Lenten Sermon Series

As children, we can ask for a nightlight to chase away the shadows that come alive in the dark, and keep the creature under the bed away. As adults, when darkness creeps over us in the form of pain, depression, grief, and fear, there is no nightlight. At times the only way that we might be comforted is by using or surrounding ourselves with people and things that numb and distract us from pain. However, some coping strategies can lead to more problems and more suffering. Conversely, there are times that if we wait in the darkness long enough, we might discover something about ourselves, God and our world. In other words, staying in the darkness can be a transformative time, a time of growth and conquering.

In this series we learn about the difficulties in our lives that lead to transformation and healing. We’ll look at what authors, philosophers, theologians, and scholars can share with us about the possibility of existence both in times of darkness and light. 

Whatever our experience of pain may be, the hope is that we might come to see a side of that is life affirming. These times of difficulty are important times. May we take the opportunity to live in them well.

February 14
Broken is the Beginning
Job 3: 1-7   

February 21
Jesus Wept
John 11: 1-3, 17-36
(Sing: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen)

February 28
Getting Into It
Psalm 42

March 6
Smashing Idols Through Pain
II Corinthians 12: 7b-10

March 13
Sitting in Pain
Mark 6: 1-6

March 20 (Palm Sunday)
Bring it Into the Light
John 1: 1-5