question is not...

In this powerful sermon, Annie Rodriguez, Executive Director of GenerateHope, brings a message of courageous love, deep sacrifice, and unshakable hope. Rooted in Luke 9:51–62, Annie invites us to reflect on what it truly means to follow Jesus—especially when it leads us into the broken places of our world. With honesty and grace, Annie shares the mission of GenerateHope, a San Diego-based, faith-r...

In this powerful and timely sermon, we explore the deeply human instinct to divide — to draw lines between "us" and "them" — and how God calls us to break those boundaries instead. Drawing from the stories of Elijah in 1 Kings, Paul’s fiery letter to the Galatians, and Jesus’ encounter with the possessed man in Luke, this sermon invites us into a radical rethinking of what it means to live as one...

From Graduation to Transformation – Two Seniors Reflect on Faith, Change, and Finding God in the UnknownIn this moving and thought-provoking sermon, St. Peter’s graduating seniors Charlie Sweet and Olivia Peltier share reflections on their lives, their faith, and the lessons they’ve learned growing up in our church community. Charlie, a soon-to-be engineering student at Colorado School of Mines, f...

This sermon invites you into the heart of one of the most powerful stories in the Christian tradition: **Pentecost**—the moment the Holy Spirit arrived in wind and flame, and the Church was born. On this Pentecost Sunday, Bishop Susan reflects on an unforgettable moment at Heathrow Airport during the London Olympics, where one small act of connection turned a room of strangers into a joyful, unifi...

In this thought-provoking sermon, we explore Jesus’ final prayer before his departure to the Garden of Gethsemane, found in the Gospel of John. As we reflect on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, we dive deep into Jesus’ unwavering confidence in His followers—past, present, and future—and His fervent prayer for unity among us all. This sermon calls us to embrace our calling as the Body of Christ, not b...

In this moving Memorial Day sermon, Dr. Brad Devore—an active-duty Navy officer and neuropsychologist—shares powerful reflections on community, sacrifice, and mental health. Drawing from personal experience aboard the USS *Harry S. Truman* and his clinical work at UC San Diego, Brad explores how connection and belonging are not only crucial for our spiritual lives, but also for our emotional and p...

In this heartfelt sermon, we celebrate the baptism of baby Owen—a joyful moment that brings the church family together across generations. But more than just a special occasion, Owen’s baptism reminds us of something deeper: that God doesn’t love us from a distance. God loves us up close. Drawing from the stunning vision in Revelation and the tender words of Jesus in John’s Gospel, we’re reminded...

How does a skull ring worn by Keith Richards point us toward the heart of the Gospel? Join us as we explore the surprising connections between rock stars and redemption, betrayal and glory, and the radical love Jesus commands of us all. Drawing from John’s Gospel and the example of Jesus’ self-giving love, this sermon challenges us to look beyond appearances and embrace a deeper, unconditional lov...

Join us for a deeply moving and personal sermon from Anne Iverson-Peltier, a longtime member and leader at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. In this beautiful message, Anne explores the power of storytelling—both in our faith and our lives—through the lens of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Drawing on childhood memories, her experience with the Education for Ministry (EfM) program, and the scriptures from...

This past weekend, we were delighted to welcome Liz Ramirez to the pulpit as our guest preacher. Representing United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego, Liz shares her inspiring journey of faith, service, and advocacy, shining a light on the truth about cerebral palsy—dispelling myths, celebrating possibilities, and reminding us of the strength and dignity of those living with disabilities. With over 30...

In this sermon, Mother Paige explores the story of the risen Jesus appearing to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, emphasizing how Christ is revealed in moments of brokenness and shared presence—especially in the breaking of the bread. Rather than focusing on doubt, as in the more commonly told story of Thomas, she highlights the humor, humanity, and deep significance of this Lukan resurrection...

“Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!” But what does resurrection really mean when the world still feels so broken? In this powerful Easter message, Mother Paige invites us to wrestle with the tension between the promises of new life and the realities of pain, fear, and confusion. Drawing on the Gospel of Luke, Isaiah’s prophetic vision, and even Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she remin...

Join us for a beloved Holy Week tradition at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Del Mar—a dramatic reading of the Passion Narrative from the Gospel of Luke (Chapters 22–23). This powerful retelling captures the emotion, intensity, and sacred depth of Jesus’ final hours as told by Luke, drawing listeners into the heart of the story. Through voices from our congregation, sound, and scripture, this imme...

As Lent comes to a close, Rev. Susan reflects on Mary’s bold and beautiful act of anointing Jesus—an intimate moment of love and faith shared in public. In a world full of distractions and expectations, this sermon reminds us that the small, heartfelt things we do—acts of kindness, forgiveness, compassion—can be lifted into God’s greater purpose. As we approach Holy Week, we’re invited to follow M...

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus' most well-known stories, but have you ever considered how the way we name and interpret it shapes its meaning? In this sermon, we explore the powerful themes of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, drawing insights from Amy-Jill Levine’s scholarship. Discover how this parable fits into a trilogy of lost-and-found stories in Luke’s Gospel and...

In this powerful sermon, Beth Beall challenges us to open our eyes and hearts to the needs of vulnerable children, just as Moses noticed the burning bush. She shares the moving story of Alex, a boy born with HIV and abandoned in a Tijuana hospital, who found safety and healing at the Eunime orphanage—one of St. Peter’s ministry partners. Through the generosity of this faith community, Alex and oth...

Join us for this inspiring Lenten sermon as Susan explores the power of love, mercy, and repentance in deepening our relationship with God. Through biblical examples—from God’s covenant with Abram to Jesus’ teachings and Paul’s encouragement—she reminds us that God earnestly desires a relationship with each of us and is always ready to forgive. As we reflect on personal accountability and take ste...