February 19
Sermon title: The Greatest Story Ever Told
Scripture: Acts 26:12-18
Preaching; Pastor Dave Bunje
Theme: One of the best gifts we can give to one another and the next generation is a simple, understandable, sharing of the greatest story ever told: God’s incarnation as Jesus, and our redemption into new life. We’ll share samples.
Lenten Series Theme: 24 Hours That Changed The World
February 26 First Sunday of Lent, Youth Sunday
Sermon title: The Meal That Defines Us
Scripture: Mark 14:12-25
Preaching: Pastor Dave Bunje
Theme: Even though his followers betrayed, denied, and deserted them, these were the friends with whom Jesus wanted to share his last meal. Even though it was his last before death, he wanted to make the sacrifice that would liberate our souls, thus defining us for eternity.
March 4 Second Sunday of Lent, Communion
Sermon title: The Anguish
Scripture: Mark 14:26-52
Passion Week Moment: The Garden of Gethsemane
Preaching: Pastor Dave Bunje
Theme: Sometimes we rush through the Passion Week story without pausing to reflect on its impact. Jesus’ anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals both his deep heartache and his total commitment to love for you and me and everyone. Our lives became different because of what happened there.
March 11 Third Sunday of Lent
Sermon title: Unintended Consequences of Fear
Scripture: Mark 14:53-72
Passion Week Moment: Condemned by the Righteous
Preaching: Pastor Dave Bunje
Theme: After so many people were so happy to see Jesus, why do you suppose they testified against him four days later? How could religious leaders not see the religious truth that Jesus represented? Fear of being outcast, fear for our own well-being can lead to disastrous results. Even so, love conquers fear. Count on it.
March 18 Fourth Sunday of Lent
Sermon title: We Expected Something Different
Scripture: Mark 15:1-15
Passion Week Moment: Trial before Pilate
Preaching; Pastor Dave Bunje
Theme: When someone says “here comes the savior of the world,” what comes to mind? A really good president? A master diplomat and negotiator? A rock star preacher whose magnetism elicits massive cooperation? Jesus didn’t match any expectations. People were disappointed. He loved then anyway. He loves us anyway. He taught, and lived, and gave us a true savior for our world.
March 25 Fifth Sunday of Lent, Youth Sunday
Sermon title: Unflinching Love For You
Scripture: Mark 15:15b-23
Passion Week Moment: Torture and Humiliation of the King
Preaching: Pastor Dave Bunje
Theme: Flogging tears skin from bone. Mockery tears identity from the soul. Evil creates monsters from neighbors. Even then, sacrificial love enables endurance and leaves a longer legacy. Like Simon of Cyrene, we can be born anew.
April 1 Palm/Passion Sunday, Communion
Sermon title: Agony and Ecstasy
Scripture: Mark 15:25-39
Passion Week Moment: The Crucifixion
Preaching: Pastor Dave Bunje
Theme: God wants wholeness and happiness for all His children. Even though crucifixion is an intentional torture stretched over six hours or more, Jesus says, “Father, forgive them…” His love lifts away our guilt and sin. The agony of reality gives way to the ecstasy of forgiveness. That is Jesus’ purpose.
