[Sunday] Song of the Gardener - Resurrected Way

Through song’s recreated breaths, John's resurrection narrative sings of a renewed creation, where the risen Jesus embodies a peace that transforms a world marred by anti-shalom.

Questions for the Week: Resurrected Way: Song of the Gardener

1. The sermon talked about the "song of creation." Can you think of a time recently when you felt a sense of joy or a new beginning, like a little burst of that song?

2. Read John 20:1-23.  John's gospel draws strong connections between the resurrection and creation. How does understanding Jesus as the embodiment of God's presence, bringing "shalom," reshape our understanding of what the resurrection means?

3. Mary Magdalene mistook Jesus for the gardener, connecting him back to the Garden of Eden. Why do you think that image of a gardener is a powerful way to understand Jesus's role after the resurrection? How does it show God's care for us and the world?

4. Jesus breathed on his disciples, similar to how God breathed life into Adam. What do you think it means for us to receive that "breath" of the Holy Spirit today?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Amazed - Kingdom Way - Mark 16

Mark's account unveils a resurrection marked by amazement, revealing God's presence in unexpected bursts of glory.

Questions for the Week: Resurrected Way: Amazed

1. The sermon talked about the women at the tomb being filled with "astonishment and amazement." Can you recall a time recently when you felt genuinely amazed by something? What was it, and what made it so surprising or wonderful?

2. Read Mark 16:1-8. The sermon connects moments of amazement throughout Mark's Gospel (healings, calming the storm, etc.) to the amazement at the resurrection. How do these earlier moments prepare us for the ultimate amazement of Jesus's resurrection?

3. We see that amazement is a sign of God "breaking in." Where do you see signs of God "breaking in" or bringing forth the amazing in the world today, even in ordinary circumstances?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Backwards Beautiful - Kingdom Way - Matthew 28

A call to make disciples, rooted in Jesus's enduring love, empowers even the doubting to share a love that defines the very heart of the church.

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Backwards Beautiful

1. Read Matthew 28:16-20.  Making disciples is really about loving people. Can you think of a time this week when you showed love to someone? What happened? How did it feel?

2. We all doubt ourselves sometimes,just like Joseph and even the disciples. When have you felt unsure about whether you were the right person for something? How did things turn out? What does it mean to know that God can work even in our doubts?

3. In what ways does the church today prioritize principles over people, and what are the consequences?

4. Jesus' final promise was "I am with you always." When have you felt God's presence with you, even in a small way? How does knowing that God is always with us encourage us to go and love others, even when you might doubt?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Home Easter - Kingdom Way - Matthew 28

Beyond the tomb's despair, its emptiness unveils the way cleared for our return home.

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Home

1. Read Matthew 28:1-10.  The women and disciples felt darkness before the resurrection. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt a similar sense of darkness, shame or loss? How does the message of Christ's resurrection offer hope in those moments? 

2. Jesus went before his disciples to Galilee, their "home," signifying restoration. In what ways can we, as a community or as individuals, create spaces of "home" for those who feel lost or alienated? 

3. How does the concept of "hope and restoration" in Galilee connect with the broader story of God's redemption?

4. "Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!" How can we actively live this out in our daily lives, particularly when faced with our failures and challenges or? What practical steps can we take to embody the light of the resurrection?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Good Friday - Abandoned Kingdom Way - Matthew’s Gospel

Maundy Thursday
Service & Live Stream 6PM
Good Friday
Noon & 7PM Service
7PM Live Stream

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Maundy Thursday - Kingdom Way - Matthew 26

Maundy Thursday
Service & Live Stream 6PM
Good Friday
Noon & 7PM Service
7PM Live Stream

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Absurd - Kingdom Way - Matthew 27

The Magi visiting the Holy Family is absurd. A Roman Governor's wife defending Jesus? Absurd. Most absurd? Jesus taking our cries of "Crucify!" to save us all. Matthew Chapter 27

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Absurd

1. Where do you see examples of absurd or illogical behavior driven by fear, self-interest, or the rejection of truth in our world today?

2. Read Matthew 27:11-31.  In what ways might we, individually or collectively, be choosing a "Barabbas" over Jesus in our lives or society? What does that look like practically?

3. Can you think of examples where people, even with negative intentions, inadvertently speak or reveal a deeper truth?

4. The crowd had a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. What "kings" or priorities do we often choose to follow in our lives, and what are the consequences?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

The Rock - Sermon On The Mount - Matthew 7:13-29

Wednesday

Potluck Dinner 5:30
Lent Service 6:30PM

Sermon on the Mount This Lent
The Rock - Matthew 7:13-29

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] The Thing We Hate - Kingdom Way - Matthew 26b

The paradox of becoming what we hate finds its resolution in the cross, where darkness is not fought but absorbed. Matthew Chapter 26b

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: The Thing We Hate 

1. Can you think of a time when you felt yourself becoming the thing you disliked or hated? What triggered that, and how did it make you feel?

2. Read Matthew 26:31-75. Why do you think Peter and the disciples so strongly denied their potential for failure? How does this relate to our own tendencies toward self-deception?

3. Why do you think Matthew chose to keep the sword holder unnamed? How does this encourage us to see ourselves in the narrative?

4. What does it mean to "absorb evil” rather than perpetuate it, as Jesus did on the cross? In a world driven by retaliation, how can we apply this principle of “absorbing evil” in our daily lives?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Relationships - Sermon On The Mount - Matthew 6:21-7:12

Wednesday

Potluck Dinner 5:30
Lent Service 6:30PM

Sermon on the Mount This Lent
Relationships - Matthew 6:21-7:12

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Is It I? - Kingdom Way - Matthew 26a

Though shadowed by betrayal, a moment of lavish love reveals a redemption that waits for us in Galilee.Matthew Chapter 26a

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Is It I?

1. Where do you see "wasteful" acts of love and devotion in today's world, and how are they perceived by others?

2. Read Matthew 26:6-13.   Why was the woman’s act seen as wasteful?  Can you think of a time when someone's act of generosity or love seemed "wasteful" to others? How can we cultivate a heart that appreciates and responds to God's extravagant grace?

3. Read Matthew 14:-32. The sermon emphasized how the disciples allowed their "I" to get in the way. Where in your own life do you see your "I" taking priority over God's will? Are there any specific situations where you need to examine your motives? 

4. We often fear failure and try to hide our weaknesses. How does the message that Jesus goes before us in Galilee, even after our failures, comfort you? How can we create a safe space where we can acknowledge our weaknesses and support each other in times of failure?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Religion - Sermon On The Mount - Matthew 6:1-21

Wednesday

Potluck Dinner 5:30
Lent Service & Live Stream 6:30PM

Sermon on the Mount This Lent
Religion - Matthew 6:1-21

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Scary Verses - Kingdom Way - Matthew 24-25

Unmasking fear-mongering leaders, Jesus dares us to risk faith over paralysis, trading buried talents for a life ignited by divine trust. Matthew Chapter 24-25

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Scary Verses

1. Describe a time or event in your life which has caused you fear. How did you respond to that time?  How did that time affect your faith?

2. Read Matthew 24. What current events or societal trends evoke feelings of fear or anxiety similar to those described in this text? How do you see Jesus working in Matthew 24 as well as times now? 

3. Read Matthew 25: 14-30. What "talents" do you feel God has given you, and how can you use them to make a positive impact?

4. Read Matthew 25:31-46. Who might you support during a time of uncertainty and fear? How can you encourage them in the hope of Christ and his resurrection? 

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Torah & Prophets - Sermon On The Mount - Matthew 5:17-48

Wednesday

Potluck Dinner 5:30
Lent Service & Live Stream 6:30PM

Sermon on the Mount This Lent -
Torah & Prophets - Matthew 5:17-48

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Blind Burdens - Kingdom Way - Matthew 23

Jesus calls out the "blind guides" for their selective piety, reminding us that grace surpasses  performative holiness. Matthew Chapter 23

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Blind Burdens

1. What is your favorite parody movie or song?  What do you appreciate about it?

2. Read Matthew 23. Jesus talked about "blind guides" who lead people astray. Who are some voices in our lives (on social media, in the news, or even people we know) that we need to be careful about listening to?

3. When might we be "blind guides" to others. When have we been tempted to insist that our way is the only way, or to place burdens on others? How can we be more aware of these tendencies and practice humility and empathy instead?

4. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for focusing on small details while neglecting important things like justice and mercy. What are some "small details" in our lives that might be distracting us from what truly matters? 

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Kingdom Identity - Sermon On The Mount - Matthew 5:1-16

Wednesday

Potluck Dinner 5:30
Lent Service 6:30PM

Sermon on the Mount This Lent - Kingdom Identity Matt 5:1-16

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Cleansing Mountains - Kingdom Way - Matthew 21-22

Jesus's humble entry dismantles false hope in worldly power and religious ritual, revealing a true faith in His sacrificial love. Matthew Chapter 21-22

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Cleansing Mountains

1. Read Matthew 21:1-22.  What "mountains" (or idols) do we have in our lives that might be keeping us from truly trusting in Jesus? 

2. Jesus welcomed the people that the temple leaders rejected. How can we be more welcoming to those who might feel left out or marginalized in our community? 

3. Contrast the outward 'perfect practice' of religion with the true heart of worship. How do we balance the importance of religious practices with the need for genuine faith and relationship with God? How can we avoid turning our faith into a legalistic process?

4. Jesus, through the cross, 'throws it all into the sea' and brings the 'blind and lame' into God's presence. How does this image give you hope for yourself and the world?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Ash Wednesday - The Greatest - Kingdom Way - Matthew 18-20

Wednesday Noon & 7PM

Live Stream at Noon

- The disciples are seeking greatness. But Jesus points us to the dust. Matthew Chapter 18-20

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Stone- Kingdom Way - Matthew 16-17

- Even though we look for security among the stone, Jesus shows us the heart of the redeemer. Matthew Chapter 16-17

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Stone

1. What is the most amazing statue you’ve seen?  What makes it so amazing?

2. Read Matthew 16:13-28. Peter got it right about who Jesus is, but wrong about how Jesus would reign. When have we, like Peter, misunderstood how God works, thinking he should act with worldly power instead of through suffering? 

3. Jesus said, "Get behind me, Satan!" to Peter when he resisted the idea of suffering. When have we been tempted to avoid suffering, or to think suffering means God has abandoned us? How can we remember that God works through suffering?

4. What practical steps can we take to shift our focus from worldly power to the "Kingdom Way" of love, sacrifice, and service?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Crumbs - Kingdom Way - Matthew 14-16

- God's grace, even in "crumbs," is sufficient for all who believe, regardless of their background or perceived deservingness. Matthew Chapter 14-16a

Questions for the Week: Kingdom Way: Crumbs

1. Have you ever felt like you deserved something good to happen to you because you had been "good" or followed the rules? How does this sermon challenge that way of thinking, and how does it relate to the idea of grace?

2. Read Matthew 15. Jesus interacts with the Pharisees and then the Canaanite woman. How do these two encounters contrast in terms of who they were and how they approached Jesus? What does this teach us about true faith?

3. Jesus initially seems harsh to the Canaanite woman, even comparing her to a dog. Why might Jesus have responded this way? What does her response ("even the dogs eat the crumbs") tell us about her faith and humility?

4. Reflecting on Matthew 14-16, what are some other examples of people's faith (or lack thereof) that we see in these chapters? How do these stories, including the Canaanite women's, help us understand the gift of Jesus’ true faith?

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What Had happened at Grace this week.