May 7, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “In Jesus’ Name”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel comes from the last night of Jesus’ earthly life, as he visits with the disciples just before his arrest. He knows that his death is imminent, but he promises his friends that he will not leave them alone. Those who gather around his love will be given comfort and hope through the gift of the Holy Spirit. They will go on to do even more than they have seen so far. When they pray in his name he will grant what they ask. John 14:1-14 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “In Jesus’ Name.”
Scripture: scripture
May 14, 2023 – Diane Rehfield, “The Hope That Is in You”
Sermon: sermon
Our first reading for this Sunday opens with the apostle Paul in Athens, a city where people held quite different ideas about how the world works. The ancient Greeks worshiped a wide range of gods, from Zeus to Athena – the goddess of the city itself – as well as many others. But Paul believed that the God he worshiped would not leave the Athenians without some sign. When he found it, he sought to connect with people who, on the surface, had little in common with him.
The writer of 1 Peter tells us to always be ready to talk about our faith, and why it gives us hope. We are to do it with gentleness and reverence though, not forcing it on others. Even if we suffer for our faith, we are to remember that in doing what is right, we are following Christ. Acts 17:22-28 and 1 Peter 3:13-22 are the source for Diane’s sermon, “The Hope That Is in You.”
Scripture: scripture
May 21, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “To Bless, Not to Fix”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture includes Jesus’ final words to his followers just before he departs from them to go into heaven. He points them toward the near future, as they wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. He also points to a more distant future, letting them know that their mission will take them out from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and ultimately to the farthest reaches of the earth. It is a task we have yet to complete. Acts 1:1-11 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “To Bless, Not to Fix.”
Scripture: scripture
