February 2, 2020 – Jonathan Chute “A Mountain of Grace”
Sermon: sermon
The season of Epiphany follows Jesus in the first key events of his public ministry. After calling the disciples he begins to teach them about life in God’s kingdom. This week’s gospel includes some of the most well-known of all of Jesus’ sayings, the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. Here he shares several pictures of God’s blessing, as it touches the lives of a variety of different persons. He offers a new and hopeful perspective on what really matters to God. Jesus makes it clear that God values us differently than the world does. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “A Mountain of Grace,” is Matthew 5:1-12.
Scripture: scripture
February 9, 2020 – April Herron “How To Shine”
Sermon: sermon
The conversations that Jesus had with his disciples make clear that Jesus understood how our experiences can sometimes confuse us. When the political situation seems far from ideal, when we encounter harassment or hostility in our daily lives, when all our efforts to follow God’s way seem not to be bearing fruit, it can be tempting to withdraw, to pursue avoidance rather than engagement, to try simply to blend in or even to hide. In these circumstances, Jesus has words of encouragement for us. God made us to be sources of vision and transformation! The scripture passage for Sunday, February 9, is Matthew 5:13-20. April’s sermon title is, “How To Shine.”
Scripture: scripture
February 16, 2020 – Jonathan Chute “Relatively Good”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel continues Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. He comments on some of the 10 commandments and suggests that living up to God’s law is not as easy as we might think. Some will be able to follow the letter of the law. But Jesus has higher hopes for us. The commandment says “Do not murder.” But Jesus tells his followers, “Do not be angry with a brother or sister.” That’s a standard not all of us may be able to reach. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Relatively Good,” is Matthew 5:21-30.
Scripture: scripture
February 23, 2020 – Jonathan Chute “Clouds of Glory”
Sermon: sermon
For this Sunday of the Transfiguration, our first reading tells the story of Moses’ journey up the mountain to receive the Law. But before God delivers the 10 Commandments, Moses must wait. For six days, God covers the mountain with cloud. On the seventh day, God calls him to enter. It will not be a brief visit. He will spend the next forty days and forty nights on the mountain and in the midst of the cloud. Our gospel describes a strangely similar event in the life of Jesus. He brings three of his disciples with him to the top of a mountain. As they watch, his appearance completely changes. His face shines brightly and he is joined by Moses and Elijah. As Peter tries to make sense of the scene, a cloud overshadows them. The voice of God speaks from the cloud, as it did to Moses – as well as at Jesus’ baptism. The disciples fall to the ground in fear. But Jesus comes and tells them not to be afraid. When they look up the cloud is gone, and Moses and Elijah too. They are alone with Jesus once more. The texts for Jonathan’s sermon, “Clouds of Glory,” are Exodus 24:12-18 and Matthew 17:1-9.
Scripture: scripture
