September 3, 2017 – April Herron “Yes, You!”
Sermon: Sermon
It’s Labor Day weekend, and our scripture text from the book of Exodus brings us a story of Moses at work shepherding his father-in-law’s herds. An ordinary day of carrying out his assigned duties becomes for Moses a day of blazing transformation when he realizes he is on sacred ground and is engaged in a conversation with God. Moses has wandered near the Horeb, “the mountain of God.” A bush that burns but is not consumed catches his attention. God calls Moses by name and then suggests that Moses take off his shoes because he is standing on holy ground. The story will help us reflect on ways that we might experience our own work as sacred.
September 3rd is the first Sunday of the month, so we will be sharing in Holy Communion at all three services. April’s sermon is titled, “Yes, You!” If you would like to read ahead of time the story of God commissioning Moses to lead God’s people to freedom, you will find it in Exodus 3:1-15.
Scripture: Scripture
September 10, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “A Meal to Remember”
Sermon: Sermon
This week’s scripture is a speech addressed by God to Moses and his brother Aaron, giving directions for the meal which will become known as Passover. The people of Israel are still enslaved in Egypt, but their deliverance is coming soon. God’s plans will lead them to freedom, though the path ahead will be far from easy. The memory of this night helped sustain the Jewish people over the past three thousand years. We weren’t there for the first Passover, but it has become part of our story nonetheless. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is found in Exodus 12:1-14, “A Meal to Remember.”
Scripture: Scripture
September 17, 2017 – Jonathan Chute “Against All Odds”
Sermon: Sermon
This week’s scripture tells what happens as the people of Israel begin their journey to freedom in the Promised Land. After initially (and reluctantly) agreeing to let them go, the Egyptians decide to pursue and defeat their former slaves. Pharaoh’s army traps the departing Hebrews against the waters of the sea. It appears that there is no way out for Moses and the people. Yet God does not forsake them. In the face of disaster and destruction, God leads them safely to the other side. Jonathan’s sermon is “Against All Odds,” and those who would like to read ahead can find the passage in Exodus 14:19-31.
Scripture: Scripture
September 24, 2017 – April Herron “The Enticing Patience of God”
Sermon: Sermon
The liberation of God’s people from slavery in Egypt was momentous. After crossing the sea on dry ground, witnessing the downfall of Egypt’s military might, and celebrating their escape, the people follow Moses into the wilderness with the promise of a new home before them. Their euphoria is short-lived. Three days into their journey, the complaining begins. There is a problem with the water; God acts to sweeten it. Travel continues. A month-and-a-half later, dissatisfaction resurfaces. Now the people are hungry. The complaining gets angrier and more despairing.
This Sunday, September 24, we’ll consider moments when we feel frightened, hungry, and lost. Is it ever okay to complain? And if we do complain, how does God respond? The scripture text is Exodus 16:1-15. April’s sermon title is, “The Enticing Patience of God.”
Scripture: Scripture
