January 2, 2022 – April Herron, “In the Wilderness”
Sermon: sermon
Long before the gospel of Matthew was written, God’s people were finding hope and encouragement in the words of the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah, the glory of God brightens the darkness; nations and kings are drawn to its radiance; a great gathering of people and of gifts is anticipated. Matthew draws from that tradition to express the continuity of God’s saving activity in the world over the course of time and the span of space. As we discover in Matthew’s account of what follows the birth of Jesus, there are no limits on who might be moved to honor and serve the Christ child. Even travelers from a distant land bearing rich gifts should not be a surprise! The scripture passage is Matthew 2:1-12. April’s sermon title is, “The Light Shines for Everybody”.
Scripture: scripture
January 9, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “In Good Company”
Sermon: sermon
Our gospel tells the story of Jesus’ baptism. It begins with expectation, as people wonder whether John the Baptist might be the hoped for Messiah. But John points away from himself, toward one who is still to come. Then Jesus appears, alongside all the others who came out to be baptized in the Jordan. In his telling Luke skips over the event of baptism itself. Instead he focuses on what happens immediately after, when Jesus is at prayer. The Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven confirms both his identity and God’s blessing. Luke 3:15-18, and 21-22 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “In Good Company.”
Scripture: scripture
January 16, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “More Help Than Is Helpful?”
Sermon: sermon
This week our gospel tells the story of Jesus’ first miracle, which takes place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The wine for the feast has run out, presenting the groom with a crisis. The mother of Jesus believes that he will know what to do. But Jesus has other priorities than solving an beverage shortage at a wedding reception. Something more is taking place that afternoon. But not everyone can see it. John 2:1-11 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “More Help Than Is Helpful?”
Scripture: scripture
January 23, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “Just Words”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus returns to his home congregation, the synagogue in Nazareth where he grew up. During the service he reads to them a passage from the prophet Isaiah, as a sign of the kind of ministry he is about to begin. He proclaim’s God’s compassion for the poor, God’s concern for justice and healing – not so much as a hope for the distant future, but as a reality to be experienced in the present. Luke 4:14-21 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Just Words.”
Scripture: scripture
January 30, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “Drawing Lines”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel shows us how the congregation in Nazareth responds to Jesus’ first sermon. What begins as a cheerful homecoming ends in outrage and violence. At first, friends and neighbors welcome his “gracious words.” But when he makes clear that grace extends beyond their community, to outsiders and even enemies, it does not go well. Luke 4:21-30 offers a preview of the rest of Jesus’ story, and is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Drawing Lines.”
Scripture: scripture
