Sermons On-the-Sound

In this sermon, The Rev. Sue Cushinotto reflects on God’s law not as a burden, but as a gift that draws us into right relationship with God and one another.
Drawing on the Psalms and Paul’s letter to the Romans, Rev. Sue reminds us that love is not simply a feeling. It is something we do. Christian love feeds, comforts, welcomes, seeks justice, speaks truth, and recognizes Christ in our neighbors. Even the smallest act of love can ripple outward in ways we may never see. Now is the time, she reminds us, to clothe ourselves in the light of Christ and let that light shine into the world.

In this sermon, The Rev. B.J. Buracker reflects on Peter’s struggle to understand a Messiah who chooses service and sacrifice rather than worldly power.
Jesus shows us a different kind of kingship. He feeds the hungry, welcomes the stranger, serves others, and ultimately gives his life for us. Fr. B.J. reminds us that what we believe about Jesus shapes how we live. As we spend time with Christ in Scripture, prayer, Eucharist, and community, we are formed more deeply in his likeness and learn to follow where he leads.

In this sermon, The Rev. B.J. Buracker reflects on St. Paul’s image of the Church as one body with many members, each given different gifts for the work of Christ.
From prayer and teaching to hospitality, service, generosity, and compassion, every person has something to offer. Fr. B.J. reminds us that ministry belongs to the whole Church, not just the clergy. When we offer our gifts together, we build one another up and continue Christ’s work of reconciliation in our parish, community, and world.

In this sermon, The Rev. B.J. Buracker reflects on Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman and the divisions that too easily separate us into “us” and “them.”
Through this surprising Gospel story, Fr. B.J. reminds us that God’s mercy and grace are not reserved for a select few. Jesus crosses boundaries, lifts up an unlikely woman as an example of great faith, and reveals a God whose love reaches beyond the walls we build. If Christ’s arms are open wide to us, our hearts, hands, and church doors should be open wide to others as well.

In this sermon, The Rev. B.J. Buracker reflects on Peter stepping out of the boat to walk toward Jesus. Faith, he reminds us, is more than belief. It is trusting Christ enough to follow, even when the way ahead feels uncertain.
When Peter becomes distracted by the wind and waves, he begins to sink, but Jesus immediately reaches out to him. Fr. B.J. reminds us that Christ does the same for us. As St. Andrew’s enters a new season of ministry, we are invited to keep our eyes on Jesus, step out in faith, and trust where he leads.

In this sermon, The Rev. Sue Cushinotto reflects on the feeding of the five thousand, the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. She reminds us that Jesus' concern extends to everyone, especially those whom society overlooks. The miracle begins with a simple offering and a willingness to trust that God can do far more than we imagine.
Drawing on her recent pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, Rev. Cushinotto shares how she discovered that when her own strength gave out, God's strength carried her forward. In the same way, Jesus takes what we offer, blesses it, and multiplies it for the sake of others. As disciples, we are invited to bring what we have, trust God's provision, and help feed a hungry world.

In this sermon, The Rev. B.J. Buracker reflects on Jesus' parables of the mustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure, and the pearl of great price. While the world celebrates power, recognition, and success, Jesus reveals a kingdom that grows through humility, service, and transformed lives.
Fr. B.J. reminds us that Christ's kingdom often begins in small, unseen ways but produces lasting fruit. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to reflect his love through everyday acts of mercy, forgiveness, and service. Having discovered the priceless treasure of God's kingdom, we are called to follow Christ with joyful hearts and wholehearted devotion.

In this sermon, The Rev. B.J. Buracker reflects on Romans 8 and the gift of being adopted into God's family. Because we are already God's beloved children, we are invited to walk by the Spirit with lives marked by prayer, compassion, and hope.
Fr. B.J. reminds us that discipleship isn't about earning God's love. It is our response to the grace we've already received through Christ. Even when following Jesus is difficult, we can move forward with confidence, knowing who we are and where God is leading us.

In his first sermon as Rector of St. Andrew's On-the-Sound, The Rev. B.J. Buracker reflects on the Parable of the Sower and reminds us that the story is ultimately not about the different kinds of soil, but about the One who scatters the seed.
Fr. B.J. proclaims the hope of the resurrection and the abundant grace of Christ, who sows the Gospel generously, even into hearts that feel hard, rocky, or overgrown. Rather than leaving us discouraged by our shortcomings, Jesus patiently prepares the soil, nurturing faith that bears fruit for the sake of others. As a new chapter begins at St. Andrew's, Fr. B.J. invites us to trust the Good Sower, whose grace transforms lives and whose harvest blesses the world.

In this sermon, The Rev. Pati Mary Andrews reflects on Jesus' invitation, "Come to me," as a call to rest, renewal, and deeper trust. Drawing from Eugene Peterson's The Message, she reminds us that Christ speaks clearly to ordinary people and continues to meet us in the midst of weariness, grief, and uncertainty.
Rev. Andrews encourages us to listen for God's personal invitation in our own lives. Through prayer, gratitude, and the promises of our Baptismal Covenant, we are reminded that we never journey alone. God's grace strengthens us to rise again, to love our neighbors, and to become instruments of hope in a hurting world. Even when we feel burdened, Christ gently lifts us up and teaches us "the unforced rhythm of grace."