Jonathan Chute - "The Touch of Grace"

Mark opens his gospel with these words “the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ.” But the story begins in an unexpected location for most of us. There is no manger, no stable, no anxious parents or newborn baby. We find ourselves not in Bethlehem, but out in the desert with John the Baptist. In that time people were anxious, looking with hope to the coming of the Messiah. John appealed to people with little in common. From the city of Jerusalem to the countryside of Judea, they came streaming out to him at the river Jordan. John wanted them not only to hear about God’s forgiveness, but to be touched by it as well. Mark 1:1-8 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “The Touch of Grace.” We’ll be lighting the Third Advent Candle, the Candle of Joy, as we anticipate the fulfillment of the promise of hope and peace in Christ’s coming.

Jonathan Chute - "Enduring Hope"

In this week’s scripture the prophet Isaiah seeks to bring a word of comfort and encouragement to God’s people. Like many before them, and many in our own day, they have suffered terribly and even wondered if God has abandoned them completely. In the midst of their trials, Isaiah does not offer easy optimism, but genuine hope. He does not deny the depth of their struggles, but promises that the compassion of God is deeper and more lasting than anything before them. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Enduring Hope,” is Isaiah 40:1-11. On this second Sunday of Advent, we will be lighting the candle of Peace.

Jonathan Chute - "ETA"

This Sunday’s gospel is a preview and promise of the second coming. Jesus describes the day of his return, and tells the disciples what they should do in the meantime. He shares a parable of a man who goes away on a journey and leaves his servants in charge. It is a familiar set-up – one he uses in several other parables. But this time he offers a new twist on an old theme. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 13:24-37, and his title is “ETA.”

Jonathan Chute - "Unseen"

Our gospel for this Sunday portrays a picture of the whole human family brought together at the end of time. The Son of Man, the Messiah, sits before them on his throne in judgement. He separates the people into two groups, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous. It turns out that both are in for a surprise. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 25:31-46, and his title is “Unseen.”

April Herron - "Overflowing Gratitude"

Our scripture text will be 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. In this excerpt from one of his letters, Paul contemplates the joys of sharing God’s abundant blessings, the confidence we can have in God’s goodness, and the ways we can participate in God’s generosity. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift of grace!” Paul exclaims. April’s sermon title is “Overflowing Gratitude.”

Jonathan Chute - "Don't Be Late!"

In this week’s gospel Jesus tells a story of preparation and readiness. Ten bridesmaids are waiting to meet the groom, who arrives for the wedding much later than expected. Because of the delay, five of them do not have enough lamp oil to last the night. Just before he appears they go out to shop for more oil. By the time they return the doors of the hall are locked and they end up missing the feast. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 25:1-13, and his title is “Don’t Be Late!”

Jonathan Chute - "Upside-Down"

In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about life in God’s kingdom. Those who live in the grace of God may end up looking a little different from others around them. The blessing of God is with them as a source of humility and peace, of courage and compassion. Their lives stand out from the crowd, and they become examples for the rest of us. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Matthew 5:1-12, and his title is “Upside-Down.”

Jonathan Chute - "The View from Mount Nebo"

This week’s scripture shares a poignant moment near the end of the life of Moses. After years of wandering in the desert the people are at last ready to enter the Promised Land. But Moses will not get to go with them. Though he devoted his life to the freedom and future of the people of Israel, the closest he will come is the view God shows him from the top of Mount Nebo. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Deuteronomy 34:1-12, “The View from Mount Nebo.”

Jonathan Chute - "Not Going Without You"

For some time now, we have been following the liberation of God’s people enslaved in Egypt. God chose Moses to lead God’s people across the Red Sea, through the desert, to safety at Mt. Sinai. The people complained to Moses, even wishing to go back to enslavement. They built golden idols and disobeyed God’s word, still Moses led them, even stood up for them when talking to God. Now, as we take up the story again this Sunday, October 22, Moses is demanding even more of God. Moses is demanding to see God face-to-face! The scripture text is Exodus 33:12-23. April’s sermon title is, “Not Going Without You.”

Jonathan Chute - "Passing it Along"

This Sunday is Laity Sunday. “Laity” means “the people of the church.” We will look at a teaching from Jesus that simplifies God’s commandments down to two that are sometimes called the Greatest Commandments. We will discover how well we are doing as a community of faith in fulfilling God’s will. And we will consider, as individuals, the good feelings that are easily within our reach when we practice love of God and love of neighbor. The mandate spelled out by Jesus is a gift. The text of Dale Gehr’s sermon, which he presents as our Lay Leader, is Matthew 22: 34-40. Dale’s title is, “Passing it Along.”