November 6, 2016 – April Herron – “Shaped for Sainthood”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday during worship we will give thanks for the saints who have gone ahead of us into God’s eternal realms. As we recite the names of those who have joined the saints in glory in the last twelve months, we will light candles and sound a bell for each one. Based on Matthew 6:27-31 and Ephesians 1:15-19, April will guide us in reflecting on how we are “Shaped for Sainthood.”
Scripture: scripture
November 13, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Too Much to Ask?”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture is a hopeful word from a difficult and troubled time. The prophet Isaiah shares a vision of the future God has in mind. It is a picture that reaches beyond human hopes alone, and offers a new beginning for the whole of creation. In a time when the people were struggling with each other, and struggling to understand their identity and purpose, Isaiah’s picture of the new creation gave them hope that a new day was coming. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Isaiah 65:17-25, and his title is “Too Much to Ask?”
Scripture: scripture
November 20, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Where We Come From”
Sermon: sermon
The scripture for Thanksgiving Sunday contains Moses’ instructions for the very first thanksgiving, which was celebrated when the people of Israel had come into the promised land and gathered the first harvest. It was a time of great celebration, joy and hope. Even then, he encouraged them not to forget where they had come from, and who had led them to freedom. He also knew that their feast would not be complete without room for others at the table. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Deuteronomy 26:1-11, and his title is “Where We Come From.”
Scripture: scripture
November 27, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Ready?”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel of Matthew describes the coming of the Son of Man as sudden and unexpected. Since no one can know when God’s time – or our time – might be, Jesus encourages his followers to be ready at all times. But paying constant attention is exhausting. No one can stay awake all the time. How are we supposed to be ready for something which will happen “at an unexpected hour?” Perhaps Jesus imagines a different kind of readiness than we are thinking. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 24:36-44, and his title is “Ready?”
Scripture: scripture
