March 5, 2023 – April Herron, “How Can These Things Be?”
Sermon: sermon
Early in John’s gospel we learn that, after calling his first disciples, Jesus attended a wedding with his mother and kept the party going by turning water into wine. Next, we watch him travel to Jerusalem, go to the temple grounds, and upset the tables and the tempers of the money changers, sales clerks, and managers. His authority for taking such action is quickly called into question. Jesus has made such a stir already that some people are reluctant to be seen in his presence, while others freely admit to belief in his name. In this context of controversy, Nicodemus comes forward for a private consultation with Jesus. Nicodemus is a leader among his people, impressed by Jesus and yet uncertain what to make of him. The conversation that ensues is full of both mystery and grace. John 3:1-17 is our text. April’s sermon title (quoting Nicodemus) is, “How Can These Things Be?”
Scripture: scripture
March 12, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Well…”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel contains the longest conversation between Jesus and anyone in the New Testament. It takes place at the well outside a Samaritan village. Wells were the center of life in that part of the world. They brought people together in a land where water was scarce. This day, at noon, a woman comes to draw water as she likely did each day. But the conversation between them moves quickly from the ordinary water that quenches our thirst, to the “living water” of grace. Jesus seems to know all about her, even though they have just met. His openness and honesty has a powerful effect on her. She goes back into the city with a new understanding of herself, and a question she can’t quite answer – “he can’t be the Messiah, can he?” John 4:5-30 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Well…”
Scripture: scripture
March 19, 2023 – Ryan, Maggie & McKenna, “Youth Reflections”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday we’ll enjoy having the youth of our church lead us in worship. Each service will include members of our youth ministries leading in prayer, reading from scripture, and sharing reflections. The scripture for this Youth Sunday begins with Jesus healing a blind man with a mixture of saliva and dirt. Once the man washes away the mud he can see! But the narrative does not end there. The man whose sight had been restored repeatedly testifies to the miracle- proclaiming Jesus as prophet. In the end Jesus reminds us what it means to believe and see with more than just our eyes. John 9:1-41 is the text for the youth reflections.
Scripture: scripture
March 26, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Leaving the Tomb”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus faces the illness and death of his friend, Lazarus, and the grief of Mary and Martha over the loss of their brother. The story takes place over several days. Strangely, Jesus seems not to be in a hurry to come to his friend’s help. By the time he arrives Lazarus is dead and buried. Jesus mourns, along with the friends and family gathered at the tomb. But he has something more in mind. John 11:1-45 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Leaving the Tomb.”
Scripture: scripture
