May 2, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Stranger Things”
Sermon: sermon
Our scripture tells a story of unexpected community and hope. As he walks along the road, a follower of Jesus meets a royal officer from a distant land. The man is an Ethiopian, on his journey home after a visit to Jerusalem. He had come to worship at the temple, but still seemed to be searching for something more. As the two men talk along the way, suddenly the Ethiopian asks to be baptized. Though he is far from home, he has found welcome and belonging in a new family of faith. Acts 8:26-40 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Stranger Things.”
Scripture: scripture
May 9, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “ETA”
Sermon: sermon
Today’s scripture describes one of many surprises that happened as the first Christians began to reach out beyond their own close community. They really hadn’t planned on it, and maybe didn’t even want to, but they found that wherever they went God had already been stirring things up before they got there. Acts 10:44-48 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “ETA.”
Scripture: scripture
May 16, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Meanwhile…”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture finds the followers of Jesus together not long after his ascension into heaven. They have had the comfort of his presence and benefit of his teaching over the course of several weeks. But now that Jesus is gone, Peter proposes that they fill the vacancy created by Judas’ departure. Following a prayer for discernment they proceed to select a new apostle by casting lots. Though mostly unfamiliar to us, the use of dice in making important decisions was not uncommon in Biblical times. Acts 1:15-17 and 21-26 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Meanwhile…”
Scripture: scripture
May 23, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Pray Like Paul”
Sermon: sermon
In our scripture for Pentecost Sunday the apostle Paul reflects on the work of the Holy Spirit. Along with the whole Creation, Paul sees us longing to be restored to health and hope. As we struggle we cry out, asking God to deliver us. Sometimes we don’t know exactly what to say, or how to express our deepest needs. Paul says this is where the Spirit goes to work, bridging the distance between us and God. We do not have to know how to pray. Through the Holy Spirit, God is able to hear even the needs we cannot express. Romans 8:22-27 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Pray Like Paul.”
Scripture: scripture
May 30, 2021 – April Herron, “Stretched by the Spirit”
Sermon: sermon
“God sent Jesus into the world so that the world might be saved through him.” This explanation of his presence is offered by Jesus well into a late night conversation with a man named Nicodemus, who was a leader among his people. Even though he had long studied God’s word, and even though he had discerned a connection between God and Jesus, Nicodemus has a hard time making sense of the things Jesus says to him. The discussion is lengthy as Nicodemus, feeling in the dark, keeps asking questions. The reading for May 30, Trinity Sunday of 2021, comes from John, chapter 3:1-17. April’s sermon title is, “Stretched by the Spirit.”
Scripture: scripture
