July 1, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Crossing Over”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus crosses back over the Sea of Galilee. He has spent some time among the gentiles and now returns to his own people. In his travels he reaches out to those on both sides of the deepest cultural divide of his day. As he brings healing and hope to others, he shows that no one is outside the reach of God’s grace. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Crossing Over,” is Mark 5:21-43.
Scripture: scripture
July 8, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Going Home”
Sermon: sermon
When Jesus returns to his hometown, those who knew him from early on have a hard time hearing what he has to say. In the face of their resistance it seems he can hardly accomplish a thing. Soon afterward he sends his disciples out to carry on his work in other places. He tells them how to handle both welcome and rejection on their journeys, because they are bound to experience both. Mark 6:1-13 is the occasion for Jonathan’s sermon, “Going Home.”
Scripture: scripture
July 15, 2018 – April Herron “Just Like Jesus”
Sermon: sermon
Who is Jesus? What is he up to? Does it matter to me? Those are questions that surface in this Sunday’s scripture text, Mark 6:14-29. “I believe that Jesus acted first, worked first, loved people first. He was conscious of God’s love, aware of the experience of God’s love, but he acted, first and foremost. I have chosen the same thing.” Those are the words of Ivo Markovic, describing how and why he has dedicated his life to energetically promoting peace in a fractured and fragmented part of the world.
“John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” That is the declaration of Herod Antipas, offering his interpretation of Jesus’ identity. In announcing his conclusion, Herod gives the impression that his own murderous and self-serving acts are not far from his mind; he may even feel haunted by them.
Markovic is a contemporary of ours. His birthplace was Zanica, in Bosnia. Herod was the ruler of Galilee during the years that Jesus was healing, speaking about God’s kingdom, and offering nourishment there. Both of these influential people were aware of Jesus and his ministry. They responded to the opportunities before them in dramatically different ways.
What are the griefs and pressures of our lives? What are the choices we face? What will be the outcome of the path we are walking? Every course of action has a cost. What are the benefits? April’s sermon title is, “Just Like Jesus.”
Scripture: scripture
July 22, 2018 – April Herron “Trusting God’s Timing”
Sermon: sermon
The scripture for Sunday, July 22, offers opportunity to reflect on the tension that can arise between our desires and God’s plans. Sometimes we visualize a course of action and a time frame, but God calls us to something different from what we pictured. The first disciples of Jesus had this experience as they were learning to share in Christ’s ministry. King David before them also encountered this dynamic when God deferred David’s intended construction project. 2 Samuel 7:1-14a and Mark 6:30-37a have in common the theme of building: building a house for God and building a community of disciples. Both texts describe how humans might react when things don’t go as expected. April’s sermon is on “Trusting God’s Timing.”
Scripture: scripture
July 29, 2018 – April Herron “Faster Than You Can Row”
Sermon: sermon
If you have ever longed to hear the words, “I am here with you, do not be afraid,” you will be glad to listen to this Sunday’s scripture passage. We will be reading from John’s gospel (John 6:10-21) which, after describing an astonishing picnic for a very large crowd, makes note that Jesus was not interested in fame or in wielding the kind of power associated with tyrannical kings. To avoid the misguided intentions of the mob, Jesus slips away by himself. Hours pass and the disciples finally decide to return to the other side of the sea without their master. What happens next is both startling and comforting. April’s sermon title is, “Faster Than You Can Row.”
Scripture: Scripture
