January 6, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Kings”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel wise travelers from the East journey to distant Bethlehem. They are astrologers – who interpret the appearance of a star as a sign that a new king has been born to the Jewish people. They journey to the capital, where they assume such a child will be found. But their arrival in Jerusalem creates a sense of crisis, both for Herod and the city as a whole. The king is distressed to learn of their search, and seeks to eliminate this perceived threat to his rule. As they leave the city, the star guides them to another, more humble setting – the village of Bethlehem. The story is more complicated than we imagine but these visitors from afar remind us that the birth of the Messiah is more than just a local event. They are the first recorded worshipers of Jesus. Matthew 2:1-12 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Kings.”
Scripture: scripture
January 13, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Next!”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Luke tells the story of Jesus’ baptism. But if you follow closely, you will see that the actual event does not appear in the text. First we hear John proclaim that there is one greater coming after him. Then Jesus appears, along with all the other people who have already been baptized. The baptism itself is over before we knew it was happening! But then his ministry begins. While he prays, the Holy Spirit descends on him in the form of a dove. A voice speaks from heaven, pronouncing God’s blessing. The text for the sermon is Luke 3:15-18, and 21-22, and Jonathan’s sermon is titled “Next!”.
January 20, 2019 – April Herron “Who Doesn’t Love A Wedding?”
Sermon: sermon
If you have ever been to a wedding celebration, you can picture the scene of this Sunday’s gospel reading. Cana is a small town; nearly everyone has come to the party. Even Jesus and a handful of disciples are there! The drinks have been poured and the banquet is underway. People have settled in to enjoy themselves. They are swapping stories, commenting on the decorations, savoring the food. Then Jesus’ mother comes into focus. “They’ve run out of wine,” she whispers quietly to her son. By way of reply, Jesus asks, “What concern is that to you and me?” What happens next was, and is, a moment of revelation. The text is John 2:1-11. April’s sermon title is, “Who Doesn’t Love A Wedding?”
Scripture: scripture
January 27, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “First Words”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel tells the story of Jesus’ first sermon, preached in his home synagogue in Nazareth. As in church on Sunday, first comes the reading from scripture, which he reads to the people from the prophet Isaiah. The reading is surprisingly short. The sermon is even briefer. But what it will mean is not obvious to those who hear it. It will take more time for them to discover all that Jesus has in mind. But it is a good beginning, to be sure. Luke 4:14-21 is the basis for Jonathan’s sermon, “First Words.”
Scripture: scripture
