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.
Lent & Holy Week
A time of renewal, reflection, and celebration
Lent is a time of spiritual renewal, self-examination, and drawing closer to God. As we walk this path together, we pray that these teachings of Jesus will deepen your faith, inspire transformation, and lead you into a greater understanding of His love and sacrifice.
On Ash Wednesday we begin our new Lenten sermon series, Parables on the Way to the Cross. Throughout this sacred season, we will journey through the parables Jesus shared during His ministry, as recorded in the Gospels. Each week, we will uncover the rich meaning behind these stories, reflecting on their significance as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week and the hope of the Resurrection.
Sermon Series
Ash Wednesday: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:9-14 contrasts a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector in prayer. The Pharisee boasts in his righteousness, while the tax collector pleads for mercy, and Jesus declares the humble man justified. This teaches that true repentance comes through humility, not self-righteousness. Pride blinds us to our need for grace, but a humble heart opens the door to God’s mercy. When we acknowledge our sin and seek God’s forgiveness, He exalts those who lower themselves before Him.
Week 1: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus illustrates God’s generosity through the parable of the vineyard workers. The landowner, representing God, gives the same wages to all workers, regardless of when they started, showing that His grace is not earned but freely given. This challenges our natural tendency to compare ourselves with others and feel entitled to more. Instead of measuring God’s blessings against what others receive, we are called to embrace His grace with gratitude. God’s generosity reminds us that His kingdom operates on mercy, not merit, and we should rejoice in His goodness rather than resent His fairness.
Week 2: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus compares those who hear and obey His words to a wise builder who constructs a house on a solid rock, while those who ignore His teachings are like a foolish builder on shifting sand. Life’s storms—trials, hardships, and uncertainties—test the strength of our foundation. Only a life built on Christ and His Word will stand firm. True wisdom comes not just from hearing but from applying God’s truth daily. This challenges us to examine our lives, ensuring our faith is anchored in Christ so that when difficulties arise, we remain steadfast and unshaken.
Week 3: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to love beyond boundaries. When asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus redefines the answer, showing that love extends to anyone in need, regardless of background or differences. The Samaritan’s compassion demonstrates that true love is active, sacrificial, and rooted in mercy. This calls us to break down barriers, reject indifference, and embody Christ-like love in our communities. As we follow His example, we must ask ourselves: How can we extend God’s love to those we might otherwise overlook?
Week 4: The Parable of the Two Sons
In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus uses the parable of the two sons to emphasize that true repentance is demonstrated through obedience. The first son refuses his father’s request but later repents and obeys, while the second son agrees but fails to act. This teaches that God values a transformed heart and faithful action over empty words. True repentance leads to obedience, reflecting a genuine change in our lives. As we examine our hearts, we must ask: Are we merely speaking about faith, or are we living it out? This Lent, let us turn to God with sincere repentance and follow His call with faithful action.
Week 5: The Parable of the Rich Fool
In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus warns against the dangers of self-centered living through the parable of the rich fool. The man hoards wealth for his own comfort, failing to consider God or the needs of others, only to face death unprepared for eternity. This reminds us that true security is not found in possessions but in a heart devoted to God. Instead of chasing temporary riches, we are called to invest in what lasts—our relationship with God and service to His Kingdom. How are we using our resources? Are we living for ourselves, or are we living beyond ourselves for God’s purposes?
Week 6: The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus tells the parable of a king who invites everyone to a wedding feast, symbolizing God’s open invitation to His Kingdom. Regardless of background or status, the invitation is extended to all. However, entering the feast requires a proper response—symbolized by wearing a wedding garment, which represents the righteousness that comes through Christ. While God’s grace is freely given, it calls for a heart change and a life that reflects His Kingdom. As we reflect on this, we must ask: How are we responding to God’s invitation, and are our lives aligned with the Kingdom we are called to inherit?
Easter Festival
All are welcome on Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm for a day of celebration. Bring your entire family and enjoy food trucks, games, petting zoo, inflatables, scavenger hunt, our Journey through Holy Week, and more! The event is free (except for the food trucks), however a love offering will be accepted as you are able.
Good Friday-April 18 7:00 pm
This service, led by our contemporary Worship Team and special guest Matthew Kerley, will help us put our focus on Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.
Easter Sunday-April 20
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.
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
Lenten Devotional Book
Linda O’Donnell, our Director of Discipleship, has written a Lenten devotional that is shaped around six parables of Jesus – stories that illuminate the kingdom of God and challenge us to respond with humility, obedience, and love. The book is available if you would like to reserve a copy using the button below or you can just pick one up at one of our three worship services. The devotional is free, but donations are gladly accepted to help cover the cost of printing and shipping.
Reserve a book or make a donation by clicking here.
*while supplies last*
© 2025 Faith Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved. Website Design & Development - Backyard Studios