April 2, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “Restored”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture is a vision of the prophet Ezekiel. It comes from a time in Israel’s history when the people have been defeated and their temple destroyed. They have been taken away to Babylon in service to their captors. During their time in exile it seems that all is lost. They cannot help but wonder if God has abandoned them. In his vision, Ezekiel sees a vast valley of dry bones, which represent the defeated nation. The Lord asks the prophet, “Can these bones live?” It hardly seems possible. Then, in the midst of this scene of death and destruction, the spirit of God begins to move. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Restored,” is Ezekiel 37:1-14.
Scripture: scripture
April 9, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “Empty”
Sermon: sermon
Palm Sunday launches the week that lies at the heart of the Christian year. On Sunday morning the services open with the waving of palm branches and the joyful procession of our children. Our gospel text includes a series of episodes from the last days of Jesus’ life. The story begins with an act of generosity by an unknown woman. It continues through the night of the Last Supper, when Jesus is arrested. Later he is brought before the High Priest and the governor for trial. Then he is led out to be crucified. From the cross he cries out in agony, and a Roman soldier sees in his death something more than others have realized.
Scripture: scripture
April 16, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “Seeing Through Tears”
Sermon: sermon
Our scripture for Easter morning tells the story of Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the open tomb. At first she cannot make sense of the scene before her. First, it’s too dark to see clearly. And fear gets the best of her. She runs to tell the others that Jesus’ body has been taken away. We can hardly blame her for panicking. She cannot possibly imagine what has taken place. She returns to the tomb with Peter and another disciple. They go in and see that it is empty. But Mary stays outside, weeping at what appears to be the scene of a crime. When Jesus appears and speaks to her, even then she does not recognize him. But when he calls her by name, suddenly the darkness lifts. She can see him now in the light of this new day. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Seeing Through Tears,” is John 20:1-18.
Scripture: scripture
April 23, 2017 – April Herron “God Gives Us a Future”
Sermon: sermon
Easter continues this Sunday with the story of an evening gathering of disciples. Even after the morning discovery of the missing body, and the testimony of Mary that she had seen the Lord, the friends and followers of Jesus were afraid and confused. They were not able to truly begin rejoicing until Jesus came and stood among them, bringing them peace and empowering them for service. Our scripture reading will be John 20:19-23. April’s sermon is, “God Gives Us a Future.”
Scripture: scripture
April 30, 2017 – Jonathan “Road and Table”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel takes place on the afternoon and evening of Easter. Two of the disciples are walking down the road, not far from Jerusalem, when they encounter a stranger. He joins them on the way and talks with them about the events of the past week, opening their eyes stirring their hearts. They invite him to join them for the night and he agrees. But at the supper table something unexpected happens. As 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 for the sermon is Luke 24:13-35, and Jonathan’s title is “Road and Table.”
Scripture: scripture
