Sermons from April 2013

By The Rev. Sherry Deets 5 Easter – April 28, 2013 John 13:31-35 This section of John, begins with the account of the Last Supper and the moving words that summarize the whole: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” As this particular passage commences, the one we just heard, Jesus has already washed the feet of his disciples, Judas has just departed to betray him, and the rest of the disciples…

By The Rev. Sherry Deets 4 Easter – April 21, 2013 John 10:22-30 In John’s gospel for today, it was winter; the festival of the Dedication in Jerusalem. We know this as Hanukah today; the festival of lights, which commemorates the rededication of the temple in 164 BC after its destruction. So, we watch as a lone figure approaches and walks in the temple. Jesus is walking in the portico of Solomon, not out in the open; perhaps sheltered from…

By The Rev. Sherry Deets 3 Easter – April 14, 2013 John 21:1-19 Redemption. Today’s scripture readings have me thinking about redemption. And according to Dictionary.com the definition of redemption is: 1) an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed. 2) deliverance, rescue. 3) deliverance from sin, salvation. 4) atonement for guilt. Simon Peter had been one of Jesus’ most ardent disciples but, when the chips were down, he had stumbled.…

By The Rev. Sherry Deets 2 Easter – April 7, 2013 John 20:19-31 We are so accustomed to comparing ourselves favorably with poor Thomas, whose famous doubt has come to be considered part of his name-Doubting Thomas-that we overlook something important about the way the resurrection works in us: Thomas isn’t the only one who must absorb the fact of the risen Christ in his own way. We all do that. That’s why people were often unable grasp who the…