November 4, 2018 – April Herron “The One for Whom We Wait”
Sermon: sermon
“Love is the preeminent characteristic of God,” says theologian John Sanders. Love is both promised and on display in this week’s scripture readings. The prophet Isaiah proclaims that God makes a feast for all people and wipes away the tears that are caused by death, despair, and disgrace. The book of Revelation affirms a future in which God dwells among mortals, and mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. The gospel of John recounts a story of how Jesus loved his friend Lazarus and freed him from the power of death.
This Sunday, November 4, we will light candles for loved ones who have joined the saints in the light during the past twelve months. April will speak about “The One for Whom We Wait.” Jonathan will preside at the table for Holy Communion. To prepare for worship, you could read Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, and/or John 11:32-44.
Scripture: scripture
November 11, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Everything”
Sermon: sermon
This week Jesus warns his followers about religious leaders who seek out the places of honor in society. Then he sits down with the disciples outside the temple, and watches as the crowd place many large gifts into the treasury. Jesus notices a poor widow as she contributes two small coins. It is an almost invisible act of giving. But what is different about the widow’s offering is not the size of the gift itself, but the generous spirit behind it. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Everything,” is Mark 12:38-44.
Scripture: scripture
November 18, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Climate Change”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s scripture God announces the end of a time of drought in Israel. The suffering and loss was terrible. After the land dried up locusts demolished what little remained. The promise of relief comes through the words of the prophet Joel. God will send rain again – to water the earth, to give life to all living things, to fill the stores with olive oil, grain and wine. God’s people will give thanks for the goodness of the Lord, and even the ground under their feet rejoices. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Joel 2:21-27, and his title is “Climate Change.”
Scripture: scripture
November 25, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Pair of Kings”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus encounters Pilate, the representative of Rome in that part of the world. He is the Governor, but behind him stands Caesar and all the power of the Empire. Jesus is under arrest, and is passed back and forth between religious and secular rulers. On the face of it, he seems powerless and vulnerable. But he knows who he is, and where he comes from. Pilate holds no authority over him. John 18:33-37 provides the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Pair of Kings.”
Scripture: scripture
