We continue our Lenten worship series, "Last Words," as Pastor Ken explores Jesus' haunting cry from the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This third message of the series draws from both Matthew's and Mark's gospels as we examine how Jesus' experience of abandonment connects with our own spiritual "dark nights." We also look at the example of Mother Teresa's experience of a decades-long spiritual emptiness as a model for learning how God remains present in our darkest moments. You'll learn how these "last words" from the cross connect to themes of resurrection and hope and challenge us to follow Christ's example of sacrificial love even when it's inconvenient or difficult.

When have you experienced a "dark night" or feeling of abandonment in your own spiritual journey? How did you respond to that feeling?

Jesus cried out loudly so everyone could hear his words of abandonment. Why do you think it was important for him to make this cry public rather than keeping it private?

Jesus' cry was a quote of Psalm 22, which begins with abandonment but ends with resurrection and hope. How might remembering "the whole psalm" help us during our own difficult times?

Mother Teresa experienced decades of spiritual emptiness yet continued her ministry. What can we learn from her example about faith during times when we don't feel God's presence?

Pastor Ken challenges us: Are we "willing to be inconvenienced or make a sacrifice so that others might know the love of God?" What specific sacrifice might God be calling you to make in this season?

How does knowing that Jesus experienced feelings of abandonment change how you approach God during your own moments of doubt or despair?

SpotifyApple PodcastsLent Daily DevotionalsWe continue our Lenten worship series, "Last Words," as Pastor Ken explores Jesus' haunting cry from the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This third message of the series draws from both Matthew's and Mark's gospels as we examine how Jesus' experience of abandonment connects with our own spiritual "dark nights." We also look at the example of Mother Teresa's experience of a decades-long spiritual emptiness as a model for learning how God remains present in our darkest moments. You'll learn how these "last words" from the cross connect to themes of resurrection and hope and challenge us to follow Christ's example of sacrificial love even when it's inconvenient or difficult.

When have you experienced a "dark night" or feeling of abandonment in your own spiritual journey? How did you respond to that feeling?

Jesus cried out loudly so everyone could hear his words of abandonment. Why do you think it was important for him to make this cry public rather than keeping it private?

Jesus' cry was a quote of Psalm 22, which begins with abandonment but ends with resurrection and hope. How might remembering "the whole psalm" help us during our own difficult times?

Mother Teresa experienced decades of spiritual emptiness yet continued her ministry. What can we learn from her example about faith during times when we don't feel God's presence?

Pastor Ken challenges us: Are we "willing to be inconvenienced or make a sacrifice so that others might know the love of God?" What specific sacrifice might God be calling you to make in this season?

How does knowing that Jesus experienced feelings of abandonment change how you approach God during your own moments of doubt or despair?

The season of Lent — the 40 days of preparation before Easter — has begun, and Pastor Ken Curtis continues with our Lenten worship series: “Last Words.” Each Sunday until Easter, we’ll focus on Jesus’ last words from the cross as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who were nearby. In this series, we’ll also explore one of the characters at the cross and reflect upon one of the seven final statements of Jesus as we seek to understand the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today.

In this second message of this series, we explore Jesus' second statements from the cross, entrusting the care of his mother to the beloved disciple. We explore how these powerful words reveals Jesus' commitment to honoring parents while simultaneously redefining what "family" truly means for believers. As a church, we'll ask how each of us live into our roles as members of God's family.

In what ways does Mary's faithful presence at both the beginning and end of Jesus' life speak to you about perseverance in faith through difficult circumstances?

How have you experienced the church as an extended family beyond blood relations in your own life? What made these experiences meaningful?

Jesus entrusted his mother's care to John rather than his biological siblings. How might this challenge your understanding of family responsibility and Christian community?

Pastor Ken invites us to make an "I will" commitment during Lent, not just give something up. What is one specific "I will" commitment you feel called to make in response to Jesus' example?

How does the vision of God's family being inclusive rather than exclusive challenge the way you interact with people who differ from you in beliefs, politics, or background?

SpotifyApple PodcastsLent Daily DevotionalsThe season of Lent — the 40 days of preparation before Easter — has begun, and Pastor Ken Curtis continues with our Lenten worship series: “Last Words.” Each Sunday until Easter, we’ll focus on Jesus’ last words from the cross as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who were nearby. In this series, we’ll also explore one of the characters at the cross and reflect upon one of the seven final statements of Jesus as we seek to understand the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today.

In this second message of this series, we explore Jesus' second statements from the cross, entrusting the care of his mother to the beloved disciple. We explore how these powerful words reveals Jesus' commitment to honoring parents while simultaneously redefining what "family" truly means for believers. As a church, we'll ask how each of us live into our roles as members of God's family.

In what ways does Mary's faithful presence at both the beginning and end of Jesus' life speak to you about perseverance in faith through difficult circumstances?

How have you experienced the church as an extended family beyond blood relations in your own life? What made these experiences meaningful?

Jesus entrusted his mother's care to John rather than his biological siblings. How might this challenge your understanding of family responsibility and Christian community?

Pastor Ken invites us to make an "I will" commitment during Lent, not just give something up. What is one specific "I will" commitment you feel called to make in response to Jesus' example?

How does the vision of God's family being inclusive rather than exclusive challenge the way you interact with people who differ from you in beliefs, politics, or background?

The season of Lent — the 40 days of preparation before Easter — has begun, and Pastor Ken Curtis leads us in our first message of our Lenten worship series: "Last Words." Each Sunday until Easter, we'll focus on Jesus’ last words from the cross as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who were nearby. In this series, we’ll also explore one of the characters at the cross and reflect upon one of the seven final statements of Jesus as we seek to understand the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today.

In our first message of this series, we explore Jesus's first last words from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." We discover in this prayer from Jesus a central purpose of the crucifixion — our need for forgiveness as we all "miss the mark" and stray from God's path. As we dive deeper, we'll uncover the ways Jesus models divine forgiveness and our own human responsibility to extend forgiveness to others. With forgiveness at the heart of Christian discipleship, we learn the importance of asking God to forgive us as we extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

In what ways have you experienced "missing the mark" recently, and how does Jesus's prayer for forgiveness from the cross speak to that struggle?

How might viewing Jesus' first last words from the cross as a prayer, rather than just a statement, change their meaning for you?

How does understanding that Jesus was praying for you personally ("We are the them") affect your perception of the cross and Christ's sacrifice?

Prevenient grace is God's forgiveness offered before we even ask for it. How have you experienced this kind of grace in your own life?

What is a specific situation where you've found it difficult to forgive someone else? What steps might you take to move toward forgiveness, inspired by Jesus' example?

How does the two-part prayer suggested at the end of the sermon ("Father, forgive me for..." and "Lord, help me to forgive...") address both sides of forgiveness in your spiritual journey?

SpotifyApple PodcastsLent Daily DevotionalsThe season of Lent — the 40 days of preparation before Easter — has begun, and Pastor Ken Curtis leads us in our first message of our Lenten worship series: "Last Words." Each Sunday until Easter, we'll focus on Jesus’ last words from the cross as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who were nearby. In this series, we’ll also explore one of the characters at the cross and reflect upon one of the seven final statements of Jesus as we seek to understand the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today.

In our first message of this series, we explore Jesus's first last words from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." We discover in this prayer from Jesus a central purpose of the crucifixion — our need for forgiveness as we all "miss the mark" and stray from God's path. As we dive deeper, we'll uncover the ways Jesus models divine forgiveness and our own human responsibility to extend forgiveness to others. With forgiveness at the heart of Christian discipleship, we learn the importance of asking God to forgive us as we extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

In what ways have you experienced "missing the mark" recently, and how does Jesus's prayer for forgiveness from the cross speak to that struggle?

How might viewing Jesus' first last words from the cross as a prayer, rather than just a statement, change their meaning for you?

How does understanding that Jesus was praying for you personally ("We are the them") affect your perception of the cross and Christ's sacrifice?

Prevenient grace is God's forgiveness offered before we even ask for it. How have you experienced this kind of grace in your own life?

What is a specific situation where you've found it difficult to forgive someone else? What steps might you take to move toward forgiveness, inspired by Jesus' example?

How does the two-part prayer suggested at the end of the sermon ("Father, forgive me for..." and "Lord, help me to forgive...") address both sides of forgiveness in your spiritual journey?

As we draw close to Lent, Minister of Discipleship and Engagement Laura Campbell helps us explore how struggles and challenges in our lives become transformative starting points for spiritual growth. She illustrates how God provides a foundation and hope even when "life isn't fair" and reframes Lent not as a period of self-deprivation, but as six weeks of faith training.

When you think of a past struggle that you survived, what truth emerged from that experience that continues to shape your life today? How has that truth informed your faith journey?

As Laura shares, "Lent is not a season of self-deprivation. Lent is a season of faith training." How might viewing Lent as "training" rather than "giving up" change your approach to this spiritual season?

In the sermon, we hear about times when the speaker told God what they would or wouldn't do, only to end up following God's call in those exact areas. Have you ever resisted God's direction in your life? What happened when you finally surrendered?

Laura shares how a community "descended" to help when she became a foster parent. When has a faith community surrounded you during a challenging time? How might God be calling you to be part of someone else's support system?

Jesus faced his most difficult moment at the Mount of Olives, where he could have easily escaped into the wilderness, but instead chose to walk toward the cross. Where in your life might you be standing at a similar threshold between escape and faithful obedience?

Laura repeatedly uses the phrase "that's a great starting point" when discussing challenges, vulnerability, and even confession. Which area of your life feels like it needs a new starting point right now, and how might God be inviting you into transformation there?

This Sunday, we conclude our new year worship series, “10.” In these weeks before Lent, we have taken a deep dive into Ten Commandments and explored how these ancient set of codes are relevant to our lives as Christians today. Check out week one, “No Other”, week two, “Idol”, and week three’s “Name.” In week four, we explored “Rest” and in week five, “Honor.” In week six, we examined “Evil & Mercy.” Last week, we explored "Holiness."

When you think about your own "if only" statements, what areas of your life do you find yourself most frequently coveting things that others have? How might focusing on gratitude for what you already have change your perspective?

Leah finally found peace when she shifted from seeking Jacob's love to praising God. What are some ways you might be seeking validation or fulfillment from sources other than God in your own life?

How has comparing yourself to others (like the story about wanting to be a star athlete) prevented you from recognizing and developing your true calling or gifts?

Helen Keller once thanked God for her handicaps: "I thank God for my handicaps. For through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God." What challenges or limitations in your life might actually be directing you toward your purpose, like they did for her?

Consider Christopher Reeve's perspective that life is about "taking whatever package you have and working with it." How might this mindset help you combat feelings of coveting and comparison in your daily life?

Like Sonja who displayed the Ten Commandments in her shop, what daily reminders could you put in place to help you focus on gratitude and contentment rather than coveting?

This Sunday, we continue our new year worship series, “10.” In the weeks between now and Lent, we’ll take a deep dive into Ten Commandments and explore how these ancient set of codes are relevant to our lives as Christians today. Check out week one, “No Other”, week two, “Idol”, and week three’s “Name.” In week four, we explored “Rest” and in week five, “Honor.” Last week, we examined "Evil & Mercy."

The sermon discusses David's "moment of the maybe" — a time when he could have said no to temptation but instead entertained it. When have you experienced such a moment, and how did you handle it? What could you have done differently?

David's downfall began when he "remained in Jerusalem" instead of going to battle as kings typically did. In what ways might becoming too comfortable or complacent in your life lead to spiritual vulnerability?

The sermon emphasizes that breaking commandments tends to break us, but that "the worst thing is never the last thing." How has this truth played out in your own life or in the lives of those around you?

David faced consequences for his actions even after receiving God's forgiveness. How does this shape your understanding of repentance, forgiveness, and accountability?

Despite David's grave sins, he is still remembered as "a man after God's own heart." What does this tell us about God's grace and the possibility of redemption? How might this influence how we view ourselves and others who have made serious mistakes?

The sermon mentions "tough love" in the context of supporting loved ones who have turned away from God. What does healthy "tough love" look like while maintaining God's spirit of grace and forgiveness?

This Sunday, we continue our new year worship series, “10.” In the weeks between now and Lent, we’ll take a deep dive into Ten Commandments and explore how these ancient set of codes are relevant to our lives as Christians today. Check out week one, “No Other”, week two, “Idol”, and week three’s “Name.” In week four, we explored “Rest.” Last week, we examined "Honor."

How can we extend the command, "do not kill" to move beyond the literal act of murder and include harmful words and actions. How have you experienced the "killing" of another's spirit through words or actions, either as the giver or receiver? What steps can you take to ensure your words are building up rather than tearing down?

Where do you see anger manifesting in your life, and how might that anger be contributing to "killing" the spirit of others or even yourself? What practices (e.g., prayer, meditation, self-reflection) might help you manage anger in healthier ways?

The story of Victoria Ruvolo highlights the power of forgiveness and extending mercy. Think about a situation where you were deeply hurt by someone. Could you imagine extending the kind of forgiveness Victoria showed? What internal barriers might prevent you from doing so, and how could you begin to break those down?

Human life is sacred, because all are created in God's image. How does this understanding of human worth impact your interactions with others, especially those who are different from you or with whom you disagree?

Questions about self-defense, war, and capital punishment create complexities for this sixth commandment. What are your personal beliefs on these complex issues, and how do they connect with your understanding of "do not kill"? How do you wrestle with the tension between justice and mercy in these situations?

The sermon concludes with a call to both seek forgiveness from those we have wronged and to forgive those who have wronged us. Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness from? Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to initiate those difficult but healing conversations?