September 2, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Love Story”
Sermon: sermon
Our scripture for this week comes from one of the most beautiful texts in the whole Bible. The Song of Solomon is an expression of love between two people. They tell of the passion and delight they share in each other’s presence, and sing of each other’s beauty and wonder. The text never actually mentions the word “God.” But over the centuries has been taken as a metaphor for the love of God for the human family. You may judge for yourselves. The Song of Solomon 2:8-13 is the basis for Jonathan’s sermon, “Love Story.”
Scripture: scripture
September 9, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Welcome?”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture reading comes from the early years of the Christian community. The Letter of James speaks to our all too human tendency to treat some people better than others, because of wealth, influence or appearance. While this is unfortunate in any group, it is especially unhealthy in the community of faith. The writer says that our failure to treat all people with love and care is a judgment on our faith. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Welcome?” is James 2:1-17.
scripture: scripture
September 16, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Recalculating…”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel follows Jesus as he and the disciples face a time of crisis. The sense of anticipation among his followers has been building. Their hopes are high, and growing. But what he says to them this day will shock them. Their expectation for the Messiah is of a triumphant figure, dealing out God’s justice. But Jesus speaks of his coming suffering and death, and invites his friends to follow him in the way of the cross. This picture of what it means to be faithful is different from anything they have heard before. Peter is convinced Jesus has it all wrong. Jonathan’s sermon is drawn from Mark 8:27-36, and his title is “Recalculating…”
Scripture: scripture
September 23, 2018 – Jonathan Chute “Top to Bottom”
Sermon: sermon
Despite their closeness to Jesus the disciples had a hard time seeing the kingdom of God as he portrayed it. In this week’s gospel he speaks to them again about his coming death. But they are preoccupied with a different topic. They have been arguing about which one of them is really the greatest. Their discussion seems ridiculous, especially given what Jesus is facing. To help them see the kingdom of God from a new perspective, he points to a small child, vulnerable and weak. If you want to understand greatness in God’s terms, he says, look no further. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Top to Bottom,” is Mark 9:30-37.
Scripture: scripture
September 30, 2018 – April Herron “A Good Time to Pray”
Sermon: sermon
The book of the Bible called, “The Letter of James” begins by acknowledging that, in life, even followers of Jesus face trials. The result of enduring our trials, the book says, is to make us more mature and complete. James’ first piece of advice is this: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” The Letter of James concludes with an exhortation to pray, both for ourselves and others, and with the insight that we have the capacity to be a great help to one another in walking the path of faith.
James places great value in being part of the church. His enthusiasm reminds us what a gift it is to be able to worship together and hold one another in prayer. We can put the words of James into practice as soon as today; as soon as this Sunday! The scripture text for September 30, 2018, is James 5:13-20. April’s message, to be presented at both morning services, is titled, “A Good Time to Pray.”
Scripture: scripture
