March 7, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Spring House Cleaning”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus visits the temple in Jerusalem. There he sees animals being bought and sold, and money being exchanged for the temple offering. He reacts with anger and passion, driving out the animals and upsetting the tables of the money changers. The temple, the house of God, has become a business. Something holy and beautiful has been corrupted. It was not the first time that people have taken something good and turned it to other purposes. Nor will it be the last. John 2:13-22 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Spring House Cleaning.”
Scripture: scripture
March 14, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Night and Day”
Sermon: sermon
Our text contains John’s classic statement on the meaning of the incarnation. Jesus meets with Nicodemus, a leader of the Jewish community, who comes to him at night. Nicodemus is drawn to Jesus’ teaching. He believes that Jesus has come from God. But he also has questions. Jesus tells him that the purpose of his coming is much more than Nicodemus has imagined. It is not simply a new teaching that he brings. He has come to offer salvation to the world. John 3:16-17 is the basis for Jonathan’s sermon, “Night and Day.”
Scripture: scripture
March 21, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Glory”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus sounds something of an ominous note. He tells his followers that the hour of his glorification is coming. At first this may sound to them like encouraging news. But what he means by glory is radically different from what they, or we expect. In John’s gospel, the glory of God refers to Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. Such suffering is not to be avoided, but rather is the goal to which he moves with purpose and intention. John 12:20-33 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Glory!”
Scripture: scripture
March 28, 2021 – April Herron, “The Body of the Beloved”
Sermon: sermon
March 28th is Palm Sunday. With our worship for the occasion we not only celebrate the welcome Jesus received when he reached Jerusalem, we also look ahead to the events that follow. Jesus will observe the Passover in the holy city. He will also experience anguish, betrayal, arrest, interrogation, and crucifixion. As we read and listen to selections from the 14th and 15th chapters of Mark’s gospel, we are invited to hear and visualize the scenes with the ears and eyes of faith. April’s meditation will focus on the body of Christ.
Scripture: scripture
