Jonathan Chute - "The Unstoppable Love of God"

On the second Sunday during Lent, Jesus uses vivid metaphors to try to help his listeners understand both the challenge Jesus is facing, and God’s invitation to God’s people. Jesus refers to King Herod as “that fox” when he is told that Herod is seeking to kill him. At the same time, Jesus describes himself as a mother hen, longing to gather her children under her wings, when he thinks about his mission in Jerusalem. The hen is protective; the fox is hungry. Jesus makes clear he will not let Herod control or curtail his activity. April’s sermon, “The Unstoppable Love of God,” is based on Luke 13: 31-35. We will have opportunity to reflect on the qualities of courage and resolve.

Jonathan Chute - "Short Cuts"

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. The story does not end there, we know. But this week we pay attention to how it all begins…

…which is in a confrontation with the devil. He has been led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasts for forty days. He is famished. He is alone, according to Luke, until the tempter arrives. What the devil offers is not evil in the usual sense, but something good in disguise. Jesus draws on resources available to us as well as he rejects the offers before him. The text for the sermon is Luke 4:1-13, and Jonathan’s title is “Short Cuts.”

Jonathan Chute - "While He Was Praying"

This Sunday’s gospel describes one of the more strange and mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes Peter, John and James up a mountain to pray. In Luke’s gospel prayer plays a central role in the life of Jesus. Before some of his most important actions Jesus goes to God in prayer. This time, while he is praying, something almost indescribable takes place, with the disciples as witnesses. Jesus is transfigured – completely changed – before their eyes. His face shines with a glorious light. Moses and Elijah appear and talk with him. A cloud overshadows them all and a voice tells the disciples to listen to Jesus. One thing is clear – they have no idea what to make of this! The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 9:28-36, and his title is “While He Was Praying…”

Jonathan Chute - "Too Close for Comfort"

In this text we see how the congregation in Nazareth responds to Jesus’ first sermon. At first they’re quite happy to receive him. They admire his gracious words and celebrate their familiarity with him and his family. But Jesus believes they are missing the point – not only of the sermon, but of his whole ministry. So he tells them a couple of familiar Bible stories – stories which suggest that God’s grace may be even more amazing than we would like! What begins as a warm welcome home ends in outrage and attempted violence. Jonathan’s sermon is from Luke 4:21-30, and his title is “Too Close for Comfort.”

Jonathan Chute - "Any Questions?"

This week’s gospel tells the story of Jesus’ first sermon, which was preached in his home synagogue in Nazareth. He reads to the people from the prophet Isaiah. The reading itself is short. The sermon is even briefer (It happens.). But what it will mean is not obvious to those who hear it. It will take a while for them to discover just what Jesus has in mind. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 4:14-21, and his title is “Any Questions?”

Jonathan Chute - "Missing the Glory"

We continue through the season of Epiphany, when the Church’s focus is on the revelation of Jesus Christ in his life and work. His baptism behind him, the work of the Messiah begins in earnest. This week’s gospel tells the story of Jesus’ first miracle, which takes place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The wine for the feast has run out and the groom faces a crisis. The mother of Jesus believes that he will know what to do. But Jesus has other priorities than solving a local beverage shortage. Something more takes place that afternoon. But not everyone can see it. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is John 2:1-11, and his title is “Missing the Glory.”

April Herron - "Entering the River"

The gospel of Luke begins by telling the birth narratives of John and Jesus. In Luke, chapter 3, we learn that not only are John and Jesus relatives of one another, their ministry in the world is also closely related. John has been doing the work of preparation by teaching people what to expect and how to act. Then Jesus arrives at the banks of the Jordan River, joins the crowd, and is baptized. As he prays, a voice from heaven speaks words of affirmation. The text for April’s sermon is Luke 3:15-16, 18, 21-22, and her title is “Entering the River.”

April Herron - "Gifts Set Free"

Matthew’s gospel contains the story of wise men from the east who journeyed to visit the Christ child. Though we read the story at Christmas, we continue to reflect upon it because it helps us to understand that Jesus did not come only for the people living near Bethlehem. Nor did he come only for the people who shared his religious background. He came for all people, everywhere, and all are welcome to worship and honor him. Scholars surmise that the wise men were well-educated Babylonian astronomers. They faced dangers both natural and political during their journey. They brought with them notable gifts. The text for the day is Matthew 2:1-12, and April’s sermon title is “Gifts Set Free.”

Jonathan Chute - "Reflections on Christmas"

On the first Sunday after Christmas we're back to our usual Sunday worship schedule. This is good news for lots of people! The text for the day is Luke 2:41-52. It is the story of Jesus and his parents in Jerusalem, when he is about twelve. Jonathan will share a couple of stories with us - reflections on the meaning of Christmas, along with some familiar carols to keep the celebration going. Sunday is the 3rd day of Christmas, so check out recipes for French hens....

April Herron - "The Kindness of Strangers"

In the gospel for Christmas Eve, Luke reminds us that the birth of Jesus takes place in the midst of other world events. From his throne in Rome, Caesar rules the Empire. His officials carry out their orders. Lives are turned upside-down. The powerful issue decrees. Ordinary people live with the consequences. But in Bethlehem an entirely different story is taking place. There in a manger, God enters the world in humility and weakness. A child is born to an unmarried couple, weary travelers on the road, with only a few shepherds and some animals to witness what takes place. It seems like an odd way to begin the salvation of the world. The text is Luke 2:1-20, and Jonathan's sermon is "The Kindness of Strangers."