Dear St. John’s friends and family,
When we travel through the season of Lent with open honesty about ourselves, we can truly see how much we need Jesus and be grateful for his saving work on the cross. This painful self-reflection isn’t to beat ourselves up over our sin and mistakes, but it is to lead us to a place of repentance and ultimately a place of gratitude for what God has done through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross. Christ’s suffering and death is a testament of God’s love for all of us and all of creation. In our scripture today, we see how much Peter loved Jesus, yet Peter couldn’t help denying Christ when we felt his own life was in jeopardy. We, like Peter, struggle with who we love more – Christ or ourselves?
As we continue our journey through the valley of Lent, we can see the height of Easter in the distance beckoning us onward. We will soon be there, ascending the height of celebration! Hang in there! The journey is worth it! In anticipation of Easter, we are planning a huge Easter celebration at St. John’s! We want to continue to be responsible in the midst of living in a pandemic. We are asking those that want to attend worship in the sanctuary on Easter to sign up ahead of time for the 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 services. When you sign up, be sure to tell us how many in your family. One person can sign up their entire family, just be sure to tell us how many. You can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d45a8ac22a7f58-easter
Online services will continue to be available, and we will continue to broadcast through shortwave radio for those that want to stay in the parking lot or live close by.
Also, we will need lots of volunteers for Easter Sunday for all of the services, including the Sunrise service at 6:30. This service will be outdoors on the basketball court in the back of the church. If you choose to attend this service, please bring your own lawn chairs. There will be extra chairs for those that may forget or do not have lawn chairs. If you are interested in volunteering at any of the 4 Easter services, please contact the church office. There will be a training for all volunteers on March 30 at 6:30 pm.
Now let’s turn to God with a heart full of gratitude. For God is overcoming every hurdle and obstacle that might stand in the way of being with us. Because of Christ, there is nothing that can separate you from God’s presence with you and God’s love for you! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Stephanie
Click this link to view the service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2sfRDNyBqn8