Lent-Holy Week - Faith Methodist Church

Lent & Holy Week

A time of renewal, reflection, and celebration

Lent invites us to walk slowly toward the cross, and in The Cast of the Cross, we meet the people who stood closest to Jesus in his final days. Some followed faithfully, some failed publicly, some acted out of fear or ambition, and others encountered grace in their final moments. Through seekers and betrayers, judges and witnesses, the guilty and the forgiven, this series invites us to see ourselves in the story. As we journey through Lent, we discover that the cross is not only the place where Jesus died—but where truth is revealed, mercy is offered, and lives are transformed.

Sermon Series

February 18 – Ash Wednesday

Thomas the Seeker (John 14:5–7)
Thomas gives voice to the honest questions many of us carry: How do we know the way? On Ash Wednesday, we begin Lent by acknowledging our uncertainty and longing, hearing Jesus’ promise that he himself is the way, the truth, and the life. This message invites us to bring our doubts into God’s presence, trusting that seeking faith is not a weakness but a step toward deeper relationship.

February 22

Judas the Betrayer (John 13:2, 18–30; John 18:2)
Judas stands as one of the most troubling figures at the table with Jesus—close enough to share bread, yet willing to betray. This week explores the complexity of Judas’ choices, the darkness that unfolds, and the heartbreak of betrayal. We are challenged to examine where temptation, secrecy, or self-interest may quietly pull us away from Christ, even when we appear outwardly devoted.

March 1

Peter the Failure (John 13:36–38; Luke 22:54–62)
Bold, passionate Peter promises loyalty but collapses under fear. His denial reminds us how fragile our courage can be. Yet in Jesus’ knowing gaze, Peter encounters truth—not condemnation. This week invites us to reflect on failure, repentance, and the grace that meets us even in our worst moments, assuring us that failure is not the end of the story.

March 8

Caiaphas the Accuser (Mark 14:55–65)
As high priest, Caiaphas represents religious power turned defensive and fearful. In his accusations, truth is silenced and justice distorted. This sermon examines how fear of losing control can harden hearts and blind us to God’s work. Jesus’ calm confession—“I am”—stands in stark contrast, revealing a kingdom not built on force, but on truth.

March 15

Pilate the Judge (John 18:29–40; John 19:1–16)
Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, yet bows to pressure and political fear. His haunting question—“What is truth?”—lingers as he hands Jesus over. This week confronts the danger of indecision and moral compromise, challenging us to consider how often we choose safety or approval over truth, and what it costs to avoid taking a stand.

March 22

John the Faithful (John 19:25–27)
While others flee, John remains at the foot of the cross. In quiet faithfulness, he witnesses Jesus’ final act of love—entrusting his mother into John’s care. This sermon highlights the power of presence, reminding us that sometimes faithfulness simply means staying, loving, and bearing witness when everything feels lost.

March 29

The Thief the Guilty (Luke 23:39–43)
Hanging beside Jesus, one criminal mocks, while the other confesses his guilt and places his hope in Christ. In a moment of raw honesty, grace is given freely. This week proclaims the astonishing mercy of God—that even at the very end, redemption is offered, and no life is beyond the reach of Jesus’ saving love.

April 3 – Good Friday

Jesus the Servant (Luke 23:44–46)
On Good Friday, the focus turns fully to Jesus. In darkness and suffering, he entrusts himself to the Father, fulfilling his mission of sacrificial love. The torn curtain signals access to God made possible through Christ’s death. We gather in reverence, remembering that the cross is not defeat, but the ultimate act of service and surrender.

April 5 – Easter Sunday

Mary Magdalene the Forsaken (John 20:10–18)
Grief-stricken and alone, Mary lingers at the tomb—and becomes the first witness to the resurrection. When Jesus calls her by name, sorrow turns to joy and purpose. Easter celebrates the risen Christ who meets us in our deepest grief and sends us out with hope, declaring, “I have seen the Lord!”

Easter Festival

All are welcome on Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm for a day of celebration. Bring your entire family and enjoy food trucks, games, petting zoo, inflatables, Easter egg scrambles, Journey through Holy Week scavenger hunt, and more! The event is free (except for the food trucks), however a love offering will be accepted as you are able.

Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday-March 29

Our regular Sunday services at 9:00 & 11:00 am with a special moment to remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem with palm branches.

 

Holy Thursday-April 2 7:00 pm

Come attend a beautiful service of shadows and remembrance, featuring Théodore Dubois’ Seven Last Words of Christ, performed by the Chancel Choir & Orchestra. Communion will be served.

Good Friday-April 3 7:00 pm

This service, led by our contemporary Worship Team and worship leader Matthew Kerley, will help us put our focus on Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Communion will be served.

 

Easter Sunday-April 5

All are welcome to join us as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant resurrection. In addition to our services, children will have the opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs after the 9:00 service and during the kid’s breakout in the 11:00 service. Communion will be served.

Sunrise—7:00 a.m. outside near the porte-cochere
Traditional—9:00 a.m. in the Worship Center
Contemporary—11:00 a.m. in the Worship Center

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina, meaning “divine reading,” is an ancient Christian practice that invites believers to engage Scripture slowly and prayerfully, moving beyond study into a personal encounter with God. Rather than analyzing a passage for information, it encourages listening for how God is speaking in the present moment. Lectio Divina nurtures intimacy with God, fosters spiritual transformation, and offers peace and guidance in the midst of busy lives.

The practice unfolds in four movements: lectio (reading the passage slowly and attentively), meditatio (reflecting on a word or phrase that stands out), oratio (responding to God in prayer), and contemplatio (resting quietly in God’s presence). Through this rhythm of reading, reflecting, praying, and resting, Scripture becomes a living conversation with God.

Each week throughout Lent and Holy Week, we will focus on a different Scripture during our worship services based on the sermon text, inviting our church family to practice this rhythm together.

Daily Psalm Readings

During these weeks of Lent, the Psalms guide us on a steady journey — turning our hearts back to God, learning to trust Him more deeply, finding refuge in His strength, walking in His ways, discovering His faithfulness in every season, and resting in His steadfast love and hope. You’re invited to pray a psalm each day, letting these ancient words shape your own prayers as we move toward Easter together. The daily reading plan for adults & youth is available below, where you can follow along and download a printable version for the season. We also have a children’s version available on the Faith Kids ministry page with a daily Psalm reading and activity with a downloadable version as well.

Set aside a few quiet minutes each day. Read the assigned psalm slowly. Let one verse linger. Whisper it back to the Lord. Then close with the short prayer.

As you reflect, ask: What is God showing me about who He is today?

Download a printable version:   Adults & Youth     Children

Week 1 - Turning to God (February 18-21)

Psalm 6Psalm 32

Prayer: God of mercy, we come with open hands. Create in us clean hearts and renew our spirits. Amen.

Psalm 38, Psalm 51

Prayer: Faithful God, hear our confession and lead us toward forgiveness and freedom. Amen.

Psalm 25, Psalm 130

Prayer: Lord, teach us to wait on You when our hearts feel heavy. Amen.

Psalm 13, Psalm 22

Prayer: God who listens, meet us in our questions and remind us we are not alone. Amen.

Week 2 - Crying Out in Trust (February 23-28)

Psalm 3, Psalm 4, Psalm 5

Prayer: God, be our refuge when fear surrounds us. Amen.

Psalm 16, Psalm 27

Prayer: Lord, help us trust You with both today and tomorrow. Amen.

Psalm 28, Psalm 31

Prayer: Steady our hearts, O God, and guide us in Your truth. Amen.

Psalm 33, Psalm 34

Prayer: We praise You, Lord, for Your goodness that never runs dry. Amen.

Psalm 40, Psalm 41

Prayer: God of faithfulness, meet us in moments of waiting. Amen.

Psalm 42, Psalm 43

Prayer: When our souls feel dry, restore us with Your living water. Amen.

Week 3 - God Our Refuge (March 2-7)

Psalm 46, Psalm 47

Prayer: God, You are our shelter and strength in every season. Amen.

Psalm 52, Psalm 54

Prayer: When we feel unseen, remind us You are near. Amen.

Psalm 55, Psalm 56

Prayer: Lord, quiet our anxious thoughts and give us peace. Amen.

Psalm 57, Psalm 61

Prayer: God, lift our eyes when our spirits are weary. Amen.

Psalm 62, Psalm 63

Prayer: You alone satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Amen.

Psalm 64, Psalm 65

Prayer: Teach us gratitude, O God, for Your daily provision. Amen.

Week 4 - Wisdom, Law, & The Way of Life (March 9-14)

Psalm 1, Psalm 19

Prayer: Lord, help us delight in Your ways and walk in Your truth. Amen.

Psalm 73, Psalm 77

Prayer: God, remain with us when faith feels fragile. Amen.

Psalm 78:1-39

Prayer: Teach us to remember Your faithfulness across generations. Amen.

Psalm 78:40-72

Prayer: Forgive us when we forget all You have done. Amen.

Psalm 84, Psalm 85

Prayer: God, draw us closer to Your dwelling place. Amen.

Psalm 86, Psalm 90

Prayer: Eternal God, teach us to number our days wisely. Amen.

Week 5 - God's Faithfulness in Suffering (March 16-21)

Psalm 88, Psalm 91

Prayer: God, meet us in silence and suffering. Amen.

Psalm 92, Psalm 94

Prayer: Lord, You are our protector and our peace. Amen.

Psalm 95, Psalm 96

Prayer: Open our hearts to joyful obedience. Amen.

Psalm 97, Psalm 98

Prayer: Reign in our lives, O God. Amen.

Psalm 99, Psalm 100

Prayer: Shape us into people who reflect Your holiness. Amen.

Psalm 102, Psalm 103

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your compassion and unfailing love. Amen.

Week 6 - Steadfast Love & Hope (March 23-28)

Psalm 107

Prayer: God, gather us when we feel scattered. Amen.

Psalm 108, Psalm 109

Prayer: Teach us to trust You even when prayers feel unanswered. Amen.

Psalm 110, Psalm 111

Prayer: Christ our King, reign in our hearts. Amen.

Psalm 112, Psalm 113

Prayer: May our lives reflect Your righteousness and mercy. Amen.

Psalm 114, Psalm 115

Prayer: God of deliverance, lead us forward in hope. Amen.

Psalm 116, Psalm 117

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. Amen.

Holy Week - From Suffering to Praise (March 30-April 4)

Psalm 118

Prayer: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:1-88

Prayer: God, plant Your Word deep within us. Amen.

Psalm 119:89-176

Prayer: May Your truth guide us into freedom. Amen.

Psalm 120, Psalm 121, Psalm 122

Prayer: Lord, lead us on the path of peace. Amen.

Psalm 130, Psalm 143

Prayer: Out of the depths, we cry to You. Amen.

Psalm 145, Psalm 146

Prayer: We praise You, God, for Your faithfulness that carries us through. Amen.

Easter Sunday (April 5)

Psalm 148, Psalm 149, Psalm 150

Prayer: God of new life, on this day You have made, fill our hearts with joy, our lives with hope, and our voices with praise for the risen Christ—Amen.

How can we pray with you?

During Lent, the church offers prayers for all seeking renewal, repentance, and grace. We pray for those in need of healing, hope, and a deeper relationship with God. May this sacred season draw hearts closer to Christ and lead us to the joy of His resurrection.

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