Jonathan Chute - "Getting Involved"

The letter to the Ephesians was composed near the end of Paul’s life, possibly while he was imprisoned in Rome. It circulated widely among the churches of the day. The letter reminds us that new life in Christ is a gift of God’s grace. We do not earn or achieve our salvation. We receive it.

Our gospel text for Sunday contains John’s classic statement of the meaning of the incarnation. Jesus meets with Nicodemus, a leader of the Jewish community. He has questions for Jesus, whom he sees as a teacher come from God. But Jesus lets Nicodemus know that he is more than a teacher. He shares with him the purpose of his coming, which is to bring salvation to the world. Ephesians 2:1-10, and John 3:14-16 form the basis for Jonathan’s sermon, “Getting Involved.”

Jonathan Chute - "Out of Business"

According to John’s gospel Jesus is barely into his ministry when he visits the temple in Jerusalem. There he sees the animals being bought and sold, and money being exchanged for the temple offering. He reacts with anger, driving out the animals and turning over the tables of the money changers. The temple, God’s house, has become a business. Something holy and beautiful has been corrupted. It was not the first time that people have taken something good and turned it to other purposes. Nor will it be the last. John 2:13-22 is the basis for Jonathan’s sermon, “Out of Business.”

Jonathan Chute - "Necessary Losses"

The story that takes place in this week’s gospel comes at a crucial point in Jesus’ ministry. He has been with the disciples for some time, and they have seen and learned much along the way. But now he describes to them a picture of the future that they can barely understand, let alone accept. He tells his friends that in the days to come he will face rejection and suffering, and finally, even death. Following Jesus where he is headed will require more than they realized. The way of life he offers means letting go of the life we thought we had. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Necessary Losses,” is Mark 8:27-36.

Jonathan Chute - "Here and Now"

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which began on Ash Wednesday this past week and will end the day before Easter. Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent because they are always celebrated as the day of Christ’s resurrection. The word “Lent” carries within its meaning a reference to the lengthening days of spring. The 40 days echo the time period that Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing to begin his ministry, and they serve as an invitation to spiritual growth. The gospels written by Matthew, Mark, and Luke all recount this episode in the life of Jesus. The description we will read this Sunday, February 18, is the most concise. April’s sermon, based on Mark 1:9-15, is titled, “Here and Now.”

Jonathan Chute - "Preserving the Memory"

It is the Sunday of the Transfiguration, and this week’s gospel describes one of the most mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes three of the disciples with him to the top of a mountain. Once there, his appearance changes dramatically. His clothes turn a bright white, and Moses and Elijah suddenly appear beside him. Peter sees them talking. But he cannot understand what is going on. Then a cloud overshadows them all and God’s voice speaks from the cloud. Afterward Jesus orders them not to tell anyone what they have seen. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Preserving the Memory,” is Mark 9:2-9.

Jonathan Chute - "Getting Jesus"

In our gospel this week Jesus experiences a dramatic response to his healing work in Galilee. Many people have heard what he has done and come out to see him – especially those who are struggling and sick. The house where they are staying is surrounded. Through the evening he cures people from all kinds of illness. When the early morning comes he goes out by himself to find a place to pray. But the disciples won’t leave him alone. Too many people need him. His popularity is peaking, but it seems that Jesus has other plans for the future. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 1:29-39, “Getting Jesus”.

Jonathan Chute - "Authorized"

This week’s gospel finds Jesus teaching in a local synagogue. While the content of what he said is not recorded, the impact of his words and his presence is dramatic. Both the people of the congregation, and even a demonic spirit, recognize the authority with which he speaks. It is not like anything they have heard before. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 1:21-28, and his title is “Authorized.”

Jonathan Chute - "Acting Swiftly"

On the third Sunday after the Epiphany, we explore the call of God as it comes to people who had something else in mind. Our first scripture comes from the book of Jonah. When he hears God’s voice, it tells him to bring a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. He is reluctant to do so, because he fears that God is going to forgive them. He does not want them to repent. He wants God to destroy them instead.

In our gospel we watch as Jesus begins his ministry by the side of the Sea of Galilee. He calls two sets of brothers, all fishermen, to follow him. This is NOT what they had in mind either! It is hard to imagine how they could walk away from their lives and work so suddenly. But they leave their nets, leave their families, and follow. The texts for Jonathan’s sermon are Jonah 3:1-5 10, and Mark 1:14-20, and his title is “Acting Swiftly.”

Jonathan Chute - "Making and Entrance"

In this Sunday’s scripture John the Baptist appears in the wilderness of the Jordan. Mark calls this “the beginning of the gospel.” He doesn’t provide much background. Instead, he drops us into the middle of something already well under way. Just as suddenly Jesus appears on the scene and is baptized. Mark describes the event itself in simple terms. But it is full of drama. When Jesus comes up out of the water he sees the heavens torn apart. The Spirit descends on him in the form of a dove. Then a voice from heaven speaks and claims him as God’s beloved. The stage is set. Now the rest of the story can be told. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Making an Entrance,” is Mark 1:4-11.

Jonathan Chute - "Guided by Wonder"

Have your Christmas decorations been packed into boxes and put away? If so, you are not alone! 2018 has begun and we are moving forward. Meanwhile, some wise and wealthy travelers are transporting their boxes across a challenging landscape. They are carrying gifts they wish to present to a newborn king. Their journey, and their arrival at the humble dwelling where Mary and Joseph are caring for Jesus, help us to glimpse the full significance of Christ’s presence in the world. God is with us not just for a day or a season or a moment at the manger. God is with us for all time, here in the world for the salvation of all people.

Our scripture text this Sunday, January 7, is Matthew 2:1-12. April’s sermon title is “Guided by Wonder.” We will share together in holy communion as we start the new calendar year in faith, hope, and love.