All are welcome to join the Sunday Service at 10 am.  We are pleased to Padre Christopher Donnelly as our worship leader and preacher for this Sunday.  The service starts at 10 am and Sunday School runs during the service.  Coffee is served after the service in the Fellowship Hall.  Following are some of Padre Donnelly’s thoughts on the week’s  readings.

Note from the Minister for the 3^rd Sunday of Lent

03 Mar 2024

Readings:

Exodus 20:1-17

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

John 2:13-22

Our journey through Lent continues. The first reading brings us back to the Exodus and the image of Moses presenting Israel with the Law which will act as their guide for centuries setting down how they should live with God in their midst and with one another. No longer would they have to look to others (Egyptians) for governance. They must look to God and the leaders from their own ranks.

Over the years the Israeli leaders stray from what God taught them through Moses and the prophets. They looked to a King for deliverance which led them back into bondage. Freed once again (read Malicah) they reclaim Isreal for a second time. Rebuilding the temple of their ancestors. They accept human rulers as a necessity for peace and stability, but God intends to remind them that they are meant to be FREE.

Jesus enters the scene today in the Gospel lesson realizing that the Jewish leaders have missed the point – still tied to the law – under Roman rule – focused on judgment and not grace. Fearful not of God but of Rome and trying to hold the people back from freedom found in God message throughout the ages.

Jesus overturns the tables – draws their focus back to God – not as Judge and Executioner, but as one to set us free.

Jesus points Israel and the Disciples to the future, which is the Cross. As you meditate on the readings this week ask yourself “What it is that holds you back from freedom?”

On Sunday we will explore these ancient texts and hopefully discover God’s living word ready to lead us today right where we are.

Rev Chris