May 1, 2022 – Diane Rehfield, “The Best Approach”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture passages both tell of ways in which Christ reaches out to us. In the book of Acts, Paul is not looking for grace. He means to bring harm to Christians, up until he is literally knocked to the ground and blinded by a sudden flash of light, and a voice identifying itself as Jesus, asking why Saul is persecuting him. For three days he couldn’t see, and during that time he had a lot to think about. In the passage from John’s Gospel, the risen Christ takes a far more gentle approach, cooking breakfast for his disciples, who were dejected, and apparently going back to their old way of life after the crucifixion. They are burdened, no doubt, with guilt, for they abandoned Jesus in his hours of need, but he tenderly ministers to them, both physically and emotionally, and prepares them for their ministries which lie ahead. The texts are Acts 9:1-9 and John 21:1-19. Diane’s sermon title is “The Best Approach.”
Scripture: scripture
May 8, 2022 – April Herron, “The End Is Known”
Sermon: sermon
Some people like a good mystery. The critics of Jesus are not among them. “Stop keeping us in suspense,” they complain in this week’s reading from John’s gospel. Jesus resists their premise. He has been forthright in word and action. “There is no suspense,” he asserts. “You are ignoring the evidence before you.” Then he describes himself as a shepherd who never loses sight of his sheep. The scripture passage is John, chapter 10, verses 22-30. April’s sermon title is, “The End Is Known.”
Scripture: scripture
May 15, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “A Place at the Table”
Sermon: sermon
After Easter it took Jesus’ followers some time to get their bearings. As they followed God’s lead, they found themselves in increasingly unfamiliar settings. They met all kinds of people with whom they had little in common. But these outsiders were eager to receive the word of God. This created something of a crisis. No one had expected that anyone outside the people of Israel would want anything to do with Jesus. Nor did many in the early church want anything to do with them, either. In this week’s scripture we see Peter defending himself before church leaders back in Jerusalem. Word has gotten back to them that he has been eating and speaking with gentiles. They do not approve. Peter describes his own resistance to the idea as well, and how it was overcome. He tells them about a strange dream that convinced him that the grace of God was for all people, not just some. Acts 11:1-18 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “A Place at the Table.”
Scripture: scripture
May 22, 2022 – Jonathan Chute, “Progress, Not Perfection”
Sermon: sermon
This week we follow the Apostle Paul as he travels among the towns and cities of the eastern Mediterranean. He has plans to visit and preach in one area, but finds the door closed. As he goes instead to Philippi, he discovers new possibilities he could never have planned. Acts 16:6-15 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Progress, Not Perfection.”
Scripture: scripture
May 29, 2022 – April Herron, “Full Circle”
Sermon: sermon
The Gospel According to Luke tells about the life of Jesus from start to finish. Luke affirms that after Jesus was born and baptized; after he taught and traveled and healed and helped; after he was crucified and buried; after he was raised from the dead and met his followers in the cemetery, along the road, and in the house, Jesus reminded the disciples one more time of the scriptures that described his path and purpose. Then he disappeared from their sight. But not without giving them one final bit of instruction. The last words of Jesus on this occasion filled the disciples with joy. Perhaps it can help us know what to do with our grief and outrage over the terrible loss of life at Robb Elementary School this week, as well as other sorrows and frustrations we carry with us. The scripture passage for this Sunday is Luke 24:44-53. The title of April’s sermon is, “Full Circle.”
Scripture: scripture
