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Roland Park2026-03-17 12:36:412026-03-17 12:36:41Sermon Discussion Guide: Were You There? Questions of Faith
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Roland Park
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Roland Park2026-03-17 12:36:412026-03-17 12:36:41Sermon Discussion Guide: Were You There? Questions of Faith
Were You There?
As Jesus stands on trial, Peter stands by the fire—and denies him. In this sermon on John 18, Pastor Mark invites us to look beyond blame and ask a deeper question: Where do we stand? As we slow down and enter the tension of this moment in the Gospel story, we’re invited to consider the courage of Jesus, the way of peace, and what it means to stand with Christ in a complicated world.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Were You There?
This discussion guide accompanies Pastor Mark’s sermon “Were You There?” from John 18:12–27. It offers reflection questions for individuals, families, and small groups to explore what it means to stand with Jesus in moments of pressure and uncertainty. Wherever you are in your faith journey, these questions invite deeper conversation about courage, peace, justice, and the way of Christ.

Were You There?: Take Care of Each Other
What would you say if you knew time was short? In this Lenten sermon from John 13, Pastor Mark reflects on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and the simple but demanding command that follows: love one another. This message invites us to slow down, imagine a love that does not give up on us, and consider how that love leads to justice right here in Baltimore. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there’s a place for you in this story.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Were You There?: Take Care of Each Other
Looking to go deeper? This discussion guide explores Jesus’ radical act of foot washing and what it means to love in action. Perfect for small groups, families, or personal reflection during Lent, these questions help us practice hospitality, pursue justice, and engage a curious faith together.

Were You There? The Resurrection and the Life
In this Lenten sermon, Pastor Mark reflects on John 11 and the raising of Lazarus—one of the most powerful turning points in the Gospel. What does it mean that Jesus wept? And how can we trust that “the worst thing is never the last thing”? This message invites us to face mortality and brokenness not with fear, but with hope in the God who walks with us through the valley.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Were You There? The Resurrection and the Light
This companion guide invites individuals, families, and small groups to reflect more deeply on John 11 and Pastor Mark’s Lenten message. Explore questions about grief, trust, resurrection hope, and what it means to walk through life’s valleys together. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there’s a place for you in this conversation.

The Light of the World
Why do bad things happen? In John 9, Jesus confronts that question — and shifts the focus from blame to revelation. In this sermon, Pastor Mark explores what it means to truly see and truly listen, and how refusing to hear another person can compound suffering. This message invites us into courageous compassion, reminding us that while we can’t fix the world, we can offer ourselves — and that is holy work.

Sermon Discussion Guide: The Light of the World
Go deeper into this week’s sermon with reflection questions designed for small groups, families, or personal prayer. Explore spiritual blindness, the power of listening, and how we are called into “holy trouble” as followers of Christ. Wherever you are in your faith journey, this guide invites honest conversation and deeper connection.
About
Roland Park Presbyterian Church is a local community of faith that was founded in 1901. RPPC is an inclusive and welcoming member congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and More Light Presbyterians as well as an Earth Care and Matthew 25 Congregation that is pursuing justice, practicing hospitality and engaging curious faith. RPPC worships together each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Presbyterian Church (USA) and More Light Presbyterians
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As we continue celebrating 125 years of life, faith, and community at Roland Park Presbyterian Church, we’re delighted to welcome Bach in Baltimore to our sanctuary on Sunday, October 4 at 4:00 p.m. for Intimate Baroque Masterworks, the opening concert of its 39th season.![]()
The program features music by Bach, Handel, Telemann, and Vivaldi, and we’re especially proud that RPPC Director of Music Dr. Phillip Collister-Murray will be one of the featured soloists. Phillip will sing selections including Bach’s beloved “Mache dich, mein Herze, rein” from the St. Matthew Passion.![]()
For 125 years, music has been part of the way RPPC gathers, worships, celebrates, and connects with the wider community. This concert offers another wonderful opportunity to fill our historic space with extraordinary music and welcome neighbors and friends through our doors.![]()
Sunday, October 4 | 4:00 p.m.
Roland Park Presbyterian Church
4801 Roland Avenue![]()
All are welcome. Come celebrate this milestone year with us and enjoy an inspiring afternoon of Baroque music.![]()
Learn more and purchase tickets at bachinbaltimore.org.![]()
#rolandparkpresbyterianchurch #BachInBaltimore #concert #Baltimore #rolandparkcommunity
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We are often encouraged to count our blessings. But what if counting them is only the beginning?![]()
Pastor Mark reminds us that the Christian life is not about stockpiling blessings for ourselves. It is about recognizing what we have received and then asking how those gifts can be put to use for someone else.![]()
Where might one of your blessings become a blessing today?![]()
If you missed Sunday’s worship service, you can watch it on RPPC’s Facebook page Roland Park Presbyterian Church ![]()
#BeABlessing #FaithInAction #PracticingHospitality #rolandparkpresbyterianchurch
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Sunday Service
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Sunday is almost here 💛![]()
Come as you are and join us at RPPC for worship, music, reflection, and community. Whether church is familiar to you, brand new, or something you’re finding your way back to, you are welcome here.![]()
🕥 Worship at 10:30 AM
📍 Roland Park Presbyterian Church![]()
We can’t wait to see you.![]()
Pursuing Justice • Practicing Hospitality • Engaging Curious Faith![]()
#rolandparkpresbyterianchurch #BaltimoreChurch #AllAreWelcome #InclusiveChurch #SundayWorship #FaithCommunity #CuriousFaith
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SAVE THE DATE! Join us for a fun-filled evening of laughter, connection, and a little friendly competition at Game Night on Friday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m.![]()
Bring your favorite board game, card game, or party game—or just come ready to play. There will be something for everyone, whether you love strategy, trivia, classic games, or simply spending time with good people.![]()
We’ll provide a taco dinner, including gluten-free and vegan options, so all you need to bring is yourself. If you’d like, desserts to share are always appreciated.![]()
Game Night is a great chance to meet new people, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the gift of community in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Invite a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member and come join us.![]()
All are welcome. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there’s a place for you at RPPC.![]()
Friday, October 2 | 6:00 p.m.
Roland Park Presbyterian Church
4081 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210![]()
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Contact Us
410-889-2001 (office)
410-914-7772 (Pastor’s direct line)
410-889-2000 (fax)
Roland Park Presbyterian Church
4801 Roland Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21210
