December 2, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Mixed Messages”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for the first Sunday of Advent encourages us to watch for signs of the Messiah’s coming. Jesus describes that event as including both good news and bad. He says that there will be distress on earth and fear among the nations. That’s the bad news. Yet he encourages his followers not to give up, but to wait with heads and hopes high. There is reason to rejoice, for God is working to bring healing and hope to the world. Luke 21:25-36 is the basis of Jonathan’s sermon, “Mixed Messages.”
Scripture: scripture
December 9, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Environmental Impact”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for this Sunday introduces us to John the Baptist, who is preaching repentance and forgiveness by the side of the Jordan river. From out in the wilderness he calls people to make a new beginning. He reminds them of the words of the prophet Isaiah, who called the people to make whatever changes they needed to welcome the Lord. The time had come to clear away old habits and cherished hurts, and to make a path for God’s coming into the world. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 3:1-6, and his title is “Environmental Impact.” On this second Sunday of Advent, we will be lighting the candle of Peace.
Scripture: scripture
December 16, 2018 – April Herron “Reason for Rejoicing”
Sermon: sermon
Joy is the watchword for the third Sunday in Advent. The Christmas trees are in place and poinsettias will be filling the sanctuary. The prophet Isaiah calls us to worship with the words, “Shout aloud and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One.”
In the gospel reading from Luke 3, John the baptizer shares good news with people who know they need to make some changes in their lives. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul echoes the understanding that it is the nearness of God, not the perfection of our souls or our circumstances, which makes it possible for us to live with joyful hearts and minds.
In this season, joy comes easily to some and feels more distant to others. We may have a lot to manage at work or in our families. We may be grieving over significant losses. We may be concerned about the state of international relations or the impact of humans on the environment. Even so, the song “Joy to the World” is for us.
April’s sermon title is, “Reason for Rejoicing.” You could read Luke 3:15-18 and Philippians 4:4-7 if you like to consider the Sunday scripture passages ahead of time.
Scripture: scripture
December 23, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Uncontainable”
Sermon: sermon
In our gospel for this Fourth Sunday of Advent two women, both pregnant, greet one another. Elizabeth, the older of the two, has been waiting and praying for a child for years. Her prayers have recently been answered. Mary is in a more complicated situation. Pregnancy outside of marriage was punishable by death. She has traveled from her home in Nazareth to stay with her cousin in this important season of her life. She will not have to go through this time alone. At the sound of Mary’s voice the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy. There is obvious warmth and love between the two women. But something even more important is going on beyond what we can see. Luke 1:39-47.
Scripture: scripture
December 30, 2018 – April Herron “Christmas Stories”
Sermon: sermon
When a baby has been born, the family’s joy keeps growing. When Christmas has come, the light in the world keeps increasing. When we have traveled and returned home, our contentment deepens.
This Sunday, December 30, we are still experiencing angels from the realms of glory. We are just getting started with conveying the good news, telling it “on the mountain” that Jesus Christ is born. And, we have the extra fun of celebrating the marriage of April Herron and Bob Chamberlin.
April will be sharing a favorite Christmas story or two. At each service, prayers of blessing will be offered, in some cases by other couples who also met at RHUMC! Our focal point will be Colossians 3:12-17, a scripture text that summarizes the way of life to which Christ calls us. It begins, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Scripture: scripture
