June 6, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Cast Out”
Sermon: sermon
Our gospel for this Sunday follows a series of healings that Jesus has been carrying out early in his ministry. Religious leaders from Jerusalem come to check out the rumors they have heard about him. They are not pleased. They suggest that he is really doing Satan’s work, collaborating with demons, putting on a show for the gullible. This angers Jesus. He responds that there are limits to God’s forgiveness, and that they are in danger of going too far. But Jesus faces opposition from his own family too. Even they do not seem to understand him. Mark 3:20-30 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Cast Out.”
Scripture: scripture
June 13, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Hidden”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel includes two of Jesus’ briefest parables. Both portray the kingdom of God as something less than we expect. In the first, the kingdom is like a crop that grows up pretty much on its own, without much human help. Even the farmer who plants the seed for the crop he will harvest does not understand what is going on under the ground. In the second, Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a tiny seed that becomes a great… big… bush? Like the rest of us, his hearers had grander expectations. Mark 4:26-34 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Hidden.”
Scripture: scripture
June 20, 2021 – April Herron, “Rough Crossing, Calm Center”
Sermon: sermon
On Sunday, June 20, we honor fathers and reflect on a story about Jesus in the midst of a storm. After a day filled with teaching eager listeners at the lakeshore, Jesus makes a surprising suggestion to his disciples. He wants to cross to the other side of the lake. The idea does not seem quite safe. The people on that distant shore are not known to be friends. Also, the danger of disturbing weather and open water is ever present. Yet the disciples take Jesus on board a boat where he promptly falls asleep. It turns out to be anything but a dull journey. Our scripture text is Mark 4:35-41. April’s sermon title is, “Rough Crossing, Calm Center.”
Scripture: scripture
June 27, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Both Sides Now”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus crosses back across the Sea of Galilee. He has spent time among the gentiles and now returns to his own people. It seems as if he wants to be clear that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. He heals people on both sides of the deepest cultural divide of his day. And in both communities, he makes the point that there are always people who have been left out, even among their own people. He will share his gifts of healing and hope with them. Mark 5:21-43 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Both Sides Now.”
Scripture: scripture
