December 4, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Blast from the Past”
Sermon: sermon
On this second Sunday of Advent John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, proclaiming the kingdom of heaven and calling the people to repentance. Large crowds from the towns and the cities come out to be baptized by him. John reminds them of someone they know from history, the prophet Elijah. But he is not calling them to return to the past. Instead he points them to the future, and tells them to get ready for what God is about to do. There is one coming after him who will bring God’s kingdom to completion. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 3:1-12, and his title is “Blast from the Past.” We will be lighting the second Advent candle, the Candle of Peace. The sanctuary will be green and lovely, with thanks to the Worship Committee and friends!
Scripture: scripture
December 11, 2016 – April Herron – “Wondering in the Dark”
Sermon: sermon
John the Baptist looms large in the season of Advent. His is the voice crying, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” He is the guide cautioning us to be sincere in our repentance and alert to the one who is to come. But even John is not immune from confusion and doubt in the dark days of the year. His efforts on behalf of the coming Christ have landed him in jail. From that gloomy position he wonders if he has understood things rightly. He is haunted by one burning question: are you the one who is to come, or shall we wait for another? April’s sermon title is “Wondering in the Dark” (which is something most of us have experience with) and you can read the scripture ahead of time by consulting Matthew 11:2-11.
Scripture: scripture
December 18, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Messy”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for this Fourth Sunday of Advent is the story of Jesus’ birth as Joseph experiences it. His world is turned upside-down by the news that his young bride to be, is pregnant. Since they had not yet been together he knew that she must be guilty of adultery. But Joseph chooses not to have her put her to death. Instead, he will simply end the relationship. Then an angel appears in a dream and announces that Mary’s child is a gift of God. Joseph is told to make her his wife and to give the baby the name Jesus. This was not Joseph’s plan. It will complicate his life immeasurably. But the rest of the story depends on his response. The gospel reading is Matthew 1:18-25, and the title of Jonathan’s sermon is “Messy.”
Scripture: scripture
December 24, 2016 – Jonathan chute – “Missing It”
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 deal 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 “Missing It.”
Scripture: scripture
December 25, 2016 – April Herron – “Christmas Stories”
Sermon: sermon
On Christmas Day we gathered for worship at 10 a.m. only, with Christmas stories specially chosen by April, and music led by our Chancel Choir. We enjoyed being together to give thanks for the gift of God’s love as it is born anew in us an the world.
Scripture: scripture
