March 3, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Glorious Confusion”
Sermon: sermon
Our gospel Transfiguration Sunday describes one of the more mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes Peter, James and John with him up a mountain. While he prays his appearance changes dramatically. His clothes shine with a bright light, and he is joined by Moses and Elijah. The three disciples can hardly believe what they see. The glory of God is visible right before their eyes. After the vision passes it is all they can think about. But Jesus knows that the real work begins after they come down from the mountain. That is where God will make a difference in the lives of the people. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Glorious Confusion,” is Luke 9:28-43.
Scripture: scripture
March 10, 2019 – Jonathan Chute “Tested”
Sermon: sermon
Jesus prepares to begin his work under rather trying circumstances. First, the Spirit leads him into the wilderness where he eats nothing for forty days. He is famished. But he is not alone. Then devil comes to test him, offering easy answers to the problems before him. He can put an end to his hunger, take charge of the kingdoms of the world, and prove that he is the Son of God. It’ll be simple! But Jesus knows that this time of struggle in the desert is preparing him for what is to come. He refuses to give in, and the devil departs – at least for now. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Tested,” is found in Luke 4:1-13.
Scripture: scripture
March 17, 2019 – Youth Sunday Reflections
Sermon: sermon
Our text for Youth Sunday comes from Luke’s gospel. Jesus began his ministry proclaiming, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed to free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Now Jesus experiences resistance to his ministry. Herod is after him, and religious leaders wish he would just go away. He is on his way to Jerusalem, where he expects to be killed as other prophets were in their day. He wishes that those he came to serve would recognize the divine origins of his mission and message. Jesus knows that a final confrontation is approaching but continues to proclaim the Good News and the coming of the kingdom of God. Even in the face of opposition God’s work continues. Young people from our congregation will offer reflections on the text found in Luke 13:31-35.
Scripture: scripture
March 24, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “No Present Like the Time”
Sermon: sermon
In the gospel for this Sunday, Jesus discusses two disasters that had recently killed a number of people. One was the result of human cruelty, the other an accident. In both cases he refuses to blame the victims for what happened. But he suggests that their deaths are an occasion for us to reflect on what matters in our lives. Then he tells a story about a fig tree that has not born any fruit for some time. While the owner wants to cut it down, his servant asks that it be given a little more time. Luke 13:1-9 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “No Present Like the Time.”
Scripture: scripture
March 31, 2017 – April Herron “Feasting with the Family”
Sermon: sermon
The scripture for March 31 is the story of a father and two sons. It addresses themes of rejection and acceptance; being lost and finding a way home; being sought and getting found. Luke 15 actually contains three stories in a row that conclude with a grand celebration because of the great joy of finding and recovering something (or someone) precious. The invitation to come to the feast is open. The question is whether we agree to join the party. The text is Luke 15:1-3 and 11b-32. April’s sermon title is “Feasting With The Family.”
Scripture: scripture
