4/26/15 – Jonathan Chute – “The Two Hearts”
Sermon: Sermon
Both of this week’s scriptures reflect on the relationship between Jesus, his followers, and all of us together. The letter known as First John makes a connection between Christ’s love for us and our love for each other. He wants us to know that it is helpful not only to receive the grace he offers, but to extend it to those around us. As we share it with others, our own experience of grace grows as well. That passage is found in 1 John 3:16-24. Our gospel reading describes the life of sacrificial love shown to us in Christ, the Good Shepherd. Jesus tells his friends that there is a difference between a shepherd who truly loves the sheep in his care and the “hired hand” who runs away when trouble appears. That text is found in John 10:11-15. Jonathan’s sermon is “The Two Hearts.”
Scripture: Scripture
4/19/15 – Jonathan Chute – “At the Table”
Sermon: Sermon
This week’s gospel takes place on the afternoon of Easter. The story takes place as two of the disciples travel down the road not far from Jerusalem. As they walk along they encounter a stranger who joins them on the way. As they talk with him about the events of the past week, they find their hearts stirred by what he has to say. They invite him to stay with them for the night. At the supper table the stranger takes, blesses and breaks the bread, the two disciples see that it is the risen Christ who has been with them all along. The text is Luke 24:13-35, and Jonathan’s sermon title is “At the Table.”
Scripture: Scripture
4/12/15 – Jonathan Chute – “The Hurt Locker”
Sermon: Sermon
This week’s gospel describes the appearance of the risen Christ to his disciples, early on the evening of the resurrection. He finds them still in Jerusalem, locked in fear behind the doors of the house where they were staying. As witnesses of the resurrection it is clear that they still have a ways to go. In the days that follow he makes several attempts to reach his friends with the hope and peace they cannot seem to find. Just as before, he does not give up on them now. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is John 20:19-31, and his title is “The Hurt Locker.”
Scripture: Scripture
4/5/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Open-ended”
Sermon: Sermon
Very early, just after the sun had risen, three women made their way to the tomb. Just days before they had watched as the body of their friend was laid there, and a stone rolled against the opening. Now they come to anoint his body with spices. As they walk, they wonder who will roll away the stone. When they arrive, they find that the stone is already gone – but so is the body. The tomb lies empty. A young man in white tells them not to be alarmed – Jesus has been raised from the dead and will meet them back in Galilee. The women are overcome with fear. They flee from the scene, saying nothing to anyone. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 16:1-8, “Open-ended.”
Scripture: Scripture
