July 2, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Cool Water”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus encourages his followers for the work that lies ahead. He wants them to know that they do not go out into the world alone, but that those who welcome them in his name receive him too. The gifts of compassion and care which they bring, or bring out in others, will not be forgotten. Matthew 10:40-42 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Cool Water.”
Scripture: scripture
July 9, 2023 – Lee Carlile, “Yoked with Christ”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel offers us a rare glimpse of Jesus’ frustration with those who refused to accept him. Burdened with disappointment and anger, Jesus turns to his Father in prayer, and the invitation that follows is one of the most comforting in all of the gospels. Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 is the text for our sermon, “Yoked with Christ.”
We welcome the Rev. Lee Carlile with us as guest preacher. Lee has served congregations in El Segundo and Long Beach, after coming to ministry here in the South Bay, where she and her husband Don have lived for many years. She has been with us several times leading our congregational prayers. We are glad to have her with us as preacher!
Scripture: scripture
July 16, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “God, the Gardener”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel text is one of the most beloved and familiar of Jesus’ parables. A sower goes out to scatter seed, but much of it falls onto less than promising soil. A more efficient approach would not waste seed by throwing it onto the path, into rocky soil, or among the thorns. For whatever reason, God seems to have a different idea of farming than we do. Matthew 13:1-9, and 18-23 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “God, the Gardener.”
Scripture: scripture
July 23, 2023 – April Herron, “Wait!”
Sermon: sermon
In Matthew’s gospel it is definitively stated that when Jesus taught the crowds of people who had come to listen to him, he always spoke to them in parables. “Without a parable he told them nothing,” says Matthew 13:34. The parable which comes to us this Sunday in July compares the kingdom of heaven to someone planting, tending, and growing grain in a field. The endeavor is not without obstacles. Those watching the progression of the crop become eager to get rid of unwanted elements. They are surprised that the master grower does not want to begin uprooting invasive plants immediately. We can probably appreciate how frustrating it might be to delay resolution until the time is right. The scripture text is Matthew 13:24-30. April’s sermon title is, “Wait!”
Scripture: scripture
July 30, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “The Hidden Kingdom”
Sermon: sermon
In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus speaks again in parables about the kingdom of God. He draws examples from everyday life, but leads his hearers to unexpected conclusions. Jesus portrays the kingdom as both a little bit less, and a whole lot more, than anyone imagines. Though it is right in front of us, he says, often we miss it. Matthew 13:31-33, 44-51 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The Hidden Kingdom.”
Scripture: scripture
