Jonathan Chute - "Uncharted Waters"

This week’s scripture follows Paul’s travels from what is now Turkey over to Greece. As he and his companions arrive in Macedonia the gospel reaches Europe for the first time. In Philippi he meets a woman named Lydia at a place of prayer near the river. She is a businesswoman, a dealer in fine cloth in the city. As Paul speaks, she discovers a sense of hope and belonging. In gratitude for her baptism, she offers him hospitality and welcome in return. The work of God continues to unfold in unexpected ways and places. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Acts 16:9-15, and his title is “Uncharted Waters”.

Jonathan Chute - "The Bridge"

This week’s text describes a difficult time in the life of one of key leaders of the early church. Peter has been called before the council of the church in Jerusalem. They hear that he has been living and eating with gentiles. That is not what he was supposed to do. Peter is in trouble. So he tells them about a dream that came to him one night. Against everything he thought he knew, this dream convinced him that the message of Christ was for all people – even those once seen as unacceptable. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Acts 11:1-18, and his title is “The Bridge.”

Jonathan Chute - "The Wonder of Easter"

The women come to the tomb at dawn, bringing spices and oils to anoint the body of their friend. But when they arrive they find that the stone has been rolled away from the entrance and Jesus’ body is missing. It is not joy or faith they experience, but uncertainty and confusion. An empty tomb is no proof of resurrection. They have no idea what to make of the scene before them. Then a pair of angels appears and reminds them that Jesus had already told them these very things. They remember his promise, and go to tell the others what they’ve seen and heard. Even among Jesus’ closest followers, the joy of Easter is a tough sell. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 24:1-12 – “The Wonder of Easter”.

April Herron - "Lessons in Dying"

This Sunday we celebrate as Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and a multitude of disciples proclaim, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” We will enter the sanctuary through an archway of palms and participate in scripture and song as the story of Jesus’s last days in the city unfolds. Through prayer and reflection, will consider the impact of Christ’s ministry, as well as his arrest, crucifixion, and death. From the joyful opening procession to the closing notes of gratitude, we are included in the Passion of Jesus.

Youth - "Knowing God's Love, Growing God's Love, and Showing God's Love"

It’s Youth Sunday this week, with all services led by the youth of RHUMC. The texts for the sermons will be the same at all three, with different youth speakers in the morning and evening. The overall theme for the day is Knowing God’s Love, Growing in God’s Love, and Showing God’s Love. The texts for will be the same at all three services as well, Psalm 23, John 15:1-5, and Matthew 5:13-16.

Our preachers for 8:30 and 10 a.m. services will be Kyle Kleinick, Ethan Droesch and Partick Woodland. At 5:30 we will hear from Taylor Lemke, Ryan Anderson and Patrick Holihan. These youth been part of our youth group, volunteered with Sierra Service Project, taken part in Sunday worship, or all of the above. We look forward to their reflections on life and faith as they share with us this Sunday. In addition to reading scripture and providing the sermons, youth will be leading prayers, reading scripture, and serving as ushers.

Jonathan Chute - "The Good Stuff"

This week’s scriptures offer different insights into what really matters. In his letter to the Philippians the apostle Paul reminds his readers that he has a lot to be proud of from his earlier life. But now none of what used to matter seems important any more. Compared to what he has gained in the love of Christ, it all looks like junk to him now. In this Sunday’s gospel a woman pours a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, and one of the disciples is outraged. Judas sees Mary’s gesture as a waste of valuable resources. But Jesus defends her, and uses the occasion to remind them all of his coming death. In the light of what is about to happen he seems grateful for Mary’s gift. The texts for Jonathan’s sermon are Philippians 3:4-14, and John 12:1-8, and his title is “The Good Stuff”.

April Herron - "An Hour for Making Peace"

As the Easter season continues, we at RHUMC are enjoying the opportunity to renew our connection with Biblical figures whose faith was exemplary, though it may have come to them in surprising ways. Acts 9 contains one of the most dramatic and decisive stories of the New Testament. When fearsome Saul sets out to capture more Christians, has a completely unexpected encounter with the risen Christ, and suddenly finds himself blinded and dependent on others, the course of history is changed. Saul ultimately becomes known as Paul, the great traveling evangelist who transcended geographic, religious, and cultural boundaries for the sake of the gospel, and wrote major portions of what we now call the New Testament. A crucial but possibly lesser known character in the story is Ananias, who is chosen by God to bring healing and good news to a known enemy. Much courage and faith is needed for Ananias to be able to accept this commission. April’s sermon title is “An Hour for Making Peace.”

Jonathan Chute - "Open Table"

The gospel for this Sunday is one of Jesus’ most moving stories, the parable of the Prodigal Son. We think we know it well. But as the story unfolds, it’s not clear whether the parable is about the younger brother, the older brother, or the father who won’t let either of them out the reach of his love. The text for the sermon is Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, and Jonathan’s title is “Open Table.”

April Herron - "Pursuing the Mystery"

Easter Sunday marked the beginning of a season during which the truth and meaning of Christ’s resurrection continues to dawn in our hearts and minds and lives.

John 20:19-28 suggests that if Jesus is really risen from the dead, then it could be important to gather regularly with other disciples because Jesus tends to show up at those group gatherings. A gathering of disciples is a place to exchange good news and to ask questions. It’s a place where, expected or not, Jesus may become present to convey peace and assurance, as well as to commission and instruct.

Our opportunities to gather in worship, prayer, and scripture study return to their usual schedule this week. Worship at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 5:30 pm will focus on two of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to his disciples, and in particular his interactions with Thomas, who is well known for declaring, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25) April’s sermon title is, “Pursuing the Mystery.”

Jonathan Chute - "Not the Question"

In this week’s gospel Jesus discusses two disasters – one human, and one natural – that had recently taken a number of lives. He refuses to blame the victims for what happened. But he also suggests that their deaths are an occasion for the rest of us to reflect on what counts in our own lives. Then he tells a parable about a fig tree that has not borne any fruit for some time. While the owner wants to cut it down, his servant asks that it be given one more year. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 13:1-9, and his title is “Not the Question.”