January 1, 2017 – Jonathan Chute – “In Dreams”
Sermon: Sermon
By this Sunday the shepherds have all gone back to their flocks, and the family of Jesus have settled down, however briefly. Though they do not know it yet, travelers from afar come to Jerusalem. Their studies have told them that a new king has been born to the Jews. They come to seek and to honor him. But their appearance stirs fear in the heart of Herod, the current king. He puts in motion a plan to eliminate this apparent threat to his reign. But God interrupts his plans, reaching out both to these foreign visitors and to Joseph, the baby’s father, in dreams. Jesus and his parents are forced to flee to Egypt. Like many before and even more since, they become refugees from the violence of those in power. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 2:1-23, and his title is “In Dreams.”
Scripture: scripture
January 8, 2017 – Jonathan chute – “Getting His Feet Wet”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel is the story of one of the most important events in the life of Jesus, his baptism by John in the Jordan river. The account is simple and brief. But Matthew lets us in on a conversation which takes place before the actual event. John wants to know why Jesus has come to him for baptism at all. Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Jesus assures John that this is the right thing at the right time. As he comes up from the water the heavens are opened and God’s Spirit descends on him like a dove. Only Jesus sees that. But then God’s voice is heard from heaven, declaring for all what only John has known before. The Son of God stands there, dripping wet, about to begin the mission of his life. Jonathan’s sermon is called “Getting His Feet Wet,” and is based on Matthew 3:13-17.
Scripture: scripture
January 15, 2017 – Jonathan Chute – “Word of Mouth”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel text tells how Jesus’ first disciples came to follow him. Some were already disciples of John the Baptist. But when John points Jesus out to them and calls him the Lamb of God, they go to see what John is talking about. Jesus sees them following and asks what they are looking for. It seems that they don’t quite know. Then he invites them to “come and see” for themselves. In John’s gospel, seeing is often believing. But before the disciples ever come to faith, someone else has to tell them about Jesus. Jonathan’s sermon, “Word of Mouth,” draws on John 1:35-42.
Scripture: scripture
January 22, 2017 – April Herron – “Sacred Geography”
Sermon: sermon
In Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus has to respond to a distressing event. John, prophet and precursor to Jesus, challenger of the proud and baptizer of all who wanted to renew their relationship to God, has been arrested. He was viewed as a threat by people in positions of power, so they have decided to suppress his public call to greater faithfulness. King Herod, renowned for his cruelty, holds John’s life in his hands. How will Jesus react? The text is Matthew 4:12-23; April’s sermon title is, “Sacred Geography.”
Scripture: scripture
January 29, 2017 – Jonathan chute – “Marginal Blessing”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel includes the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount, some of Jesus’ most beloved, beautiful and provocative teaching. He pronounces God’s blessing on those who face some of life’s deepest struggles. He includes a range of people who are typically not seen to be blessed, at least in earthly terms. He makes it clear that God sees us differently than the world does. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is
Matthew 5:1-12, “Marginal Blessing.”
Scripture: scripture
