Jonathan Chute - "On the Way"

This week’s scripture includes some of the most well-known words in the Bible. The Ten Commandments were given to the people of Israel during their time of wandering in the wilderness. Egypt was now well behind them. But the Promised Land was still far off. Sometimes it takes a while to learn new ways. As they moved from slavery to freedom, they were given plenty of time to study the manual for their new life together. Jonathan’s sermon, “On the Way,” is drawn from Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, and 12-20.

Jonathan Chute - "Remember?"

This week we follow the continuing travels and travails of the people of Israel, as they journey through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. While their hunger has been satisfied, now they cry out in thirst. Again, God responds to their need, and there is more than enough to drink. But Moses gives an interesting name to the place where they complained so bitterly. He calls it Massah and Meribah, which means roughly “gripe and moan”. The text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Remember?”, is Exodus 17:1-7.

Jonathan Chute - "The Enticing Patience of God"

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.”

Jonathan Chute - "Against All Odds"

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.

Jonathan Chute - "A Meal to Remember"

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.”

Jonathan Chute - "Yes, You!"

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.

Jonathan Chute - "Sister Circle"

This Sunday we continue our journey through the early years of God’s people, as told in the book of Exodus. Until now, the story has been seen mostly through the eyes of the patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. But Exodus takes a rather different look at things. The ancient Hebrews have become enslaved in Egypt. The Pharaoh is afraid that there are too many of them, and they may rise up against their masters. He imposes even more ruthless conditions on them, and orders that all newborn Hebrew boys shall be killed. In the midst of this terror and threat, a baby is born and given the name Moses. At this key moment, a number of women demonstrate courage and hope defying the king’s orders. They are the only reason the child survives, and the story continues. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Exodus 1:8-2:10, and his title is “Sister Circle.”

Jonathan Chute - "Breaking the Chain"

This Sunday’s scripture tells the story of Joseph, the youngest son of his father, Jacob. Aside from having rather grandiose and self-serving dreams, his brothers can’t help but notice that Joseph is the apple of their father’s eye. His obvious favoritism causes much resentment and jealousy among them. They kidnap their brother and sell Joseph into slavery. They think they’re done with him. But Joseph ends up becoming a trusted servant and advisor in the house of the Pharaoh. A drought comes upon that part of the world, and Jacob and his sons become refugees, seeking relief from famine and hunger. When they get to Egypt, their brother recognizes them. Our text for the day captures the scene of a dramatic and tearful reunion. When Joseph shows himself to them, they cannot speak for their shock and fear. Rather than seek revenge on them for their mistreatment and abuse, Joseph forgives them. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Genesis 45:1-15, “Breaking the Chain.”

Jonathan Chute - "Limping for Joy"

This week our scripture tells of the dramatic encounter between Jacob and a stranger by the side of a desert stream. After nightfall a man attacks Jacob, and wrestles with him till morning. Throughout the night it seems that something more is going on. Is it a man who wrestles Jacob? An angel? God, in person? Jacob, who has been clutching and grabbing his whole life long, simply refuses to let go of his assailant no matter who it is. He pays for his tenacity, but is rewarded as well. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Genesis 32:22-31, and his title is “Limping for Joy.”

April Herron - "A Homecoming and Two Weddings"

Have you traveled to visit relatives this summer? Found yourself in an unfamiliar environment? Fallen in love? Started a new job? Attended any weddings? Been puzzled or troubled by the way people conduct themselves? If so, you have something in common with Jacob.

Son of Isaac and Rebekah, grandson of Abraham and Sarah, Jacob is a central figure in the story of the Hebrew people. The twists and turns and questions and outcomes of his life are recounted in Genesis 25-35. This Sunday we will focus on Genesis 29:15-28, which describes how Jacob made a strong first impression, took up life in a new place, and managed to greatly complicate his personal life. April’s sermon, “A Homecoming and Two Weddings” will explore the guiding arc of the Genesis saga and of our own lives.