November 5, 2023 – Peter Perry, “The Distant Triumph Song”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s first scripture is a vision of hope for a time of great fear. The author, John, was a Christian exiled on the island of Patmos, off the coast of Turkey. He received his vision during a time of persecution and suffering for the early Church. While the images in Revelation seem confusing and often overwhelming, John’s dream is finally one of hope for the faithful, and for the whole creation.
In our gospel Jesus teaches his disciples about life in God’s kingdom. Those who understand that they dwell in the grace of God may end up looking a little different from others around them. God’s blessing is with them as a source of humility and peace, of courage and compassion. Their lives serve as examples for the rest of us. Revelation 7:9-17 and Matthew 5:1-12, are the texts for this week’s sermon, “The Distant Triumph Song.”
Scripture: scripture
November 12, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Late!”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel Jesus tells a story of preparation and readiness. Ten bridesmaids are waiting to meet the groom, who arrives late for his own wedding. Because of his delay, five of the bridesmaids do not have enough oil to light their lamps through the night. Just before he arrives they go out to shop for more oil. By the time they return the doors of the hall are locked and they end up missing the feast. Matthew 25:1-13 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Late!”
Scripture: scripture
November 19, 2023 – Peter Perry, “Did You Remember to Say Thank You?”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday we celebrate Thanksgiving, in anticipation of our national holiday later this week. The sanctuary will be decorated with pumpkins, corn, and other fruit of the harvest. The scripture for the day includes two readings appropriate to the occasion. In the first, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, Moses reminds the people of the many blessings God has bestowed upon them in their journey from slavery to promises fulfilled and encourages them to respond with gratitude to the acts of providence they enjoy. Are we mindful of providence at work in our our lives? In the second reading, Luke 17:11-19, we hear the story of ten lepers who encounter Jesus and experience miraculous healing. Jesus expresses surprise at the lack of gratitude he sees in the response of nine while celebrating the expression of gratitude from the one. Are we grateful for the healing we receive from our relationship with Jesus? Rev. Peter Perry’s sermon is titled, “Did You Remember to Say Thank You?”
Scripture: scripture
November 26, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Something to Drink”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel paints a picture of the whole human family brought together at the end of time. The Son of Man – the Messiah – sits in judgement over the nations. He separates the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous. As it turns out, both are in for something of a surprise. Matthew 25:31-46 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Something to Drink.”
Scripture: scripture
