January 3, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Strangers in the Night”
Sermon: sermon
This week we follow the journey of wise travelers from afar. Their astrological studies have shown that a new king has been born to the Jews. They come to seek and to honor him. But why? They are outsiders – not members of the family of faith. What brings them on a journey of hundreds of miles to Jerusalem, a place they have never been, to honor the birth of a king who isn’t theirs? When they arrive, not only King Herod but the whole city is disturbed by the news of the birth they bring. As they continue on from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, these foreigners turn out to be the first to worship the Christ Child. Matthew 2:1-12 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Strangers in the Night.”
Scripture: scripture
January 10, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Living It Out”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s scripture John the Baptist appears in the wilderness of the Jordan. Mark calls this “the beginning of the gospel.” He doesn’t provide much background to the story. Instead, he drops us into the middle. Then Jesus appears on the scene and is baptized. Mark describes the event itself in simple terms. But what follows is full of drama. When Jesus comes up out of the water he sees the heavens torn apart. The Holy Spirit descends on him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven speaks and claims him as God’s beloved. The stage is set. Now the rest of the story can be told. Mark 1:4-11 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Living It Out.”
Scripture: scripture
January 17, 2021 – April Herron, “Learning to Hear”
Sermon: sermon
From the beginning, people have followed Jesus because he invited them to join his band of fellow travelers. The disciples in turn have reached out to include and welcome additional followers. The invitation is usually simple and straightforward: “Follow me,” or, “Come and see.” The reading for Sunday, January 17, describes part of a sequence of connections formed as John the baptizer starts directing attention toward Jesus by pointing him out as the Lamb of God. Our text is John 1:43-51. The passage closes with the promise, “You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” April’s sermon is titled, “Learning to Hear, Learning to See.”
Scripture: scripture
January 24, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Followers”
Sermon: sermon
On the third Sunday after the Epiphany, we explore the call of God as it comes to people who had something else in mind. Our first reading comes from the book of Jonah. When he hears God’s voice, it tells him to bring a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. He is reluctant to do so, because he worries that God is going to forgive them. He does not actually want them to repent. Instead, he wants God to destroy them. In our gospel we watch as Jesus begins his ministry along the Sea of Galilee. He calls two sets of brothers, Andrew and Peter, James and John, to follow him. At the time of their invitation they are busy fishing. It is hard to imagine how they could walk away from their lives and work so suddenly. But they leave their nets, their families, and follow. Jonathan’s sermon, “Followers”, draws from Jonah 3:1-5 & 10, and Mark 1:14-20.
Scripture: scripture
January 31, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Just Words”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus teaches in a local synagogue. While the content of his teaching is not recorded, the impact of what he says is dramatic. The people of the congregation, and even a demonic spirit, recognize the authority with which he speaks. It is not like anything they have heard before. A new teaching has come to Capernaum, astonishing and amazing the people. Mark 1:21-28 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Just Words.”
Scripture: scripture
