July 7, 2024 – Jonathan Chute, “Make Yourself at Home”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel we see that the people who knew Jesus from back home have a hard time understanding him or his work. In the face of their resistance and skepticism he can hardly accomplish a thing. So he heads out for possibly greener pastures. Then he sends his disciples on to carry on his work even further afield. He tells them how to handle both welcome and rejection as they travel, and to be sure to pack lightly. They will learn to depend on each other, on the hospitality of those they go to serve, and on what they have learned from him so far. Mark 6:1-13 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Make Yourself at Home.”
Scripture: scripture
July 14, 2024 – Jonathan Chute, “Powerless”
Sermon: sermon
In this Sunday’s gospel we see that those who hold the reins of power can be both evil and weak at the same time. The death of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod shows us the best and worst of the human family. John was courageous and spoke the truth, even at the risk of his own safety. Herod was cowardly and anxious, even though he was in charge of all Judea. Mark 6:14-29 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Powerless.”
Scripture: scripture
July 21, 2024 – Jonathan Chute, “At the End of Compassion”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel follows the return of the disciples from their work in and around Galilee. Jesus hears their reports and takes them away for a time of renewal. They get in a boat and head off by themselves – or so they think. When they get to what was supposed to be a deserted place, they find a large crowd waiting. Instead of the rest he had promised, they find themselves back at work. Jesus has stirred the hopes of the people. Though he and his disciples are exhausted, still he responds with compassion. Mark 6:30-34, and 53-56 are the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “At the End of Compassion.”
Scripture: scripture
July 28, 2024 – April Herron, “Well Fed and Free From Fear”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday, at the height of summer, we will be turning to the Gospel of John. Here, as in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus attracts large crowds of people because of his ability to help people who are sick. Health, however, is not his only concern. As Jesus blesses five loaves and two fish, thousands of people eat, and the disciples experience nighttime fear on choppy seas, we learn that nourishment, generosity, faith, and peace are other gifts that Jesus wants to bestow. John tells familiar stories in a way meant to emphasize that, in Jesus, God is with us. The text is John 6:2-21. April’s sermon is, “Well Fed and Free From Fear.”
Scripture: scripture
