SERIES SYNOPSIS: This Lenten season, we invite you to Consider Jesus—His words, His actions, and His heart for people. Through powerful encounters in Scripture, we will see how Jesus met people where they were, spoke truth, and changed lives. From Nicodemus’ search for new life to the rich young ruler’s struggle with surrender, from the healing of the broken to the call of the overlooked, each story reveals the depth of Christ’s love. As we walk toward the cross and the empty tomb, we’ll discover the hope, freedom, and transformation found in following Jesus.

SUNDAYS:

• March 9-The Foundation: Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
• March 16-The Call to Follow: Matthew & The Rich Young Ruler (Matt. 9:9-13 & 10:17-27)
• March 23-Freedom in Faith: The Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:24-34)
• March 30-Sight: The Blind Man (John 9:1-41) by Worship Pastor Chris Forystek
• April 6-The Overlooked & Forgotten: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) by Community Pastor Nick Walker
• April 13 PALM SUNDAY-No Barriers to Salvation: The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
• April 18 GOOD FRIDAY-Even at the End: The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43), Friday at 6pm
• April 20 EASTER-Hope & Resurrection: Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:1-3 & John 20:11-18)

* Pastor Kris Tarkiewicz speaking at all services unless otherwise noted

All services at 8:30 & 10:30am unless otherwise noted

Good Friday (April 18th) during this reflective service we will journey from the upper room to the cross to the tomb. Through song, the Word, prayer, and reflection we will walk with Jesus. 6pm.

Resurrection Sunday (April 20th) we celebrate the risen Savior! Two identical services will be offered at 8:30 and 10:30am*. It will be a morning filled with the Word and worship! Children’s programing offered at both services. No middle school message on Easter.

*If you normally come to 10:30am service, would you please consider coming to the 8:30am service to make room for guests? Services are identical.

**If you come to the 10:30am service, please make room for others in the parking lot and sanctuary. Kempf parking lot is open to use. Please let others know if seats are open near you!

(see first 3 weeks’ discussion guides below)

WEEK 5 (April 6) Small Group Discussion Guide: “The Overlooked & Forgotten” – Luke 19:1-10

Icebreaker:

• Share the story of your testimony or spiritual journey. How have you seen God pursue and deliver you? How have you been transformed to be more like Jesus? 

Opening Prayer:

• Ask someone to open in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and for hearts to be receptive to God’s word.

Read Luke 19:1-10 aloud.

• Discussion:
  • What are some observations you make? What stands out to you about this story? Anything new you learned about this story?
• Reflection:
  • What spiritual barriers are in front of you? What spiritual excuses are you making? Identify what’s standing in the way of your pursuit of Jesus. Now what intentional steps could you take to trust Jesus with that barrier and work through it? 
  • How does a relationship with God look more like “Abide and Seek” than “Hide and Seek”? What could it look like for you to intentionally abide with God and seek after Him? 
  • Jesus came to seek and save YOU! How does that make you feel? How has that changed your life?
  • Sometimes our faith in God causes us to say and do radical things that the world doesn’t understand (we see both Jesus and Zacchaeus do this in our story). Share an example of something “crazy” that you have done by faith simply because of how Jesus has transformed and challenged you in your pursuit of others. 
  • Who is a person or group of people you find yourself overlooking or forgetting? Who would you be unlikely to engage with the Gospel because frankly you just don’t want to? What practical step will you take this week to invite yourself into that person’s life?

Closing Prayer:

• Ask someone to close in prayer, committing the group’s needs to God and trusting in His power to transform us and use us to pursue others.

Challenge for the Week:

• Identify your spiritual barriers/excuses and an intentional step of faith you will take to trust Jesus to carry you through that.
• Identify 1 person who you find yourself not wanting to engage with and invite yourself into their life this week.

WEEK 3 (March 23) Small Group Discussion Guide: “Freedom in Faith” – Mark 5:24-34

Icebreaker:

• Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt like your faith was the key to your breakthrough? What happened?

Opening Prayer:

• Ask someone to open in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and for hearts to be receptive to God’s word.

• Read Mark 5:21-34 aloud.
• Discussion:
  • Who were the main characters in this passage, and what challenges were they facing? (Jairus, the woman with the bleeding disorder, Jesus)
  • What was the woman’s condition, and how long had she suffered?

Reflection:

• How does the situation of the woman mirror challenges we may face in our own lives? How do we respond to life’s long-term struggles or health issues?

• Read Mark 5:27-30 aloud.
• Discussion:
  • Why do you think the woman believed that just touching Jesus’ cloak would heal her?
  • In what ways do we put limits on God’s power or only expect certain forms of healing?
  • Jesus sensed that “power had gone out” from him. What does this tell us about the connection between Jesus and our faith?

Reflection:

• Have you ever felt like your faith, even if small, brought about a change or healing in your life? Share any experiences.
• Jesus didn’t just heal physically, but he also gave the woman a new identity—what did it mean when Jesus called her “Daughter” (Mark 5:34)?
• How can we apply this idea of God giving us a new identity when we approach Him in faith?

• Read Mark 5:30-34 aloud.
• Discussion:
  • What is the connection between the woman’s faith and her healing? Why does Jesus highlight her faith as the key to her healing?
  • In Mark 5:36, Jesus tells Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Why do you think Jesus made this statement to him at this moment?

Reflection:

• Faith isn’t just about seeking healing, but also about expecting God to move in our lives. What does it look like to come to God with expectant faith?
• How do we nurture an active faith, like the woman, that expects God to do something significant?

• Read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 aloud.
• Discussion:
  • What does this passage tell us about how Jesus offers ultimate healing and freedom?
  • What does “ultimate freedom and healing” look like for believers today? Is it always physical healing or is there a deeper, spiritual healing we must also embrace?

Reflection:

• Jesus’ death on the cross offers ultimate healing—not just physical, but spiritual freedom. In what areas of your life do you need to experience Jesus’ ultimate healing today?

• Discussion:
  • The woman in the story was both physically and socially outcast. In our world, what are some “outcast” groups or individuals that you feel God may be calling us to reach out to with His love and healing power?
  • How can you respond with faith and expectancy in your own life as you seek healing or freedom?

Closing Thoughts:

• Reflect on the idea that true transformation comes when we admit, “I can’t; He can; I think I’ll let Him.”
• Take a moment to pray for one another’s needs—healing, freedom, or any areas where God’s power needs to be unleashed.

Closing Prayer:

• Ask someone to close in prayer, committing the group’s needs to God and trusting in His power to heal and transform.

Challenge for the Week:

• This week, look for moments where you can step out in faith, expecting God to heal and work in your life, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Approach Him with the confidence that He has the power to bring freedom.

Small Group Discussion Guide: “Consider Jesus: The Call to Follow (The Invitation)”

Date: 3.16.25
Scripture Focus: Matthew 9, Mark 10

Opening Questions (Icebreaker)

1. Movies with Redemption Arcs: Think of a favorite movie or book where the character undergoes a redemptive transformation. What part of their story stood out to you?
2. Personal Reflection: Can you recall a time in your life when you felt like you needed a fresh start or transformation? What did that process look like for you?

Discussion Questions

1. Jesus’ Invitation to Follow (Matthew 9:9-13)

   • How did Matthew’s past as a tax collector impact his response to Jesus’ invitation? What do you think it means that Jesus saw Matthew and loved him?
   • Jesus spent time with “sinners” in a way that shocked the religious leaders. How does the way Jesus interacts with people challenge your own views about who should be welcomed into the community of believers?
   • Personal Reflection: Is there any area in your life where you feel like an “outcast” or “unworthy” of Jesus’ invitation? How can you respond to Jesus’ call despite those feelings?

2. The Call to Follow Requires Sacrifice (Mark 10:17-27)

   • What is significant about Jesus’ response to the Rich Young Ruler, especially the words “Jesus looked at him and loved him”?
   • Why do you think Jesus asks the Rich Young Ruler to sell everything and give to the poor? What does this show us about the cost of following Jesus?
   • Personal Reflection: What in your life might be competing for your full devotion to Jesus? What would it look like for you to let go of those things in order to follow Him more fully?

3. The Reward of Following Jesus (Matthew 19:27-30)

   • Peter’s question about what will be given to those who have left everything to follow Jesus reveals a common struggle with sacrifice. How does Jesus’ answer about the Kingdom of God reshape our understanding of reward and success?
   • Personal Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with the idea of sacrifice for the sake of following Jesus? What helps you keep your focus on the eternal rewards?

4. Living Out the Call Today

   • Jesus calls us to follow Him and we are invited to share meals with others as a symbol of acceptance. Who in your life could you intentionally invite to share a meal with, especially someone who might feel distant from God or the church?
   • Action Step: This week, how can you actively engage in discipleship and sacrifice in a way that reflects Jesus’ love and the values of His Kingdom?

Reflection & Prayer Time

• Reflect on what you are holding on to that may be hindering your walk with Jesus.
• Pray for the strength to surrender these things and to follow Jesus more closely. Ask God to help you see others through His eyes and invite them into His Kingdom.

Closing Thought

Following Jesus is a call to transformation, sacrifice, and eternal reward. It’s not just about what we do—it’s about responding to the love and grace Jesus offers, even in the face of challenge or discomfort. Are you ready to follow Him with your whole heart?

End with Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for seeing us, loving us, and calling us to follow You. Help us let go of the things in our lives that hold us back from fully embracing Your invitation. Give us the courage to sacrifice and trust in the eternal rewards You promise. We surrender our lives to You and ask that You use them for Your Kingdom. Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide
Consider Jesus: The Foundation (The Need) – Nicodemus
John 3:1-21

Opening Discussion

1. Share a time when you had questions about faith or struggled to understand a spiritual truth. How did you seek answers?
2. How familiar are you with the concept of being “born again”? What does that phrase mean to you?

Scripture Reading

Read John 3:1-21 together. As you listen, consider what stands out to you about Nicodemus’ interaction with Jesus.

Digging Deeper

3. Nicodemus’ Background
   • Who was Nicodemus, and why is it significant that he came to Jesus at night? (John 3:1-2)
   • What might have motivated Nicodemus to seek out Jesus?
4. Jesus’ Teaching on Being Born Again
   • In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be “born again.” Why was this a radical statement for Nicodemus?
   • What does it mean to be born again according to Jesus (John 3:5-8)?
   • How does this challenge the idea that salvation is based on religious status, heritage, or good works?
5. Looking to Jesus for Salvation
   • Jesus refers to the story in Numbers 21:4-9. Read that passage and discuss how it connects to Jesus being “lifted up” (John 3:14-15).
   • How does this story illustrate faith and God’s grace?
6. God’s Love and Our Response
   • John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. What does this verse tell us about God’s love and His plan for salvation?
   • Verses 17-18 explain the purpose of Jesus’ coming. What is the difference between condemnation and salvation in this passage?
   • Why do some people reject Jesus, according to John 3:19-21?

Personal Reflection & Application

7. Consider Your Own Faith
   • Nicodemus had built his life on religious knowledge but needed a deeper transformation. In what ways do people today rely on religion or good deeds rather than true faith in Christ?
   • Have you had a “Nicodemus moment” where you realized your need for a personal relationship with Jesus?
8. Living as a New Creation
   • Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and discuss what it means to be a new creation in Christ.
   • How does being born again change the way we live daily?
9. Sharing the Message
   • How can we help others who are like Nicodemus—curious but hesitant—consider Jesus?
   • Who in your life needs to hear about the new birth in Christ? How can you pray for them this week?

Prayer Time

Spend time praying:

• For those in your group who may be wrestling with doubts or questions about salvation.
• For boldness to share the gospel with those who need to hear it.
• That we would live as people who have been truly born again.

Challenge for the Week:
Reflect on John 3:16-17 each day and ask yourself: Am I fully living in the truth of God’s love and salvation? How can I share this truth with others?

Good Friday (April 18th) during this reflective service we will journey from the upper room to the cross to the tomb. Through song, the Word, prayer, and reflection we will walk with Jesus. 6pm.

Resurrection Sunday (April 20th) we celebrate the risen Savior! Two identical services will be offered at 8:30 and 10:30am*. It will be a morning filled with the Word and worship! Children’s programing offered at both services. No middle school message on Easter.

*If you normally come to 10:30am service, would you please consider coming to the 8:30am service to make room for guests? Services are identical.

**If you come to the 10:30am service, please make room for others in the parking lot and sanctuary. Kempf parking lot is open to use. Please let others know if seats are open near you!

The playground will be open MONDAYS 9-11am & FIRST THURSDAYS 5:30-7pm.

There is no cost and all are welcome.

We will have a volunteer here to be a welcoming presence.

If you’d like to be part of this team please contact Lacy Smith (lacyjanousek@gmail.com) or Morgan Cape (mkk02@sbcglobal.net).

This is a great way to connect with others in our community and serve.

Invite your friends, your neighbors, and those around you!

Prayer is communicating with God. Listening and speaking.

Below are ideas of ways to pray. We encourage you not to over-complicate it. Be honest. Be real. Be you.

Adore God-Focus upon praise of God for who He is—His character, attributes, and majesty—without asking for anything. Sing a song and/or  express love and reverence in personal words.

Confession-Acknowledge sin and ask for God’s forgiveness and cleansing. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Thanksgiving-Express gratitude to God for His blessings, provisions, and faithfulness. Keep a gratitude journal or pray through a list of blessings.

Supplication (Petition)-Brings personal needs, desires, or concerns before God, seeking His guidance or intervention. Pray for healing, provision, or wisdom.

Intercession-Pray on behalf of others, ask God to work in the lives of others. Praying for family, friends, leaders, or global concerns.

Meditative Prayer-Focus on quiet reflection, a Scripture passage, listen to God and deepen understanding of who God is. Try Lectio Divina, a practice of reading and meditating on a Bible passage.

Corporate Prayer-Pray with others in a group setting, such as church, small groups, or prayer meetings. Taking turns praying aloud.

Lament-Express grief, sorrow, or frustration to God while seeking His comfort and hope. Read and pray through the Psalms of lament, such as Psalm 13.

Blessing or Benediction-Pray for God’s favor, guidance, or protection over oneself or others. “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Spiritual Warfare Prayer-Pray against spiritual opposition, declaring God’s power and protection. Use the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Breath Prayer-A short, repeated prayer focused on a phrase or Scripture while aligning with breathing. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Sundays

• Before Services (sanctuary) The sanctuary is set aside for prayer 8:15-8:25am and 10:10-10:20am. Pray individually or with another in this quiet space.
• After Services (front sides of altar) There are prayer ministers available and ready to pray with and for you.

Wednesdays (6:30-7:30pm, Room 101) This weekly prayer group of men and women meet to read the Word and pray together for each other, the church, the community, and the world.

Thursdays (3rd Thursdays, 9:30-11am, Shirley Works Home) This ladies prayer group meets to encourage and pray together.