4/26/09 – Jonathan Chute – “Remember Who You Are”
Sermon – “Remember Who You Are”
Luke 24:36-48. This week we follow Jesus as he keeps visiting the disciples in the days after Easter. He finds them still in Jerusalem, not quite knowing what to do next. They are startled and afraid to see him. He greets them with a word of peace and assures them that he is not a ghost. Then he shows them his hands and feet, and even asks them for a bite of food. It seems like an odd request for a risen savior. But Jesus realizes that his friends are still having trouble moving forward in the aftermath of Easter. He wants them to go back into the world, where the ministry of hospitality and healing, of compassion and forgiveness, must be proclaimed.
Scripture – Luke 24:36-48
4/19/09 – Charles Hoffman – “Hard to Believe”
Sermon – “Hard to Believe”
John 20-19-31. Ah, the glory of Easter! When was that, exactly? Remember the trumpets? The beautiful flowers? The joy and wonder? Did it last through the rest of the week? If so, you did better than the disciples. This week’s gospel tells us that on the evening of Easter, they were back in hiding, locked behind the doors of the house where they were staying. They were afraid. And even when Jesus visits them there, offering them his forgiveness, there is still doubt. Thomas was not there to see. And he cannot believe what the others are saying. Our guest preacher is the Rev. Charles Hoffman (“Chuck”), who was Jonathan’s youth minister in Escondido, and a mentor and guide to a number of ministers now scattered around the country.
Scripture – John 20-19-31
4/12/09 – Easter Sunday
Jonathan Chute – “The Last Word”
Sermon – The Last Word
Mark 16-10-8. Easter celebrates the central truth of the Christian story, that God’s grace and love are more powerful than sin and death. It is a message that we yearn to hear and long to believe. We dare to hope in the truth of this good news. Yet the stories of that first Easter show us that Jesus- followers were perhaps as confused by the resurrection as they were hopeful. In Mark’s gospel three women come to the tomb, bringing oil and spices to anoint to anoint the body of Jesus. As they walk, they consider an important question – “Who will roll away the stone?” But when they arrive, the stone is gone and the tomb is empty. A young man in white tells them not to be alarmed – Jesus has gone ahead of them to Galilee. He will meet them there. But they are overcome with fear. They flee from the scene, saying nothing to anyone.
Scripture – Mark 16-10-8
4/5/09 – Palm Sunday – the Passion of Jesus
Jonathan Chute – “Poured Out”
Sermon – Poured Out
Mark 14 & 15, selected verses. From triumph to tragedy, courage and compassion to betrayal and fear, the events of Jesus’ last days embody a wide range of human experience. The events of the week begin with a parade, and a crowd of joyful pilgrims. It closes with a different sort of crowd, looking on as an innocent man is condemned to death. Between his triumphal entry and the crucifixion, he experiences moments of grace and pain, betrayal and hope. Some of the best and the worst of us is woven through the story of his gracious gift.
Scripture – Mark 14 & 15
