March 2, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
As I share in my sermon for this second Sunday in Lent – Martin Luther affirms in his “theology of the cross” that God chose to be recognized in suffering. If we want to know who God is and how God feels about us, we look to Jesus Christ. The cross of Christ reveals that the God of all creation loves us, is with us no matter what happens to us, is present even in our pain.
And one day, Christ will come again and we will join him in glory. Sin and suffering and death will be no more. All things will be made new. In the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu, “life is stronger than death, light is stronger than darkness, love is stronger than hate, and goodness is stronger than evil.”
In this season of Lent, and in all the days ahead, may we follow Jesus. May we give ourselves as Christ gave himself for us. May we live in sacrificial, life-giving, triumphant love.
~ If you missed this Sunday’s Worship Services, you can watch them by clicking on the time for the 9 am and 11 am Service.
~ A reminder that, if you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, please let me know by responding to this email. ~
St. John’s Worship
~Live Stream
~~ Wednesday, March 3 at 12 pm – Lenten Worship
This online service includes “Being a Christian” Romans 12 Bible study, confession and Communion, and congregational songs and prayers centered in Holden Evening Prayer liturgy.
Available on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.
~~ Sunday, March 7 at 9 am (Traditional) and 11 am (Contemporary)
Scripture Readings for Sunday, March 7, the third Sunday in Lent – Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22
Available on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.
~In-Person*
*If you plan to attend any of our In-Person Worship Services, please RSVP and please read all of the information on the “Worship” page on our website. Thank you!
~~ Wednesday, March 3 at 6 pm – Lenten Worship
This in-person service includes “Being a Christian” Romans 12 Bible study, confession and (contactless) Communion, and contemplative prayer.
~~ Beginning Sunday, March 14, St. John’s will offer three indoor, in-person Sunday morning Worship Services: 8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11 am.
These services will be composed of prayer and confession, Scripture readings and sermon, Communion and blessing. They will include special music videos (following civic guidance, we will not be including congregational singing at this time). They will also be ‘hands free’ – we won’t be passing the peace or handing out bulletins, and pre-packaged Communion kits with wafer and juice will be available at your seat.
Thursday Zoom Bible Study and Communion
Join us at 1:30 pm as we discuss the coming week’s Lectionary Scripture readings.
Please note that we will also be celebrating virtual Communion after the Bible Study. All are welcome to join us, please have bread and wine or grape juice prepared at home if you would like to do so.
Please email Pastor Jen at pastor@stjohnslutheran.church for the Zoom Bible Study invitation.
FIND
Our next FIND food distribution will take place this Saturday, March 20, beginning at 7 am.
If you would like to volunteer, or for more information, please email Molly Farrin at youth@stjohnslutheran.church.
Giving
We continue to be deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity of our St. John’s community members, and the faithful financial support that contributes to our mission “To Know Christ and To Make Christ Known.” Thank you! Please give as you feel called and able to do so, and know that any amount you give is deeply appreciated.
You can give online through the “Give” button on the top right corner of our website. The direct link is available here.
Please continue to check our website and Facebook page for additional updates and resources.
In closing, I invite you to keep in heart and mind the words of the Psalmist – and my frequent prayer – “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Now, as always, our hope is in our living, loving, compassionate Lord.
Grace and peace that passes understanding,
Pastor Jen