12/6/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Off the Map”
Sermon: sermon
On the second Sunday of Advent we meet John the Baptist. John is out in the wilderness, far from the temple in Jerusalem, out of sight of those who hold religious or political power. His message is simple and direct. He preaches repentance and forgiveness of sin from the edges of the Jordan river. He called people to make a new beginning – to turn their lives in a new direction. The time had come to clear away old habits and cherished hurts, and to make room the grace of God in their lives. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 3:1-6, and his title is “Off the Map.” We will be lighting the second Advent candle, the Candle of Peace.
Scripture: scripture
12/13/15 – Jonathan Chute – “That’s Easy!”
Sermon: sermon
Our gospel continues the story of John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of the Jordan. Now that he has their attention, John speaks rather sharply to the crowds who have come to him for baptism. He does not believe that they are sincere. They might fool themselves, but he wants them to know that they don’t fool him. Even then John offers the people the hope of a new beginning. If they truly want to make a change, he will help. John doesn’t take it easy on his listeners. But he doesn’t give up on them, either. He offers an opportunity for anyone to start over. For this reason Luke tells us that John “proclaimed the good news to the people.” The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 3:7-18, and his title is “That’s Easy!” We’ll be lighting the Third Advent Candle, the Candle of Joy, as we anticipate the fulfillment of the promise of hope and peace in Christ’s coming.
Scripture: scripture
12/20/15 – April Herron – “What Elizabeth Knew”
Sermon: sermon
Christmas is a time for family visits, much singing, and many expressions of love. It has been so from the very beginning. This Sunday’s scripture text recounts Mary’s visit to Elizabeth after both women had learned that babies were on the way. We find Elizabeth exclaiming in wonder and Mary rejoicing over God’s amazing activity in the world. April’s sermon title is “What Elizabeth Knew.” Worship will include joyful music and the lighting of the fourth candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of Love.
Scripture: scripture
12/24/15 – Jonathan Chute – “The Kindness of Strangers”
Sermon: sermon
In the gospel for Christmas Eve, Luke reminds us that the birth of Jesus takes place in the midst of other world events. From his throne in Rome, Caesar rules the Empire. His officials carry out their orders. Lives are turned upside-down. The powerful issue decrees. Ordinary people live with the consequences. But in Bethlehem an entirely different story is taking place. There in a manger, God enters the world in humility and weakness. A child is born to an unmarried couple, weary travelers on the road, with only a few shepherds and some animals to witness what takes place. It seems like an odd way to begin the salvation of the world. The text is Luke 2:1-20, and Jonathan’s sermon is “The Kindness of Strangers.”
Scripture:
12/27/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Reflections on the meaning of Christmas”
Sermon: sermon
The text for the day is Luke 2:41-52. It is the story of Jesus and his parents in Jerusalem, when he is about twelve. Jonathan will share a couple of stories with us – reflections on the meaning of Christmas, along with some familiar carols to keep the celebration going. Sunday is the 3rd day of Christmas, so check out recipes for French hens….
Scripture: scripture
