June 2, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Free!”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture tells the continuing story of liberation and healing that takes place as the followers of Jesus go out into the wider world. Paul and Silas arrive in Philippi, a city in the northeastern part of Greece. A young woman is following and bothering them, a slave whose fortune telling makes her owners a good deal of money. Seemingly out of annoyance Paul frees her from the spirit that has held her captive. But he ends up in jail when her owners complain to the authorities. From there the story takes another twist. During the night an earthquake shakes the prison and frees the captives inside. But the story of liberation isn’t finished yet. There are still others who yearn for the freedom of new life in Christ. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Free!”, is Acts 16:16-34, for those who wish to read ahead.
Scripture: scripture
June 9, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Hearing Assistance”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday is Pentecost, often called “the birthday of the church.” Our scripture describes the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples, fifty days after Easter. They are in Jerusalem for a harvest festival, along with Jews from around the known world. As the Spirit descends on them as tongues of fire the disciples begin to speak, and those who are gathered hear them in their own native languages. Whether the miracle was in the speaking or in the hearing is hard to tell. Either way, God demonstrates an interest in creating community across all kinds of lines. It is a picture of inclusion that will both encourage and confound the church for about the next twenty centuries. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Hearing Assistance,” is Acts 2:1-18.
Scripture: scripture
June 16, 2019 – April Herron “More Truth Ahead”
Sermon: sermon
Jesus often spoke to God, and of God, as a Father who generously shares all things with his children. He promised his followers a Spirit of truth which would help us to hear what God has to say to us and receive what God has to give us. This Sunday, we celebrate both the father’s who love us AND the Holy Spirit which guides us in God’s way. The scripture is from John 16:12-15. April’s sermon title is, “More Truth Ahead.” One way to describe the message of the day is through the words of a song, which begins, “The Spirit in me greets the Spirit in you.
Scripture: scripture
June 23, 2019 – April Herron “Returned by Sender”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for June 23 is a story of liberation and restoration. As it begins, Jesus gets out of a boat after crossing a body of water. He is met by a man “of the city.” Things are not right with this man. He is naked and living in the cemetery. He shouts a lot and is prone to seizures. After an encounter with Jesus, the man is changed. He is no longer subject to control by the forces that deprived him of human community for so long. The man wants to go where Jesus is going. Instead, Jesus sends him home to tell what God has done for him. The story is found in Luke 8:26-39. April’s sermon title is “Returned by Sender.”
Scripture: scripture
June 30, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “No Waiting”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel records a number of Jesus’ sayings while he and the disciples are on the road to Jerusalem. Some of his followers are wondering where they are headed. Others are resisting his invitation. Jesus wants his disciples to be clear about their focus. The journey ahead will require their full attention. Jesus cannot wait for those who are not ready to follow. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “No Waiting” is Luke 9:51-62.
Scripture: scripture
