December 3, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “ETA”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel is a preview and promise of the second coming. Jesus describes the day of his return, and tells the disciples what they should do in the meantime. He shares a parable of a man who goes away on a journey and leaves his servants in charge. It is a familiar set-up – one he uses in several other parables. But this time he offers a new twist on an old theme. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 13:24-37, and his title is “ETA.”
Scripture: scripture
December 10, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “Enduring Hope”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s scripture the prophet Isaiah seeks to bring a word of comfort and encouragement to God’s people. Like many before them, and many in our own day, they have suffered terribly and even wondered if God has abandoned them completely. In the midst of their trials, Isaiah does not offer easy optimism, but genuine hope. He does not deny the depth of their struggles, but promises that the compassion of God is deeper and more lasting than anything before them. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Enduring Hope,” is Isaiah 40:1-11. On this second Sunday of Advent, we will be lighting the candle of Peace.
Scripture: scripture
December 17, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “The Touch of Grace”
Sermon: sermon
Mark opens his gospel with these words “the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ.” But the story begins in an unexpected location for most of us. There is no manger, no stable, no anxious parents or newborn baby. We find ourselves not in Bethlehem, but out in the desert with John the Baptist. In that time people were anxious, looking with hope to the coming of the Messiah. John appealed to people with little in common. From the city of Jerusalem to the countryside of Judea, they came streaming out to him at the river Jordan. John wanted them not only to hear about God’s forgiveness, but to be touched by it as well. Mark 1:1-8 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The Touch of Grace.” 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
