January 5, 2025 –April Herron, “Home By Another Way”
Sermon: sermon
“Epiphany” means dawning light, new awareness, and increased understanding. The scripture passage for this occasion brings us the story of the studious observers who came from a place to the east of Bethlehem in search of a royal child. They had identified a star associated with the new king’s arrival. Their inquiries created a stir in Jerusalem. King Herod felt threatened and pretended friendliness in an attempt to learn the location of the baby. Continuing to follow the star, the travelers joyfully reached their goal, knelt before Jesus, and presented their gifts. A dream warned them that Herod was dangerous. Therefore, instead of retracing their steps, they were determined to take an alternate route back to the land that was their home. The text is Matthew 2:1-12. April’s sermon title is, “Home By Another Way.” On this first Sunday of the new year we will celebrate Holy Communion.
Scripture: scripture
January 12, 2025 –Jonathan Chute, “When It All Began”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s 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, “When It All Began.”
Scripture: scripture
January 19, 2025 –Jonathan Chute, “No Wine Before His Time”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel tells the story of Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The wine for the wedding feast has run out, presenting the groom with a crisis. The mother of Jesus seems to think that he will know what to do. But Jesus has other priorities than simply solving a drink shortage. Something more is going on that afternoon. But not everyone can see it. John 2:1-11 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “No Wine Before His Time.”
Scripture: scripture
January 26, 2025 –Jonathan Chute, “Today”
Sermon: sermon
In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus returns to his home congregation, the synagogue in Nazareth. There he reads to them a passage from the prophet Isaiah, as a sign of the kind of ministry he is about to begin. It is a passage which speaks of compassion, and hope – not so much for the distant future, but in the present. It is the first sermon after his baptism and trials in the wilderness, and sets the stage for much more to come. Luke 4:14-21 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Today.”
Scripture: scripture
