Jonathan Chute - "The Dancing Father"

Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32.This morning's gospel is known widely as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. But if we read it carefully we notice that the story begins, "There

was a man who had two sons." As the tale unfolds, it's not so clear whether the parable is about the younger son, his older brother, or

the father who will not let either of them move beyond the reach of his love.

Jonathan Chute - "But Wait - There's More!"

Isaiah 55: 1-9. In this week's scripture the prophet Isaiah invites the people of Israel to return to the Lord. He paints an extravagant picture of God's

generosity and grace. Isaiah makes clear that those who come back home to God will be received with open arms, and given all that we need and more.

John Kwan - "Oy"

Luke 13: 31-35. In this week's text, Jesus is overlooking Jerusalem, a city which has a history of "killing prophets." He wishes to protect and bring to God the people of

Jerusalem, though he knows the attempt will present real danger to himself. While most would turn away, Jesus continues on toward Jerusalem.

Diane Rehfield - "Sermon to Luke 4: 1-13"

Luke 4: 1-13. On this first Sunday in Lent, we begin the journey that lies at the heart of the Christian story. We look to Jesus as the example of a life

of courage, compassion and hope. During Lent, we walk with him from his temptation in the desert to his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Jonathan Chute - "Time in the Desert"

Luke 4: 1-13. On this first Sunday in Lent, we begin the journey that lies at the heart of the Christian story. We look to Jesus as the example of a life

of courage, compassion and hope. During Lent, we walk with him from his temptation in the desert to his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Jonathan Chute - "After the Mountain"

Luke 9: 28 - 43a. This week's gospel describes one of the strangest and most mysterious events in the life of Jesus.

Jesus takes Peter, James and John up on a mountain to pray. Then - right before their eyes -

Jesus is transfigured. His clothes begin to shine with a bright light, and he is joined by Moses and Elijah.

After the vision passes it is all the disciples can think about, but Jesus knows that now the real work begins.

Jonathan Chute - "Practically Loving"

1 Corinthians 13: 1-13. This week's text speaks to the enduring character of love. But Paul did not have Christian marriage in mind. He was actually struggling with

how to bring the church he had founded in Corinth back together after the members had drifted apart.

Jonathan Chute - "Inside, Outside"

Luke 4: 14-30. This week's gospel tells the story of Jesus' first sermon. At his home synagogue in Nazareth one sabbath day he reads from the prophet Isaiah.

The sermon itself is quite short - just one sentence long. The people are happy, but Jesus sees that they have completely missed the

point of what he has said. So he gets back up and adds a couple of additional thoughts. The first sermon, Part Two, does not go over so well.

Jonathan Chute - "Tuesday . . . Was Very Good Year"

John 2: 1-11.This Sunday's gospel tells the story of Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. As Jesus and his

disciples arrive at the event, it appears that the wine has run out. Jesus initially says that is not his mission but then, at this wedding which

John's gospel says is on "the third day," Jesus does produce wine for the feast. The glory of God is being revealed, though not everyone will see it.

Jesus ministry has just begun, but we are catching a glimpse of Easter.

John Kwan - "Face in the Crowd"

Luke 3: 15-17 and 21-22. In this week's text, John the Baptist sets the stage for Jesus to begin his. He warns that the one who is more powerful than he is coming

and that the day of judgment is near. We might find it odd that John considers this message to be good news. The people listening to John wonder who this One who comes will be; they do not realize Jesus is right there among them receiving baptism with them.