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Current Sermon Series
An Unlikely Lent: Extraordinary Humans Inside the Easter Story
The story of Easter is often rightfully centered on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, with a few key players mingling about. But what else was happening around that earth-shattering event and who did it involve –women and men that seemed to slip through the margins of our Bibles? Might a curious exploration of their stories have something to teach us today? Let’s embark on a different kind of Lenten journey, exploring themes of strength, courage, connection and companionship through the lives of these unlikely characters, discovering a new dimension of God’s pervading love and a fresh resurrection experience for our own lives.
February 18 | Ash Wednesday | Isaiah 58:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21; Psalm 51:1-17
Ash Wednesday invites us to tell the truth about our mortality and our longing for God to make us whole. We gather as a people broken and mortal, confessing our need for God’s mercy and justice. We reflect on a faith that stores treasures in heaven by unlikely means, moving beyond inward piety toward lives shaped by humility and care for those on the margins. Marked with ashes, we turn toward God, storing treasures in heaven by committing ourselves to a love that heals, restores, and leads the world toward a just and love-filled peace.
February 22 | An Unlikely Offering (Mary of Bethany) | John 12: 1-8
Mary of Bethany’s story is one of extravagant devotion and an excessive offering. In a society where women were often relegated to the sidelines, Mary steps forward with a bold and lavish act of divine adoration. She anoints Jesus’ feet with a costly perfume, an act that demonstrates her deep love for Jesus while foreshadowing his impending death and burial. And this act begs the question, are we prepared to defy the norms of the day and offer Jesus our extravagance – our excessive gifts? What begs to emerge from your heart?
March 1 | An Unlikely Opposition (The Servant Girl) | Mark 14: 66-72
Peter is following the accused Jesus at a notable distance when a young woman strangely challenges his very presence. This unnamed servant girl calls it like she sees it –and, while we would expect the powers that be to oppose Jesus’ claims we can’t help but wonder why this antagonism from a servant? Might she be the very “mirror” Peter needs to reflect on what’s really happening inside him? Perhaps resistance doesn’t always garner negative results but instead becomes the challenge that transforms us from the inside out.
March 8 | An Unlikely Freedom (Barabbas) | Matthew 27:15-26
Perhaps we’ve painted Barabbas with the wrong brush. Chosen by the crowd to be released – set free –instead of Jesus, Barabbas’s story challenges us to consider the “unfairness” of God’s mercy and the often-misunderstood pathway to redemption. Might there be parts of your story that have yet to experience this unearned, albeit unfair love of God? Let’s embrace the picture God is painting today.
March 15 | Unlikely Companionship (Simone of Cyrene) | Luke 23:26-31
It’s doubtful that Simon of Cyrene expected to carry Jesus’ cross on that cruel day long ago. Compelled by outside forces, this act of support reminds us of the interdependent nature of God’s kingdom. Jesus doesn’t even do crucifixion alone, so what might that tell us about what it means to be a truly connected community of Jesus followers? Jesus himself needed human help, so why do we resist – missing out on AN UNLIKELY COMPANIONSHIP.
March 22 | An Unlikely Courage (The Women at the Cross) | John 19:25-27 & Matthew 27:55-56
It’s the women who remain by Jesus’ side throughout his death and crucifixion including Mary – the mother of James and Joseph – and Salome, who exhibited unwavering courage staying with Jesus throughout the entire ordeal while many others fled. There’s something holy and comforting about their steadfast presence that challenges our definitions of bravery and the power of simply standing by those we love – even in the darkest times. What are the possibilities of presence in the face of fear?
March 29 | Unlikely Allies (Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus) | John 19:38-42
Both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are described as men of power and privilege yet somehow the message of this young street preacher has compelled them to show mercy to this now-alleged criminal, convicted and crucified. It’s an obscure act of kindness that challenges our norms in the best possible way. Where is it that God is urging you and I to create new-order partnerships for the good of God’s kingdom, ultimately building a beautiful network of UNLIKELY ALLIES.
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The Heart of Worship
February 15 | The Heart of Worship | 1 Chronicles 16:23-34
This week we gather at a turning point in the church year. Having reflected on the gifts we offer through our generosity, we now stand on the threshold of Lent, which is a season that invites self-reflection, repentance, and revival. Scripture calls us back to the heart of worship: praising God with joy, bringing our offerings with humility, turning away from the things that divert us from the path of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s saving work, and giving thanks for God’s enduring and unwavering love. In worship, we remember that what God desires most is not simply what we give, but who we are becoming as a people shaped by praise, gratitude, and trust.
