November 1, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “Blessed”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s 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. Matthew 5:1-12 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Blessed.”
Scripture: scripture
November 8, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “Time”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus tells a story of preparation and readiness. Ten bridesmaids are waiting with their lamps to meet the groom, who arrives for the wedding quite a bit later than expected. Because of his delay, it turns out that five of them did not bring enough oil to keep their lamps lit through the night. Just before he arrives they go out to look for more oil. By the time they return the doors of the hall are locked. They end up missing the feast. Jesus encourages his followers to be ready for the celebration God has in store for the world. Why would we want to miss the party? Matthew 25:1-13 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Time!”
Scripture: scripture
November 15, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “House Money”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus tells the story of a man who entrusts his property to his servants and goes away on a journey. After a long time he returns and discovers that each of them has responded differently to his favor and trust. He praises two servants, who risked everything that he had given them. He reprimands the third, whose resentment and fear seems to have prevented him from doing anything at all. Matthew 25:14-30 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “House Money.”
Scripture: scripture
November 22, 2020 – Jonathan Chute “Unconscious”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel portrays the whole human family, brought together at the end of time. Before them the Son of Man, the Messiah, sits in judgement. He divides the people on the left and the right, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He has something to say to both groups. It turns out that both the righteous and the unrighteous are in for a surprise. Matthew 25:31-46 is our gospel for Thanksgiving Sunday.
Scripture: scripture
November 29, 2020 – April Herron “Meanings In The Moment”
Sermon: sermon
We have come to the time of year when we begin to look toward Christmas, our celebration of Christ’s arrival into the world. The scripture reading from Mark’s gospel, for the first Sunday in Advent, reminds us that in this season we honor not only how Jesus was born long ago as a human baby; we also anticipate how he may yet come into our lives and into human history. The text might seem like a strange choice, since it includes no angels, no child, no parents journeying to Bethlehem, no shepherds, and no magi. Instead, it focuses on how we are to live in the light of God’s faithfulness. The reading is from Mark 13:24-37. It consists of guidance Jesus gave to his disciples in response to their anxiousness about the future. April’s sermon title is, “Meanings In The Moment.”
Scripture: scripture
