May 1, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Uncharted Waters”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture follows Paul’s travels from what is now Turkey over to Greece. As he and his companions arrive in Macedonia the gospel reaches Europe for the first time. In Philippi he meets a woman named Lydia at a place of prayer near the river. She is a businesswoman, a dealer in fine cloth in the city. As Paul speaks, she discovers a sense of hope and belonging. In gratitude for her baptism, she offers him hospitality and welcome in return. The work of God continues to unfold in unexpected ways and places. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Acts 16:9-15, and his title is “Uncharted Waters”.
Scripture: scripture
May 8, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Leaving Room”
Sermon: sermon
Our scripture tells of Jesus’ departure from the disciples, some forty days after Easter. He has appeared to them a number of times, offering encouragement and understanding. They have gotten used to having him around again. But Jesus tells them that they won’t be staying there in Jerusalem. God has other plans, and the Spirit will lead them to places unknown. And then he is gone. As a cloud carries him away, he leaves room for his friends to discover new gifts and new adventures waiting for them. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Acts 1:1-11, and his title is “Leaving Room.”
Scripture: scripture
May 15, 2016 – April Herron – “Speaking of God”
Sermon: sermon
God has lovingly blessed us in the past. God pours grace upon us in the present. God fills our future with hope. This is the story of our life with God, which we will celebrate on Sunday as we confirm the love, grace, hope, and faith of eight youth, and as we rejoice in the gifts of Pentecost.
To the ancient Israelites, Pentecost was an agricultural festival that honored the gift of God’s law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. For Christians today, it is the day, 50 days after Easter, on which we celebrate the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, poured out on people so that the good news of God’s love can be shared with all. The New Testament description of Pentecost emphasizes that, thanks to the Spirit, differences in language, culture, and place of origin present no barrier to God’s love, grace, and hope. On Pentecost, the church is empowered for its ministry of being Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth.
If you want to be thematic with your clothing, wear red, orange or yellow. (One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit is tongues of flame.) If you want to read the scripture ahead of time, it’s Acts 2:1-18. If you want to pray, as our time of worship approaches, for the winds of the Spirit to blow in renewing and energizing ways throughout the church in all parts of the globe, your prayers are appreciated. April’s sermon title is, “Speaking of God.”
Scripture: scripture
May 22, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Disturbing the Peace”
Sermon: sermon
As he travels across to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus encounters a man who is lost and alone. He lives among the tombs outside the city and is tormented by many demons. His dramatic healing causes fear in the nearby village. Over the years they had learned to live with his illness. When Jesus came along he upset everything. The story takes place in Gentile territory, so Jesus was an outsider. Though he has just given healing and hope to a member of their community, they ask Jesus to leave. The newly-healed man wants to go with him. But Jesus sends him back to his home – to tell everyone what God has done for him. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 8:26-39, and his title is “Disturbing the Peace”.
Scripture: a href=”https://rhumc.org/MP3/2016/160522_Scripture.mp3″>scripture
May 29, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Action at a Distance”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel tells of an unusual healing in the city of Capernaum. The slave of a Roman centurion is near death. The Jewish leaders there come to Jesus on behalf of their friend, the Roman soldier. Already we are in unexpected territory. They want Jesus to know that they think he is deserving of God’s favor. The centurion does not claim to be worthy at all – quite the opposite. But he also shows complete confidence in Jesus’ ability to heal his servant. When Jesus hears of the soldier’s faith he is amazed that someone who is not even a member of the Jewish community should have such trust in God. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 7:1-10, “Action at a Distance”.
Scripture: scripture
