February 1, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “Mountain of Grace”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture includes some of the most well-known of all of Jesus’ sayings, the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. He shares several pictures of God’s blessing, as it touches the lives of a number 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. Matthew 5:1-12 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Mountain of Grace.”
Scripture: scripture
February 8, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “Be Who You Are”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for this Sunday continues Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. He has gathered his followers to teach them about life in the kingdom of heaven, so they can take their part in the story of salvation. He wants them to know that they will play a vital role in sharing God’s love for the world. They are like salt, an ingredient that makes all the difference. They are a light, that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-16 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Be Who You Are.”
Scripture: scripture
February 15, 2026 – April Herron, “Echoing Down The Mountain”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture passage reminds us that Jesus was (and is) a mountain climber. In the Jewish tradition according to which Jesus was raised, mountain tops are known to be a place of revelation and of connection to God. Like Moses and Elijah before him, Jesus intuited that going to a high place might allow him to be in close proximity to the divine. At the summit, he hoped to find encouragement for his mission. He brought with him three of his disciples, perhaps so that they, too, could be confident of God’s love as they walked with Jesus along a confusing and difficult path. Our text is Matthew 17:1-9. April’s sermon title is “Echoing Down the Mountain.”
Scripture: scripture
February 22, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “Fast Track”
Sermon: sermon
It is the first Sunday in Lent, a season of reflection and renewal for Christians around the world. During Lent we look to the example of Jesus as he faithfully carries out his ministry, even as he knows that the cross awaits him. Our gospel text brings us back to the beginning of the story, as Jesus faces a time of testing and temptation. Following his baptism Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. It is a time of preparation before the real work begins. He fasts for forty days, a reminder of the forty days and forty nights of the great flood, of the forty years that Israel wandered in the wilderness. Matthew reports that at the end of this time Jesus was famished. Then the devil shows up, offering him a number of options, urging him to get to work right away. Matthew 4:1-11 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Fast Track.”
Scripture: scripture
