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

This week, we explore themes of endurance, hope, and action within the context of pre-Advent readings from the Bible. Mother Paige provides insights into apocalyptic literature, explaining its purpose and relevance, emphasizing that such literature is not about predicting the future but offering hope and calling for action. She highlights passages from Isaiah and Luke, reminding us how their teach...

In this sermon, Mother Susan delves into the concept of resurrection through a critical analysis of a gospel reading, focusing on a confrontation between Jesus and the Sadducees as depicted in Luke. She asks the question, 'are we a resurrection people,' exploring the theological viewpoints of the Sadducees and Pharisees, and discusses Jesus' responses to their queries. She encourages b...

This sermon, delivered on All Saints' Day, addresses the cognitive dissonance we experience when reciting challenging biblical texts like Psalm 145. With her customary wit and humor, Mother Paige discusses the duality of human existence, acknowledging that individuals are both blessed and broken. She draws on the gospel of Luke, particularly the Sermon on the Plain, highlighting Jesus’ call fo...

In this sermon, you're invited to place yourself amid a parable exploring humility and self-righteousness. Our Lay Associate, Madeline Polhill contrasts the Pharisee, who trusts in his own piety, with the humble tax collector, illustrating that true righteousness comes from recognizing our dependence on God. Drawing on biblical passages and theologians like Carl Bart and Rowan Williams, she em...

In this insightful sermon, we delve into messages of persistence and hope from the Bible, focusing on passages from Jeremiah and the Gospel of Luke. Explore Jeremiah's radical words of hope amidst the impending exile and hear Jesus' parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing the importance of unceasing prayer and striving for justice. Learn how these messages resonate in our current time...

What does it really mean when Jesus says, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well”? In this powerful sermon from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rick Ochocki reflects on the story of the ten lepers and how gratitude, faith, and action come together to bring true healing. Through his own journey of recovery from cancer, Rick reminds us that faith isn’t just something we feel—it’s som...

In this sermon celebrating the Feast of St. Francis, Mother Paige challenges believers to reflect on whether their lives are truly recognizable as those of Jesus' disciples. Emphasizing the radical and transformative nature of the gospel, the sermon contrasts the domesticated version of Jesus as a mascot with Jesus as the Messiah who calls for profound change. Using stories from St. Francis&#3...

In this sermon, the focus is on the biblical perspective on money as explored through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The preacher delves into Jesus' teachings on wealth, emphasizing the clear message that the love of money can lead to spiritual ruin. The sermon highlights Jesus’ critique of the social structures that prioritize wealth over compassion and urges listeners to reorient t...

This week we explore one of Jesus’ most challenging parables in this inspiring sermon. While the story may seem puzzling at first, it carries a profound message about forgiveness, grace, and spiritual freedom. In this message, you’ll discover:* Why Jesus’ parables often turn our expectations upside down.* How forgiveness can transform your heart and relationships.* Practical ways to extend grace i...

What does it mean to be lost—and how does God’s mercy bring us home? In this inspiring sermon from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Del Mar, we hear how Scripture calls us to care for every person, especially those society too often overlooks. Drawing from the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, this message reminds us that no one is forgotten, and God’s love can transform even the most b...

In this Kickoff Sunday sermon, we dive into one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings: what it means to truly follow Him and keep our loves in the right order. Drawing on Jeremiah’s parable of the potter, insights from Augustine of Hippo, and even lessons from Harry Potter, we explore how God reshapes us through transformation and the transcendent power of love. This message will help you understan...

Ever wondered where God shows up in everyday life? In this sermon, we explore how Jesus calls us to radical hospitality — the messy, risky, and beautiful work of welcoming strangers, outsiders, and the overlooked. Drawing on the Gospel of Luke, Hebrews, and the wisdom of Thomas Merton, you’ll discover how encounters with strangers can reveal the face of Christ and transform ordinary moments into e...

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...