Elkhart church to begin sermon series based on 'The Chosen'

Jan. 20—ELKHART — "The Chosen," the popular multi-season TV series about Jesus and his followers, provides inspiration for a sermon series that begins Jan. 28 at First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart.

About 108 million people around the world have seen "The Chosen," based on an analysis by an independent consultant, The New York Times reported. The series, available on TV streaming platforms, is one of the biggest crowd-funded media projects ever produced.

FOR FANS OF 'THE CHOSEN'

Fans of "The Chosen" will have the opportunity to watch Season 4 in theaters beginning Feb. 1.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at Linway Cinema 14 at linwaycinema.com/movie/10611. They can also be purchased at thechosenriseup.com.

The Rev. Dr. Sally Wicks, pastor of First Presbyterian, presented a message series last year based on the first season of "The Chosen." Church attenders watched all eight episodes, gathered for Bible studies centering on the events depicted, and heard insights from Pastor Wicks.

This year, the sermon series will focus on the eight episodes of season two. "The Chosen" episodes will be shown at the church on Monday evenings, with Bible study and discussion following. The episodes will be discussed as well at Wednesday morning Bible studies, and Wicks will preach on the biblical passages and themes highlighted in each episode on Sunday mornings.

Season two of "The Chosen" starts in worship on Jan. 28 at the 9 a.m. (traditional) and 11 a.m. (contemporary) services. Bible studies begin at 6:30 p.m. this Monday with viewing an episode and discussion; and at 8:30 a.m. this Wednesday for men's Bible study and discussion only. The Bible studies will continue throughout the message series.

This season of "The Chosen" starts the day after Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan "woman at the well" described in John 4, and ends with Jesus looking for just the right place to deliver a major sermon.

"We are delighted to share our study groups and sermon series with the community," Pastor Wicks said. "'The Chosen' films are a wonderful way to consider Jesus anew. These films are even more meaningful when explored with a group in conversation and study."

People unable to attend any of the services may watch and listen to the sermon series through the church's livestream at https://live.presby.net/.

The public is welcome to attend the Bible studies and/or the worship services for this series. Bible studies may be joined in person or via Zoom online. Contact the church office at office@presby.net for a Zoom link.