June 4, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Creation 101”
Sermon: sermon
The scripture for Trinity Sunday is the story of Creation as told in the first chapter of Genesis. It pictures God acting to bring about a magnificent, orderly universe. It was written around six centuries before Jesus, shortly after the Jewish exile in Babylon. The writer draws images and themes from the Babylonian creation story, but tells a different tale of how things came to be. Modern physics also offers a different understanding of the origin of matter and the universe. But both ancient biblical and recent scientific efforts to describe how everything came to be leave us in awe at the mystery around us. Genesis 1:1-2:4 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Creation 101.”
Scripture: scripture
June 11, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “House Calls”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel shows Jesus offering encouragement and hope to people with a variety of needs. He shares a meal with a group of outcasts – tax collectors and other sinners – and makes it clear that God’s love includes them too. He hears the plea of a desperate father and comes to restore his daughter to life. As he follows the man home, a woman who has been ill for years reaches out, touches his cloak and is healed. It seems that wherever he goes people are seeking health and hope. Matthew 9:9-13, and 18-26 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “House Calls.”
Scripture: scripture
June 18, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Go Far”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus sends his disciples out into the surrounding communities, to carry out the work he has been doing for some time. People’s hopes have been stirred by his ministry, so there is now much more to do. Jesus gathers and authorizes them to offer healing and help to those who are lost. Proclaiming the kingdom is one thing. Making it a reality in people’s lives will take a team. Matthew 9:35-10:14 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Go Far.” The Joyful Ringers will open morning worship with a bright, happy tune.
Scripture: scripture
June 25, 2023 – April Herron, “Alive to God”
Sermon: sermon
A large portion of the New Testament consists of letters written by church leaders to communities of faith in various locations. The Apostle Paul wrote to the people in Rome before he had even met them. He wanted to confirm that the believers there had a full understanding of the grace of God and the nature of a faithful human response to that grace. The portion of the letter we will read on Sunday celebrates the meaning of Christian baptism and the promise that, “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Our text is Romans 6:1b-11. April’s sermon title is “Alive to God.”
Scripture: scripture
