St. John's Episcopal Church Montclair

St. John's Episcopal Church Montclair

by The Rev. Carrie Cabush

Season 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Epiphany | January 11, 2026

Epiphany | January 11, 2026

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.

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