11/1/15 – April Herron – “The Company of Those Who Seek”
Sermon: Sermon
The first Sunday of November is observed by many churches around the world as the Sunday of All saints. It is a time when we remember all the saints and loved ones who have gone before us, we have opportunity to reflect on how we might be counted among those who have lived in a way that is pleasing to God. Psalm 24 gives us theological context and a specific description of what we might call “saintly” living. If we seek to act with kindness, compassion, honesty, and integrity we will experience life as a blessing. And, we will find ourselves in good company! The text for April’s sermon is Psalm 24:1-6 and her title is “The Company of Those Who Seek”.
Scripture: Scripture
11/15/15 – Jonathan Chute -“Keeping Faith”
Sermon: Sermon
The scripture this Sunday tells a tale of persistence, passion and faith. It comes from a time in Israel’s history when the religious leadership have lost their way. Eli, the priest in the temple at Shiloh, overlooked and ignored the corruption of his sons. They stole from the temple offerings and took advantage of women who served outside the tent of meeting. There was disorder and distress among the whole people. But in the midst of the chaos of that time, a woman of deep faith reaches out to God. Out of her personal pain – and even more so out of her hope – a new day dawns. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Keeping Faith,” is 1 Samuel 1:4-20.
Scripture: Scripture
11/22/15 – April Herron – “Relying on God’s Goodness”
Sermon: Sermon
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing! This Sunday we worshiped in a spirit of thanksgiving as we anticipated, along with the prophet Joel, the time when we “shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord.” April’s sermon drawn on Joel 2:21-26, which speaks of God’s restorative power, and Matthew 6:25-33, which encourages us to keep our focus on striving for God’s kingdom. The sermon title is “Relying on God’s Goodness.” The choir will reminded us, through music, that “Everyday Is Thanksgiving,” and in the evening we sang favorite songs, “This Glorious Food” and “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.”
Scripture: Scripture
11/29/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Promises and Prayers”
Sermon: Sermon
Our scriptures for the first Sunday of Advent offer words of promise and prayers of gratitude for God’s coming into the world. The first reading comes from a time of struggle in Israel. Jerusalem is under siege, and it appears that there is no king to follow in the line of David. In the midst of chaos and distress, the prophet reaffirms God’s promise that “a righteous branch” will spring up and lead the people to a time of security and peace.
The second reading comes from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. He had helped start the church just a few months before and has tried unsuccessfully to see them since. He looks forward to being with them in person, but his absence does not prevent him from expressing his gratitude and joy for their faithfulness. He prays that God will bring them back together. Even more he prays that their hearts will be ready for the coming of Christ. The texts for Jonathan’s sermon are Jeremiah 33:14-16 and 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, and his title is “Promises and Prayers.”
Scripture: Scripture
