October 4, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “Boundaries”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture includes some of the most well-known words in the Bible. The Ten Commandments were given to the people of Israel during their time of wandering in the wilderness. Egypt was now finally well behind them. But the Promised Land was still a ways off. Sometimes it takes a while to learn new behaviors. As they moved from slavery to freedom, they had plenty of time to study the manual for their new life together. Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, and 12-20 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Boundaries.”
Scripture: scripture
October 11, 2020 – Susan Welch
Sermon: sermon
In the early years of Christianity, the gospel spread by word of mouth. As communities of believers formed in various cities of the ancient world, letters began to be circulated among them. The letters were a means of seeking and sharing guidance with one another. This week’s scripture text is from the closing portion of a letter from Paul to the Christians in Philippi. Love and appreciation is expressed, as well as encouragement to be unified and mutually supportive. Paul recommends a focus on prayer and on praiseworthy thoughts and deeds. The text is Philippians 4:1-9. The sermon will be presented by Susan Welch, current chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee and previous member of the Building Committee and Preschool Committee.
Scripture: scripture
October 18, 2020 – April Herron, “For Better or Worse”
Sermon: sermon
Moses’s job of leading his people out of forced labor and through the wilderness toward the promised land lasted a lifetime. From the burning bush to the tent of meeting, Moses conversed with God in a variety of places. Sometimes God did most of the talking. At other times Moses had a lot to say. For this coming Sunday, our scripture reading describes the time when Moses wedged himself into the cleft of a rock so he could see God’s glory passing by. This arrangement was the result of an emotional interchange between the two longtime partners. The text is Exodus 33:12-23. April’s sermon title is, “For Better or Worse.”
Scripture: scripture
October 25, 2020 – Jonathan Chute, “Far Sighted”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture reading shares a poignant moment near the end of the life of Moses. After 40 years of wandering in the desert he has finally brought the people to the very edge of the Promised Land. But now God lets him know that Moses will not get to go with them. Though he devoted his life to the freedom and future of Israel, the closest he will come is the view he gets from the top of Mount Nebo. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Far Sighted.”
Scripture: scripture
