February 7, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “While He Was Praying…”
Sermon: Sermon
This Sunday’s gospel describes one of the more strange and mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes Peter, John and James up a mountain to pray. In Luke’s gospel prayer plays a central role in the life of Jesus. Before some of his most important actions Jesus goes to God in prayer. This time, while he is praying, something almost indescribable takes place, with the disciples as witnesses. Jesus is transfigured – completely changed – before their eyes. His face shines with a glorious light. Moses and Elijah appear and talk with him. A cloud overshadows them all and a voice tells the disciples to listen to Jesus. One thing is clear – they have no idea what to make of this! The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 9:28-36, and his title is “While He Was Praying…”
It’s the first Sunday of the month, so we will gather at God’s table to share the meal of grace and hope we know as communion. All are welcome.
Scripture: Scripture
February 14, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Short Cuts”
Sermon: Sermon
On this first Sunday in Lent, we begin the journey that lies at the heart of the Christian story. We look to Jesus as the example of a life of courage, compassion and hope. During Lent, we walk with him from his temptation in the desert to his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The story does not end there, we know. But this week we pay attention to how it all begins…
…which is in a confrontation with the devil. He has been led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasts for forty days. He is famished. He is alone, according to Luke, until the tempter arrives. What the devil offers is not evil in the usual sense, but something good in disguise. Jesus draws on resources available to us as well as he rejects the offers before him. The text for the sermon is Luke 4:1-13, and Jonathan’s title is “Short Cuts.”
Scripture: Scripture
February 21, 2016 – April Herron – “The Unstoppable Love of God”
Sermon: Sermon
On the second Sunday during Lent, Jesus uses vivid metaphors to try to help his listeners understand both the challenge Jesus is facing, and God’s invitation to God’s people. Jesus refers to King Herod as “that fox” when he is told that Herod is seeking to kill him. At the same time, Jesus describes himself as a mother hen, longing to gather her children under her wings, when he thinks about his mission in Jerusalem. The hen is protective; the fox is hungry. Jesus makes clear he will not let Herod control or curtail his activity. April’s sermon, “The Unstoppable Love of God,” is based on Luke 13: 31-35. We will have opportunity to reflect on the qualities of courage and resolve.
Scripture: Scripture
February 28, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Not the Question”
Sermon: Sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus discusses two disasters – one human, and one natural – that had recently taken a number of lives. He refuses to blame the victims for what happened. But he also suggests that their deaths are an occasion for the rest of us to reflect on what counts in our own lives. Then he tells a parable about a fig tree that has not borne any fruit for some time. While the owner wants to cut it down, his servant asks that it be given one more year. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 13:1-9, and his title is “Not the Question.”
Scripture: Scripture
