October 3, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “The Children’s Table”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel tells the story of Jesus blessing little children. At first the disciples try to keep them away from him, speaking harshly to their parents. But Jesus embraces them. He says that these are precisely who God has in mind as members of the family and residents of God’s kingdom. Mark 10:13-16 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The Children’s Table.”
Scripture: scripture
October 10, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Possessed”
Sermon: sermon
Our gospel for this Sunday tells of an encounter between Jesus and a man who is seeking reassurance. He follows God’s commandments but worries that he should do more. Jesus says that just one thing is missing in his life. Once he takes care of that Jesus asks him to come and follow. Instead he goes away sad, because the price seems too high. Mark 10:17-31 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Possessed.”
Scripture: scripture
October 17, 2021 – Kathy Platnick, “Are You My Servant?”
Sermon: sermon
The Gospel according to Mark reveals that the lessons of discipleship need to be repeated often, and even then they are hard to grasp. This Sunday we hear how James and John persist in thinking that following Jesus will land them in places of glory. What they fail to understand is the nature of the path that Jesus is on. Giving one’s life for the sake of others is not an obvious choice. The idea of becoming a servant is hard to reconcile with the concept of “greatness” as they have known it. The text is Mark 10:35-45. In the tradition of Laity Sunday, when worship is led entirely by members of the church rather than by the ordained clergy, Kathy Platnick will be the preacher. Her title is, “Are You My Servant?”
Scripture: scripture
October 24, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Cold Shoulder”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel tells the story of a blind man, a beggar named Bartimaeus. The last recorded miracle of Jesus’ ministry takes place on the side of the road near Jericho. When Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is passing by he calls out. Others in the crowd try to silence him. But the blind man cries out even more loudly. Jesus notices his persistence and calls him to come forward. Bartimaeus literally leaps at the invitation. After his sight is restored Jesus tells him to go. His faith has made him well. But Bartimaeus chooses a different path. Once a beggar, he becomes a disciple, and follows Jesus on the way. Mark 10:46-52 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Cold Shoulder.”
Scripture: scripture
October 31, 2021 – Jonathan Chute, “Heart and Hand”
Sermon: sermon
Happy Halloween! This week’s gospel tells of an encounter between Jesus and another leader of the Jewish community, a legal scholar. He wants to know what Jesus has to say about God’s law – which is the most important commandment? Jesus goes beyond just answering the one question and gives him something more to ponder. The lawyer agrees with Jesus about the core of Jewish teaching. And Jesus commends him for his understanding. Mark 12:28-34 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Heart and Hand.”
Scripture: scripture
