July 2019

July 7, 2019 – April Herron “Trusting God’s Kingdom”

Sermon: sermon

Jesus spent his ministry mostly on the road. He traveled from town to town and place to place, speaking about God’s ways, giving attention to those who were sick or suffering, offering nourishment and direction to those willing to receive it. When the time was right, Jesus began to send his followers out in teams, ahead of him, so that they could prepare people for the arrival of God’s salvation. In the scripture passage for July 7, Jesus gives instruction on how best to move through the world as disciples tasked with spreading good news. The text is Luke 10: 1-11 and 16-20. April’s sermon title is “Trusting God’s Kingdom.”

Scripture: scripture

July 14, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “The Gift of the Stranger”

Sermon: sermon

In this week’s gospel a lawyer seeks to test Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus tells him to love God and love his neighbor, he asks, “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus tells the story we know as the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A man falls into the hands of thieves. He is beaten, robbed, and left for dead on the side of a busy road. Other travelers come along, including a couple of respectable community leaders. But those who we expect to help pass him by. It is only the Samaritan, an outcast, who interrupts his journey to save his neighbor. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The Gift of the Stranger,” is Luke 10:25-37.

Scripture: scripture

July 21, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “The House of Two Marys”

Sermon: sermon

Our gospel tells a familiar story – one which often stirs strong feelings among those who hear it. Jesus visits the home of Martha and is joined by her sister, Mary. While Mary sits and listens at the feet of Jesus, Martha is overwhelmed with the cooking and housework. Eventually she can stand it no longer. She tells Jesus to order her sister to give her a hand. Jesus does not respond as Martha expects. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The House of Two Marys,” is Luke 10:38-42.

Scripture: scripture

July 28, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Teach Us to Pray”

Sermon: sermon

In this Sunday’s gospel, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. In Luke’s gospel, they have observed him at prayer many times, but this is the first time they show an interest in learning about prayer themselves. Jesus responds with a brief version of what we know as the Lord’s Prayer. But he also has something to say about the practice and purpose of prayer. Jonathan’s sermon, “Teach Us to Pray,” is drawn from Luke 11:1-10.

Scripture: scripture