January 1, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Different Paths”
Sermon: sermon
Happy New Year to all!!! It is the Sunday of the Epiphany, when we celebrate the proclamation of God’s good news to all the peoples of the earth. In our gospel text a group of foreign astrologers journey 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 the appearance of these strangers 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. God wants to be sure that the world will come to know this child, and to find our way to God through his love. Matthew 2:1-23 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Different Paths.”
Scripture: scripture
January 8, 2023 – April Herron, “Out of Order”
Sermon: sermon
Matthew’s gospel is eager for listeners and readers to know the “backstory” of Jesus: his ancestry, his parentage, his significance to those who studied the heavens, and the vulnerable nature of his early years. Once that material has been presented, Matthew turns to the moment when God officially introduces his Son to the family of faith. Jesus is an adult by this time, and God uses both symbols and words to convey approval and appreciation. The situation is not so obvious to John, however — at least at the outset, when Jesus arrives at the Jordan River asking to be baptized. Matthew 13:13-17 is our text. April’s sermon title is “Out of Order.”
Scripture: scripture
January 15, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Witnesses”
Sermon: sermon
The season of Epiphany shows Jesus moving into the fullness of his ministry. This week’s gospel tells how his 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, and the Son of God, they go to see what John is talking about. Jesus notices them following him 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. John 1:29-42 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Witnesses.”
Scripture: scripture
January 22, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Now”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel finds Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. After the arrest of John the Baptist Jesus begins his active ministry. He proclaims the coming of God’s kingdom and encourages the people to repentance. As he travels along the shore, he meets two sets of brothers and invites them to come with him. With nothing more to go on than Jesus’ few words, they leave their nets and follow. The timing of the Spirit, as it stirs Jesus into action and as he calls his first followers, seems something of a mystery. Why these particular persons, and why at this moment? Matthew 4:12-23 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Now.”
Scripture: scripture
January 29, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Counting God’s Blessings”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel opens the Sermon on the Mount, some of Jesus’ most beloved, beautiful and provocative teaching. He offers a blessing on those who face some of life’s deepest struggles. He describes 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. Matthew 5:1-12 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Counting God’s Blessings.”
Scripture: scripture
