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StoneBridge Community Church

Divine Appointments - "Mary, Sister of Martha and Lazarus."

Senior Pastor Jon Saur

Locations & Times

4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA

Saturday 5:00 PM

Saturday 6:00 PM

Online Connection Card

Thanks for joining us today! Follow this link to our online Connection Card where you can let us know you were here and share any prayer concerns.

http://bit.ly/2z61Wwi

Worship With Generosity

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In the "Divine Appointments" sermon series, Jesus' interactions with different characters in the Gospel of John will be examined, so that we can recognize how Jesus interacts with us in our lives.

John 12:1-8 NRSV

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week, when we celebrate Jesus riding into Jerusalem. Here is an article on Palm Sunday and what it signifies for Christians.

https://bit.ly/3u8ectt

Who is Mary of Bethany?

Here is a link to some background info on who Mary of Bethany was and where she appears in the Bible.

https://bit.ly/31gs7RC

The Text In Context

"I am not at all shocked or surprised that Mary willingly sacrifices her most prized possession in her worship of the Lord. He is worthy of the best we can offer. In fact, the best we can offer is not worthy of Him...."

https://bit.ly/3rh738c

Mary of Bethany in Art

Here is a collection of depictions of Mary of Bethany in different works of art.

https://bit.ly/39fBYeY

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Though the crowd didn't understand that Jesus was about to die, Mary did. From what you know of Mary's story, how might she have gained this insight?

2. Mary doesn't shy away from the cross. She acknowledges, by anointing Jesus, that he is about to die. In what ways have you, or people close to you, shied away from the cross? How can Mary's example encourage you to reflect on the cross and reflect on difficult truths in life?

3. Mary gives extravagantly by breaking the bottle of perfume open. Judas points out that this perfume could have been sold for about a year's wage. How is giving to Jesus' mission, as expressed through the church, connected to spiritual maturity? How can giving change one's perspective over time?

4. As we begin Holy Week, how can reflecting on the cross deepen our understanding of Easter?

QUESTIONS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

1. What is one of your most important possessions?

2. Mary gives up one of her most important possessions to honor Jesus. Can you imagine giving up the possession you mentioned above?

3. It may not be your most important possession that God calls you to give, but God calls all Christians to be willing to sacrifice, in the same way Jesus sacrificed himself. What is a way you could give something that would honor God?

The Genius of Generosity

Read Plan

Holy Week Schedule: 3/28: Palm Sunday Outdoor Worship Service w/ Communion; 4/2: Good Friday Outdoor Worship Service w/ Communion; 4/4: Easter Outdoor Worship Services

Register for Holy Week Outdoor Services

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holy-week-easter-services-tickets-145756406335

For over 70 years, the One Great Hour of Sharing offering has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world. There are three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People and they all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope. Next weekend we will take the One Great Hour of Sharing offering after the Easter outdoor services or you may give online through our website.

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Social Media @ StoneBridge

We encourage you to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media to share images, quotes, links, or what you've learned from this week's message and YouVersion message notes. Social media can also be a great way of inviting your friends to worship and special events.

https://www.facebook.com/stonebridgesimi/

Watch us on YouTube

While there is no substitute for worshipping God with others, if you happen to miss a message you can always catch us on YouTube. We invite you to subscribe to our channel.

http://bit.ly/22uE939