July 3, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “Great Man, Little River”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture tells the story of a most unlikely healing. Naaman, a powerful Syrian general, suffers from leprosy. A young girl, a slave in his household, tells him that the prophet Elisha, in her home of Israel, can cure him. The general goes to Israel in search of healing, expecting to be treated with awe and respect, in keeping with his status and power. But Elisha seems entirely unimpressed, and sends a messenger to Naaman with a simple prescription – “Wash seven times in the Jordan.” Naaman is offended that Elisha won’t even see him in person. But at the urging of his servants he goes into the Jordan and does what Elisha said. Though he is a general in the army of one of Israel’s historic enemies, God restores his health. 2 Kings 5:1-14 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Great Man, Little River.”
Scripture: scripture
July 10, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “Neighborhood Compatibility”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel includes one of the most familiar of Jesus’ parables. A lawyer asks him a question about loving our neighbor as ourselves – “Who is my neighbor?” In response Jesus tells him about a man traveling down the road who is set upon by thieves. They beat him, rob him and leave him for dead. Others come along. But those we expect to help him pass on by. It is only the Samaritan, a most unlikely character, who interrupts his journey to save the man. Rather than one of the local religious leaders it turns out that a complete stranger is the neighbor in the story. Luke 10:25-37 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Neighborhood Compatibility.”
Scripture: scripture
July 17, 2022 – Ginny Wheeler, “Top Gun”
Sermon: sermon
The prophet Amos lived in a time of relative peace in Israel – and prosperity for some. He came from the southern kingdom of Judah, but preached in the northern kingdom of Israel. Before becoming a prophet Amos worked as a shepherd and raised figs. He was anything but a professional spokesperson for God. An outsider to those he addressed, Amos was a fearless advocate for justice, warning the nation of the consequences of their actions. When he spoke out against economic injustice and exploitation, his efforts on God’s behalf were not always appreciated.
Like Amos, the story of Mary and Martha often stirs strong feelings among those who hear it. Martha welcomes Jesus as a guest into her home. Her sister Mary sits and listens at the feet of Jesus, while Martha is overwhelmed by household work. Eventually she can stand it no longer. She tells Jesus to order Mary to give her a hand. Jesus does not respond as Martha expects. Amos 8:1-12 and Luke 10:38-42 are the texts for Ginny’s sermon, “Top Gun.”
Scripture: scripture
July 24, 2022 – April Herron, “Prayer As Listening”
Sermon: sermon
Gabriel García Márquez once wrote about his mother, “I knew what she was thinking by the changes in the quality of her silence.” Perhaps something similar might be said of God. When we know God well, attentive listening can help us to discern what God may be communicating. The Bible reveals the nature of God. It also contains a multitude of examples of how people enter into conversation with God. The text for this Sunday is Psalm 85. April’s sermon title is, “Prayer As Listening.” Jonathan will be returned from vacation to pray with us and for us.
Scripture: scripture
July 31, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “Enough?”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel addresses an important question – “How much is enough?” When a man asks Jesus to help settle a matter of inheritance, Jesus wonders why he should settle the dispute between two brothers. Then he tells the man a parable instead – the story of a man who finds he has much more than he needs and now must deal with his sudden good fortune. His fields have produced abundantly, but his life remains focused on himself, alone. At a moment when he could be generous, instead he wants more. Luke 12:13-21 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Enough?”
Scripture: scripture
