John 3:1-21| On a weekend we lose an hour of sleep, it’s likely we also notice it’s just a bit darker again in the morning. What we could see out our window at 6 am now needs to wait ’til 7 am to become visible to our eyes. Light illuminates the landscape, and it exposes what is present. That light is a gift, but at times, it also may be tempting to stay in the dark. In our Gospel this weekend, we meet a leader – Nicodemus – who was skeptical to come to Jesus and to be fully seen. But even when Nicodemus hung back in the shadows, Jesus shown a spotlight on himself – revealed to Nicodemus just who God is, and then Jesus invited Nicodemus into that spotlight of God’s activity. For various reasons, we may hang in the shadows, but even then Jesus shines a spotlight on who God is to us, and invites us to come into the light so that God’s story can shine through us. So this weekend, even though it’s a bit darker in the morning, come into the light of Jesus in worship as we encounter the saving nature of God and as we are sent as vessels of God’s light.
Sunday, March 10, 2024, Fourth 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: Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God. Text and Music: Karen Lafferty. Text and Music: © 1972 CCCM Music (admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. & You Are Mine Text and Music: David Haas. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross. Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915. Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915. Text and Music: © OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: There In God’s Garden. Text and Music: K Lee Scott. Text and Music: © 1987 MorningStar Music Publishers/Birnamwood Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text: John L. Bell, b. 1949. Music: Scottish traditional. Text and Music: © 1987 Iona Community/WGRG (North America). Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Amazing Love. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick. Text and Music: © 1989 Make Way Music. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: You are My King (Amazing Love). Text and Music: Billy J. Foote. Text and Music: © 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription.