Finding Hope in the Midst of Grief | Turning Points Series
Grief and loss are universal experiences—we all face them at some point in life. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the pain of a broken relationship, or a major life change, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and unsure how to move forward. In this week’s message from our Turning Points series, Pastor Ryan walks through John 11:17–36, the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, to explore what it looks like to sit in grief rather than rush past it.
Jesus’ response to Mary and Martha offers us a profound lesson: He doesn’t minimize their sorrow or tell them to “move on.” Instead, He weeps with them, enters into their grief, and reminds them of the hope of resurrection. Grief is not the end of the story. When we invite God into our pain, His presence brings comfort, healing, and a hope that transcends loss.
If you weren’t able to join us in person or if you want to revisit this powerful message, you can watch the full video online. Discover how Jesus meets us in our sorrow, offering His presence, His comfort, and the hope of new life—both now and forevermore.
This was our family on mission Sunday where we share a meal, sit around tables and have discussion. Below are the questions that we asked during this time.
Prayer: Take time to sit in prayer, to pray for those who are grieving, to spend time in your own grief.
In what areas of our lives might we be tempted to ignore or avoid grief instead of facing it head-on? How can we invite God into those spaces?
As a community, how can we support one another through times of grief, both within our church family and in our neighborhoods? How can we foster a culture where sorrow and hope can coexist together?
Watch the video here:
Join Us This Sunday
We’d love for you to experience this hope and community in person. Join us for Sunday worship at 10AM at Watsonville Church of the Nazarene, located at 710 Green Valley Road. Every week we gather for uplifting music, biblical teaching, and a welcoming community that wants to walk with you on your journey of faith.
Whether you’re looking for a church home in Watsonville, searching for answers, or just curious about who Jesus is—we want to invite you to come and see.
And remember: at WatsNaz, we’re not just a crowd—we’re a Family on Mission. Come be part of it.