Posts

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.

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.

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.

Co-Workers with God

In this week’s sermon from John 4:46–54, Pastor Mark explores the healing of the official’s son as a sign of divine partnership and human advocacy. With compassion and conviction, he challenges us to be co-workers with God in building a beloved community where justice and love prevail.

Come and See: Everyday Miracles

In this warm and reflective sermon, Pastor Mark explores the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. He invites us to look beyond the miracle and recognize the everyday signs of God's presence and love in our lives. This sermon reminds us that divine abundance often shows up in unexpected places—like a party running out of wine—and encourages us to notice the quiet ways God is at work all around us.

Come and See: An Epiphany Mashup

In this New Year sermon, Pastor Mark blends the calling of the first disciples in John's Gospel with the story of the Magi, inviting us to reflect on what it means to follow, welcome, and protect. Drawing connections between Epiphany, accessibility, and refugee experiences, this message is a heartfelt call to love boldly and live with open hearts.

Voices of Advent: Mary

In this powerful Third Sunday of Advent message, Pastor Mark Hanna explores Mary’s revolutionary Magnificat and how her voice—like so many others on the margins—carries hope, justice, and deep joy. Discover how Advent invites us to sing our own songs of faith and join God in transformative work.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Voices of Advent: Mary

Looking to reflect more deeply on Mary’s voice in Luke 1? With questions on justice, calling, protest, and joy, this resource is designed to spark meaningful conversation in small groups or personal devotion.