February 4, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Getting Jesus”
Sermon: sermon
In our gospel this week Jesus experiences a dramatic response to his healing work in Galilee. Many people have heard what he has done and come out to see him – especially those who are struggling and sick. The house where they are staying is surrounded. Through the evening he cures people from all kinds of illness. When the early morning comes he goes out by himself to find a place to pray. But the disciples won’t leave him alone. Too many people need him. His popularity is peaking, but it seems that Jesus has other plans for the future. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 1:29-39, “Getting Jesus”.
Scripture: scripture
February 11, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Preserving the Memory”
Sermon: sermon
It is the Sunday of the Transfiguration, and this week’s gospel describes one of the most mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes three of the disciples with him to the top of a mountain. Once there, his appearance changes dramatically. His clothes turn a bright white, and Moses and Elijah suddenly appear beside him. Peter sees them talking. But he cannot understand what is going on. Then a cloud overshadows them all and God’s voice speaks from the cloud. Afterward Jesus orders them not to tell anyone what they have seen. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Preserving the Memory,” is Mark 9:2-9.
Scripture: scripture
February 18, 2018 – April Herron “Here and Now”
Sermon: sermon
Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which began on Ash Wednesday this past week and will end the day before Easter. Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent because they are always celebrated as the day of Christ’s resurrection. The word “Lent” carries within its meaning a reference to the lengthening days of spring. The 40 days echo the time period that Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing to begin his ministry, and they serve as an invitation to spiritual growth. The gospels written by Matthew, Mark, and Luke all recount this episode in the life of Jesus. The description we will read this Sunday, February 18, is the most concise. April’s sermon, based on Mark 1:9-15, is titled, “Here and Now.”
Scripture: scripture
February 25, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Necessary Losses”
Sermon: coming soon…
The story that takes place in this week’s gospel comes at a crucial point in Jesus’ ministry. He has been with the disciples for some time, and they have seen and learned much along the way. But now he describes to them a picture of the future that they can barely understand, let alone accept. He tells his friends that in the days to come he will face rejection and suffering, and finally, even death. Following Jesus where he is headed will require more than they realized. The way of life he offers means letting go of the life we thought we had. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Necessary Losses,” is Mark 8:27-36.
Scripture: scripture
