June 4, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “For English, Press 1”
Sermon: Sermon
This week’s scripture tells what happens to the disciples when the Holy Spirit comes to them on the feast of Pentecost. Along with other Jews from around the world they are in Jerusalem for this special celebration. When the Spirit arrives it looks like tongues of fire and sounds like a rushing wind. But what it does to those present is even more remarkable. The text for the day is Acts 2:1-18. Jonathan’s sermon title is “For English, Press 1.”
Scripture: Scripture
June 11, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “Then God Said”
Sermon: Sermon
This week’s scripture reading is the story of Creation, as told in the book of Genesis. It portrays God acting to bring about a magnificent, orderly universe. It was likely written around the 6th century BCE, shortly after the Jewish exile in Babylon. The writer draws upon the Babylonian creation story, which was well known to the community. After spending some sixty years in captivity there, they were familiar with its bloody and violent themes. The story in Genesis covers some of the same important subjects, but offers a very different perspective on how the universe came to be. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Then God Said…” is Genesis 1:1-2:3.
Scripture: Scripture
June 18, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “No Kidding!”
Sermon: Sermon
In this week’s scripture Abraham welcomes three strangers to his home in the wilderness. He shares with them the best of what he has, and tries to make them comfortable. But these visitors have some important work to accomplish. They share the promise that this couple, now in their 90s, will soon have a child. It is an outlandish, extraordinary announcement. Sarah cannot help but laugh at the news. Jonathan’s sermon, “No Kidding!” is based on Genesis 18:1-15.
Scripture: Scripture
June 25, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “Family Guy”
Sermon: Sermon
This Sunday’s scripture is a painful mixture of joy and sadness, jealousy and fear. The birth of Isaac brought joy to his aging parents. Now he is old enough to eat solid food, a sign that he will likely make it through childhood. But Sarah sees him playing with his older half-brother Ishmael, the son of her servant Hagar. In him she sees a rival to her own son. She is determined that Ishmael and his mother must leave the household. Reluctantly it seems, Abraham sends them out with only a little bread and water to keep them alive. What will become of them? The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Family Guy,” is Genesis 21:8-21.
Scripture: scripture
