John 2:13-22 | On average, it takes 9 months to build a home. Construction takes time. But, according to Jesus in our Gospel lesson, he can build an entire temple in a mere three days! At least, that’d be the literal interpretation. But, as we discover, Jesus isn’t referring to a physical building; he’s referring to himself as the temple that is filled with the glory of God. Knowing the “end of the story” – the coming of Christ’s death and resurrection – it might be one thing for us to look at this passage and nod with approval that Jesus was simply pointing to himself as the dwelling place of God. But much like the early Christians who would’ve heard this gospel passage, are there not times in which we struggle to know where and how to encounter the dwelling place of God? And, amid seeming de-construction, are there not times in which we struggle to hold onto the hope of God’s resurrection promise? On our own, we cannot encounter the truth of God. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, and gathered in community, we can be reminded of God’s ongoing work within us and around us. So this weekend, join us for worship as we once again hear – and receive – Christ’s promise given to us and as we are sent forth to become Christ’s living body as vehicles of God’s Kingdom.
Sunday, March 3, 2024, Third Sunday in Lent Bulletin
Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Prelude: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Built on a Rock. Text: Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872; Carl Doving, 1867-1937, adapted. Music: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1812-1887. Text and Music: © 1958 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: Jesus Paid It All. Text and Music: Mark Hayes, Marvin Gaspard. Text and Music: © 2017 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Blessed Assurance. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: The Wonderful Cross. Text: Isaac Watts, J. D. Walt, and Chris Tomlin. Music: Lowell Mason, Chris Tomlin, and Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music, Vamos Publishing. Covered under CCLI
subscription.