The Crucifixion

Hello Maple Avenue Ministries Family,

We were blessed to gather on March 22nd for an inspiring sermon by Rev. Mary Hulst, part of our "GameChangeHer" series. As we journey through Lent, Rev. Hulst led us through a profound reflection on the crucifixion story from Luke 23, reminding us of the deep humanity and grace that Jesus embodied even in his weakest moments.

- Humanity in the Crucifixion: Rev. Hulst shared the brutal reality of crucifixion, emphasizing how Jesus, even in his suffering, recognized the dignity of those around him. He saw the women, the soldiers, and the criminals as image bearers of God, offering forgiveness and hope.

- The Empire vs. Jesus’ Kingdom: We explored how empires dehumanize, reducing people to mere tools. In contrast, Jesus’ actions on the cross demonstrated a radical love and recognition of humanity, challenging us to see others as beloved children of God.

- Living Differently as Christians: Rev. Hulst called us to reflect on our own actions and words, urging us to reject any narrative that strips others of their dignity. By praying for our enemies and loving them, we follow Christ’s example and transform our communities.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us embrace the call to live differently. May we open our hearts to see everyone as beloved children of God, and let this perspective guide our actions and interactions. We're blessed to have you in our community, and we hope to see you at our next gathering.

In Christ's love,

The Team at Maple Avenue Ministries