March 1, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “Born from Above”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel we see Jesus in conversation with one of the leaders of the Jewish community. Nicodemus comes to him at night, and apparently alone, to see if he can learn more about what Jesus has been doing. But Jesus resists giving him any easy answers. Instead he tries to show Nicodemus a new perspective on faith – one that sees the world through the eyes of mystery more than certainty. John 3:1-17 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Born from Above.”
Scripture: scripture
March 8, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “A Thirst for Life”
Sermon: sermon
On this third Sunday in Lent our gospel reading records 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 offers. He 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, “A Thirst for Life.”
Scripture: scripture
March 15, 2026 – “Youth Reflections”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture is from 1 Samuel. At God’s direction, Samuel had anointed Saul as Israel’s first king. When the time comes for Samuel to anoint Saul’s successor, God and Samuel see things very differently. For one thing, Samuel cannot fully understand God’s rejection of Saul. For another, God tells Samuel, “I have seen a king” among the sons of Jesse. But when Samuel looks at the assembled offspring he trusts only his eyes and the visual appeal of stature to identify the new king. Indeed, God has seen and chosen the one whom Samuel could not see at all, the shepherd son David, who remains at some distance in the field. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 is the text for the sermons this week. The Youth will share reflections at each service.
Scripture: scripture
March 22, 2026 – April Herron, “Seeing Through Tears”
Sermon: sermon
The fifth Sunday in Lent immerses us more deeply than ever into the life-and-death themes of the season. The scripture reading shaping the service comes from The Gospel of John, which is full of stories about how people came to believe in Jesus. This week’s passage tells of a dear friend of Jesus who became dangerously ill and ultimately died while he and his family waited for Jesus to arrive. During this crisis, the disciples traveling with Jesus worried for his safety and the sisters of Lazarus were overcome with grief. The outcome was not what anyone expected. Many who saw what happened became convinced that Jesus was trustworthy and true to his word. The scripture text will be John 11:1-45. April’s sermon title is, “Seeing Through Tears.”
Scripture: scripture
March 29, 2026 – Jonathan Chute, “Seeing Through Tears”
Sermon: sermon
Palm Sunday launches the week at the heart of the Christian year. On Sunday morning the services open with the waving of palm branches and the joyful procession of children. Our gospel text is a series of moments from the last days of Jesus’ life. That story begins with an act of generosity by an unknown woman, showing her love for him as she anoints him with an expensive oil. It continues through the night of the Last Supper, when Jesus is arrested and the disciples flee in fear. Later he is brought before Caiaphas, the High Priest, and Pilate, the governor. Then he is led out to be crucified. At the end he cries out from the cross, and a Roman soldier sees in his death something more than others have realized. Jonathan’s sermon title is, “The View from the Cross.”
Scripture: scripture
