Jonathan Chute - "In the Heart of God"

Our scripture is a reflection in which God looks back and remembers the love and care that has been shared with Israel over its lifetime. The nation is pictured as a child named Ephraim, who has turned away from the loving parent who raised him. Though the Lord gave this child his name, taught him to walk, and fed him, it now seems that he has run off in other directions. The prophet Hosea imagines the frustration and grief that such a loving parent must feel, and holds out the promise that God will never give up on us. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Hosea 11:1-11, and his title is “In the Heart of God.”

April Herron - "Lord Teach us to Pray"

Everywhere Jesus went, people were watching him. They studied everything he did. Among other things, they noticed when he prayed. They noticed his dedication to prayer. And they noticed that the time he spent in prayer seemed to be a source of encouragement, strength, power, blessing, and peace.

Jesus had an amazing capacity to share healing, grace, and love with the people around him. Could prayer have something to do with that? One of the disciples decided to ask him. The question and the answer can be found in Luke 11:1-13, which is our scripture text for this Sunday. April’s sermon will explore the reply Jesus gives to the request, “Lord, Teach us to Pray.”

April Herron - "The Struggle for Stillness"

Life presents us with many puzzles. How do I get along with my sister or brother? What shall I do about my resentments and anxieties? How does my faith inform my actions? Where do I go when I need help or guidance? Who gets to set my priorities for investing my time, energy, and concentration? This week in worship, a story from Luke’s gospel (10:38-42) will be explored to see what light it sheds on some of our daily conundrums. It’s the story of one of Jesus’s visits to the home of Martha and Mary. April’s sermon title is, “The Struggle for Stillness.”

April Herron - "Together In God's Garden"

“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Sometimes this question surges to the forefront of people’s minds and hearts, and sometimes it lives in the background. When the question was addressed to Jesus (by a lawyer), Jesus replied by referencing scripture and then telling a story-the intriguing story of the compassionate Samaritan. When Paul reflected on the question, he credited God for making it possible for us to “share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.” As Paul saw it, we don’t earn eternal life, we receive it as a gift. God “has rescued us… and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son,” Paul wrote.

As we worship this Sunday, July 10, we’ll consider both the story Jesus told to the inquiring lawyer and other listeners, and the beginning of the letter Paul wrote to the Colossians. We’ll sing songs of praise, lift our prayers, and welcome friends in faith to membership in the church as fellow disciples on the way. April’s sermon title is “Together In God’s Garden.” We’ll give thanks for the ways God’s truth and love grow among us.

Jonathan Chute - "Adventures in Moving"

In this week's gospel Jesus sends seventy of his followers ahead of him on the road. They seem to be something of an advance team, to prepare for his arrival in the towns and villages where he is headed. But they also have a message to bring as they go. Jesus knows that their work is important, but also that they will face rejection. He wants them to know how to handle both being popular and being scorned. They will have plenty of both in the days to come. The text for Jonathan's sermon, "Adventures in Moving," is Luke 10:1-11.

Jonathan Chute - "The Road Ahead"

This week our gospel includes a number of things Jesus says along the road to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples still seem unclear about the mission. On they way he meets others who say they want to come with him – but who have other pressing priorities. Jesus makes clear that being a disciple is not for everyone. The journey ahead will require their full attention. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 9:51-62, and his title is “The Road Ahead.”

April Herron - "Question and Answer"

Our scriptural reflections will be focused on another chapter in the story of Elijah, who brings us the reminder that the act of dedicating our lives to God carries no guarantees for an easy life. Elijah was so inspired by his faith that he became a spokesperson for God. In this role, he was sometimes the bringer of unpopular news. He warned of drought and famine, which correlated with much suffering. He insisted that those who worked against God could not survive. He was determined to call his people to faithfulness. Eventually, he found himself embroiled in a power struggle with Queen Jezebel that threatened his life. He reached a point of such fear and discouragement that he was ready to give up. Thinking only of escape, he ran into the wilderness to hide. We will listen in on Elijah’s conversation with God as we read 1 Kings 19:1-15. April’s sermon title is, “Question and Answer.”

Jonathan Chute - "Never Enough"

Over the next few Sundays we will be following the adventures of the prophet Elijah, who had the misfortune to serve during the reign of Ahab, one of Israel’s most notorious kings. This week the prophet travels to a dry and barren land. He has had to flee Israel for his life, after angering the king with his opposition. There is a drought affecting the whole area, but God has promised to provide. A widow there will feed him, according to the word of the Lord. It does not sound very hopeful. Widows were among the poorest of the poor, even when times were good. She has a child to feed as well. She and her son are down to their last few grains of wheat, and their last drops of oil. Elijah is a stranger in a strange land. Why should she do anything to help him? But the prophet assures the widow that if she will feed him first, the Lord will provide. What has she got to lose? Jonathan’s sermon, “Never Enough”, draws from 1 Kings 17:8-16.

Jonathan Chute - "Disturbing the Peace"

As he travels across to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus encounters a man who is lost and alone. He lives among the tombs outside the city and is tormented by many demons. His dramatic healing causes fear in the nearby village. Over the years they had learned to live with his illness. When Jesus came along he upset everything. The story takes place in Gentile territory, so Jesus was an outsider. Though he has just given healing and hope to a member of their community, they ask Jesus to leave. The newly-healed man wants to go with him. But Jesus sends him back to his home – to tell everyone what God has done for him. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 8:26-39, and his title is “Disturbing the Peace”.

Jonathan Chute - "Leaving Room"

Our scripture tells of Jesus’ departure from the disciples, some forty days after Easter. He has appeared to them a number of times, offering encouragement and understanding. They have gotten used to having him around again. But Jesus tells them that they won’t be staying there in Jerusalem. God has other plans, and the Spirit will lead them to places unknown. And then he is gone. As a cloud carries him away, he leaves room for his friends to discover new gifts and new adventures waiting for them. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Acts 1:1-11, and his title is “Leaving Room.”