11/30/14 – Doug Dickson – “Boring Faith”
Sermon: Sermon
In our scripture for the first Sunday of Advent, Jesus reminds us to avoid complacency and remain awake to the presence and coming of God. From the outside, Jesus’ imagery appears dark and foreboding. However, for the faithful comes the promise of hope. The text for Doug’s sermon is Mark 13:24-37 and his title is “Boring Faith.'” We’ll be lighting the first Advent Candle, the Candle of Hope.
Scripture – Scripture
11/23/14 – Jonathan Chute – “Who Could Forget?”
Sermon: Sermon
Our scripture comes from Moses’ address to the people of Israel, as they are about to enter the promised land. He knows that God will bless them in this new place, but worries that they will forget who brought them there. He invites their gratitude even before they reach their destination, sharing pictures of the blessing and bounty that await them. He knows that sometimes when things are going best we lose sight of where we came from, and who saw us through those struggles. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Deuteronomy 8:7-18, and his title is “Who Could Forget?”
Scripture – Scripture
11/16/14 – Jonathan Chute – “The God You Believe In”
Sermon: Sermon
This week, Jesus tells the story of a man who puts his finances in the hands of his servants and goes away on a journey. When he returns he finds that each of them has responded rather differently to his favor and trust. He praises two servants who took risks with what he had given them. They might have lost it all, but returned even more than they were given. But he reprimands the one who gave him everything back, safe and sound. His resentment and fear prevented him from doing anything at all with the wealth entrusted to him. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 25:14-30, and his title it “The God You Believe In.”
Scripture – Scripture
11/9/14 – Jonathan Chute – “Late”
Sermon: Sermon
In our gospel for this Sunday Jesus tells a story of preparation and readiness. Ten bridesmaids wait up to meet the groom, whose arrival at the wedding is much later than expected. Because of the delay, it turns out that five of them do not have enough oil to last the night – their lamps will run out too soon. Just before he arrives they go out to purchase more oil. By the time they return the doors of the hall are locked and they end up missing the feast. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 25:1-13, and his title is “Late!”
Scripture – Scripture
11/2/14 – Jonathan Chute – “You Be Jesus”
Sermon: Sermon
This week, Jesus teaches his followers that the way to honor and glory in God’s kingdom is through humility and service. He proclaims an upside-down approach to getting ahead – one that may not come easily to those accustomed to privilege. In his day that included the religious leaders, who were used to special treatment. But he brings this message to everyone, rather than just the few. It is a word of caution to some, and of comfort to others. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 23:1-12, and his title is “You Be Jesus”.
Scripture – Scripture
