This coming Sunday will be the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Our Gospel lesson will include perhaps the most famous verse in the New Testament, thanks to zealous folks with banners at golf tournaments and sporting events all over the world: John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Here is the larger context:
John 3:14-21
. . . And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.
My sermon will focus on the rest of the passage, especially the phrase "the light has come into the world.”
Meanwhile, spring is arriving after all the rain this winter.
There will be a work day on Saturday, March 16; a work morning, rather, from 9 to 12noon. Scot Marsters will be happy to hear from you if you are planning to come.
Coming events:
I will be giving a lecture on March 28 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary, something about the public philosophy of President Kennedy. More on this as the day approaches. The lecture will be sponsored by the Dartmouth and Harvard Clubs of Silicon Valley. Church members are welcome to attend.
There will be a noon service on Good Friday, March 29 at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, up Arroyo Avenue a few blocks. Various clergy, including Luther Pastor Joshua, whom you met last summer, and I will take part.
As you talk to friends about joining our congregation, let them know that we do have child care available thanks to our friends in the Fully Alive church.
Easter Sunday is March 31. Let me know if you have any special hymns or music you would like to hear.
Please continue to pray for our three-in-one church, all churches and the whole people of God.
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