January 4, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “The Re-Gift of the Magi”
Sermon: sermon
In this Sunday’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 would 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 the magi 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. Foreigners are the first recorded worshipers of Jesus. Matthew 2:1-12 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The Re-Gift of the Magi.”
Scripture: scripture
January 11, 2026 – April Herron, “Who, Me?”
Sermon: sermon
In Matthew’s gospel, the first time we meet John the Baptist is when he appears “in the wilderness” announcing the approach of God’s heavenly realm. He invites people to prepare for a new reality by being immersed in the river and “bearing fruit worthy of repentance.” Large crowds respond to his call. And then one day Jesus arrives at the water’s edge to be baptized. John is shocked. He feels unworthy in comparison to Jesus and resists the idea. Jesus persuades him, however, and this leads to a dramatic moment of divine revelation. Our text will be Matthew 3:13-17. April’s sermon title is, “Who, Me?”
Scripture: scripture
January 18, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “I Came, I Saw…”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel tells how some of Jesus’ first disciples came to him. Some were already followers of John the Baptist. But when John points Jesus out to them and calls him the Lamb of God, they go to see what John means. Jesus sees them following 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. John 1:29-42 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “I Came, I Saw…”
Scripture: scripture
January 25, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “Timing”
Sermon: sermon
TThis week we find Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. Following the arrest of John the Baptist he leaves home and 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. Matthew 4:12-23 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Timing.”
Scripture: scripture
