Are there any parts of your life’s story you wish you could re-write? This Sunday, we begin a new sermon series exploring how the resurrection of Christ creates new chapters of hope and promise for your life, and for the life of the world. Today, going through John 20:19-31, we look at how Jesus is rewriting the story of the world, and how he wants to use us to do it!
Easter Sunday: Lost & Found (April 21st, 2019)
On this glorious morning, we hear the good news of Jesus’ resurrection to new life! In John 20:1-18, Mary weeps because she lost her Lord. Then the risen Jesus appears right in front of her. In this Easter sermon, Pastor Paige invites listeners to discover the nearness and the power of the risen Jesus in their lives.
Good Friday Service (April 19th, 2019)
On Good Friday, Reformation had a series of preachers offer reflections on the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross. The last words, and preachers, are as follows:
Luke 23:32-34a (“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”), Pastor Eric Evers; Luke 23:35-43 (“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”), Pastor John Ranney; John 19:25b–27 (“Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.”), Pastor Judy Moller-Gavlick; Matthew 27:45-46 (“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”), Lee Clarke; John 19:28-29 (“I am thirsty.”), Pastor Gordon Simmons; John 19:30 (“It is finished.”), Pastor Paige Evers; Luke 23:44-46 (“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”), Pastor Eric Evers.
Maundy Thursday Service: Pass It On (April 18th, 2019)
The Maundy Thursday worship service and the gospel reading from John 13:1-17, 31b-35 are filled with actions and rituals that help us experience what Jesus and his disciples went through the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. In this sermon, Pastor Paige reflects on the objects in our homes that preserve significant events, and helps people understand how our experience of Maundy Thursday is not only meant to preserve, but also to pass on, the good news of Jesus’ great love for all people.
The King We Need, Not the One We Want (April 14th, 2019)
On this Palm Sunday / Sunday of the Passion, we began worship with the joy of Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, when the crowds welcomed him as King. But we also hear the Passion story of his betrayal, sham trial, and crucifixion less than a week later. How could things change so quickly? Because Jesus didn’t come to revel in the praise of the crowds. He came to save the crowds, to save humanity, from ourselves. He is the King we need, even though he may not be the kind of King we want. More than that, he comes to make us into the kind of people the world needs, even if it’s not always the kind of people the world wants.
To get the most out of this sermon, read the story of the Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:28-40) and the trial of Jesus (Luke 23:1-49) first.