Dearest Brothers and Sisters of Hope Lutheran Church.
I pray your Lenten journey is going well so far and that you have opportunity to enter the Discipline of Lent with repentance, fating, prayer, and works of love. It can be done in simple ways. Repentance – taking time each morning as you remember that you are Baptized, to confess your sins and ask for God to forgive you. Fasting -pausing on the fast food or Starbucks or chocolate and donating the money or pausing in your speech to refrain from saying things you can’t take back. Prayer -adding an extra time of prayer each day, at a meal or before bed, or early in the morning – whenever you can intentionally and consistently take extra time with God to talk to him and yes, my friends, to sit quietly and listen to what God is saying to you. Works of love-bring an extra can of food to church for the Hope Food Pantry, or send a card to a home-bound person, or text a word of encouragement to someone who needs it. All of these seemingly simple things add up to a big change in our daily lives and help us walk more closely with Jesus and each other.
The fact is, the Discipline of Lent is an invitation to live more like Jesus. As someone posted online: “This Year I Want To Be More Like Jesus: Hang out with sinners. Upset “religious” people. Tell stories that make people think. Choose unpopular friends. Be kind, loving, and merciful. Take naps on boats.”
The Lenten journey to which we are called for these forty days is just that – a chance to be more like Jesus, to walk with Jesus more closely as we follow his example of self-sacrificing love – a love that puts others first – a love offered for the sake of others. Love – and naps. That sounds good, too! 😊
A blessed Lenten journey to you! In Jesus’ love, Pr. Jen Schaefer+
Third Sunday in Lent, March 6-7, 2021
PRAYER OF THE DAY – Let us pray. Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.. Amen.
READING: John 2:13-22 – Jesus attacks the commercialization of religion by driving merchants out of the temple. When challenged, he responds mysteriously, with the first prediction of his own death and resurrection. In the midst of a seemingly stable religious center, Jesus suggests that the center itself has changed. A reading from John. 13The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY – When you think of Jesus, what picture comes to your mind? Perhaps it is the famous Warner Sallman face of Jesus that shows his grace so well. Or maybe it’s the picture of gently knocking at the door. Or Jesus opening his arms to welcome the little children. Or maybe it’s a picture of Jesus with the crown of thorns. Over the years, I have delighted in seeing so many different versions of Jesus-often reflecting different cultures-Blonde and blue eyed Jesus, African Jesus, Asian Jesus, Hispanic Jesus-all representing the fact that we have a relationship with Jesus so we as humans draw him to look like us, even though we fully know he was a man of Middle Eastern descent with dark skin, dark hair, and dark eyes.
~~~Today we may be wondering if our Jesus needs some anger management. Or is he just expressing righteous indignation? Let’s look at the story. The first thing that happens is that we’re told the Passover was near and Jesus, along with thousands of others, was making his way up to Jerusalem which included a stop at the Temple. And it’s there at the Temple that Jesus loses his cool. Let’s remember that we’re told Jesus did this near the feast of Passover, when lambs were slain to commemorate Israel’s deliverance from slavery and death in Egypt. But we also need to be aware of the even bigger context that includes the fact that Jesus would eventually be crucified at Passover as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John. 1:29).
~~~It’s also helpful to know, to remember, why the outer court of the Temple was filled with all of these merchants. Believe it or not, such commerce was necessary. The system allowed only first-rate, unblemished animals to be sacrificed, and people who traveled long distances couldn’t bring such an animal with them. So animals were made available to the travelers at the Temple. The rich could buy a cow or a sheep; poor folks could purchase a dove. Moneychangers to change Roman coins into acceptable Temple currency. There was something for everyone. It was all a matter of convenience. Jesus is angry because His Father’s house had been turned into an “emporium.” That’s the Greek word for “marketplace.
~~~Jesus is angry because the Temple has been turned into a mall. It’s become all about convenience. Anything you want — you could get there. The whole practice of worship and sacrifice had become more about providing all the amenities necessary to complete one’s dutiful obligation with ease and comfort. Temple worship had become more about doing what had to be done quickly and easily than about heartfelt worship, thanksgiving, and praise. ~~~So what does Jesus do? He makes a whip of cords, he drives all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. By twisting cords together Jesus made a device to shoo the animals out. Notice, and this is important, Jesus didn’t use it on people, neither did he hurt the animals. That changes the image, doesn’t it? Jesus shoos cattle and sheep with a contraption made of rushes and reeds. He “cleanses” the temple by drawing attention to what was going on. Jesus turns over the tables of the money-changers as a way of saying, “This is not to be your focus!” ~~~When Jesus declares that if the Temple were destroyed, he would raise it up in three days, He’s pointing us to a faithful focus. The Temple had been under construction for 46 years and still was not complete, so Jesus’ proclamation really caught the attention of the leaders and the people. But, we’re told, Jesus was not referring to the human-made bricks and mortar Temple, but to the Temple of his Body. Jesus’ words point us to his resurrection as a way of directing us to our faithful focus. The new temple will be Jesus’ resurrected Body. Jesus’ sacrifice will overturn the Temple sacrifice system. That system will no longer be necessary — Jesus’ sacrifice is once and for all, for the benefit of all.
~~~Kind of makes you wonder what tables Jesus might turn over in our church, in our lives? What cattle and sheep he might shoo away because they’ve become a convenient distraction? What “systems” might Jesus turn upside down because we have refused to challenge them, because we like their comfort and expediency? If Jesus were to come swinging in here this morning, full of righteous indignation, what would our response be? Would we throw him out, ignore him, or take what he has to say and do to heart?
~~~Is our worship more ritual than a sincere act of praise and thanksgiving? Do we come here to get, more than we come here to give? What does it mean to be the Body of Christ? Is that just a convenient title we toss around, or does it really and truly mean we are now the dwelling place of Christ, the Body of Christ, the living Temple sent out into the world to share Good News, yes, but also to express righteous indignation whenever we come fact-to-face with injustice or sin, to reject racism and white supremacy and gender bias and anything that builds walls between us and others? Is that who we are, or who should be? ~~~ Can our worship sometimes be centered on us, on our convenience, on the things we do, rather than on the God who is present among us, forgiving us in Word and Sacrament? Do we sometimes think of God more as a vending machine-that we come to church, tally up our good deeds, and present them to the Lord in exchange for a reward? Are we here out of a false sense of obligation and duty, or because we are genuinely thankful for the gift of God in our lives? ~~~These questions are all a part of the Lenten Spring Cleaning Jesus is carrying out right now. I mean, questions like these may strike terror in our hearts. BUT, if we see Lent as the gift it is meant to be, we recognize the necessity of Jesus’ Spring Cleaning in our lives and in our church. We move from fear to joy when we re-direct our lives, when God in Christ again becomes our focus. The Discipline of Lent with repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of love – those are the Spring Cleaning tools Jesus wants to employ to clear out the clutter and debris in our hearts and lives that separate us from God and each other during this holy season. And once we are freed of the burden of those things that weigh us down, we can more freely go out to BE the Body of Christ as we are led by his Spirit to serve God and share Chris’s love with all people. ~~~The Good News on this Third Sunday of Lent is that Christ is among us and that He is flipping some tables and shooing out some distractions. The Good News is for those of us who have eyes to see and ears to hear, because the Good News calls for a conscious, intentional response. Something is always expected of us every time that we get together like this. No, we’re not called to hang our heads in guilt and shame for not hitting the mark – stricken, smitten, and afflicted as St. Paul put it. Instead, we’re called to confess our sin and then accept God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ – to get up and act as forgiven disciples of Jesus, accepting the fact that sometimes that divine forgiveness is enacted, made real, through holy righteous indignation; sometimes our world has to be turned upside down before we get it right in God’s eyes. Together, let’s let Jesus’ Spring Cleaning continue in our lives and in our world so that we can celebrate with greater joy the miracle of Easter resurrection! Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION – Relying on the promises of God, we pray boldly for the church, the world, and all in need. A brief silence.
There is no God before you. Purify the faith of your church, that your people place their trust in nothing beside you. Your name is holy. Guide your church, that in every situation your people’s words and actions honor your name. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
The heavens declare your glory. Renew your creation. Provide leaders in the struggle for clean air and water; protect creatures and crops that rely on healthy ecosystems; give all people the willingness to repent when our way of life pollutes the earth and skies. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Your foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. Fill leaders with the foolishness of your peace and mercy. Your law defends the vulnerable. Work through legislators, judicial systems, and systems of law enforcement to protect the wellbeing and freedom of all ( especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Your weakness is stronger than human strength. Protect those who are vulnerable and give courage to all who are suffering (especially). Defend victims of crime and bring redemption to those who have harmed others. Give sabbath rest to all who labor. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You call us to proclaim Christ crucified. Give clarity to this congregation and our leaders, so that we might follow Christ beyond our own habits and comfort. Clear out anything in our common life that would obscure the gospel or that serves our own interests. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
The cross of Christ is your power for all who are being saved. Thank you for all the martyrs whose witness reveals the power of the cross. Give us the same trust in life and in death. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We entrust ourselves and all our prayers to you, O faithful God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OUR FATHER…
BLESSING – Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.
DISMISSAL – We go in peace with grateful hearts for all God has done for us as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! Thanks be to God!!!.
HOPE HAPPENINGS
We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen. Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church.
Next Week’s Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21
The April thru June Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS Financial Information
Altar Guild: Gail Zahs & Delores Hall January Total Income $13,713.80
Usher: Roger McGill January Total Expenses $12,780.44
Counters: Pr Cheryll & Karl Kaukis Income Less Expense $ 933.36
PRAYER LIST
Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Jenny for healing and God’s love
Judy Lashey for God’s comfort
Alec for healing
Pr. Marilyn for healing & God’s peace
Cindy Beicht for healing after surgery
Vinny for healing
Josh for God’s peace and comfort
Sue for God’s comfort
Ian for sure and strong presence of God’s healing grace
Beth Bercaw for prayers for protection and strength
Doris Puerner for healing
Marirose for a healthy pregnancy
Helen for healing
Kristin, Ron and Carolyn Rasmussen’s daughter, for healing after surgery
Jean Holcomb for healing
Florence, Lou Szepi’s mom, for God’s comforting presence
Dawn Seibert for healing
Carol for healing, hope, and God’s will.
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
John Greene, Millie’s husband, for strength and healing
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Larry and Barbara Brady, as they focus on healing
Pr. Pat for healing
Susan for healing
Jason for healing
NEW AT HOPE
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME begins on March 14th. Remember to “Spring” those clocks ahead.
EASTER FLOWERS – If you would like to purchase Easter flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, please complete the sign up sheet in the Narthax or call the office at 941-697-2345.
LENT AT HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Mid-week Lent Worship will be held on March 10th, 17th and 24th at 10:00 AM and 4:30PM in the parking lot. Leading up to Holy Week, we will meet on Wednesdays in worship to share in prayer and learning on the subject of “The Liturgical Year That Wasn’t” as we explore the seasons of the church year and why we do what we do in worship. Please be sure to join us as we follow the Discipline of Lent with repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of love and focus on walking with Jesus to the cross and beyond.
HOLY WEEK WORKSHIP SCHEDULE
Passion/Palm Weekend March 27th at Saturday 5:30pm; and March 28th, Sunday at 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM.
Maundy Thursday April 1st at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Good Friday April 2nd at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Holy Saturday-Easter Vigil April 3rd at 5:30 PM.
Easter-The Resurrection of our Lord Sunday, April 4th at 7:00 AM & 8:30 AM in the parking lot and 10:00 AM in the sanctuary.
Please join us as we grow in faith and love together throughout the Lenten season and prepare our lives and our hearts to celebrate the saving events of Holy Week and Jesus’ glorious resurrection at Easter. ALL ARE WELCOME!
DORIS PUERNER is currently recuperating in Windsor House of Canfield. If you would like to send her a card, her address is Windsor House of Canfield, 6445 State Route 446, Canfield, OH 44406-8475.
LUTHERANISM 101!! Monday from 11:00 to 12:00PM. If you have never studied Luther’s Small Catechism or have questions about why we do what we do as Lutherans in our worship and faith, this class is for YOU! Please join Pr. Jen as we explore the five principal parts of the Catechism-Baptism, Holy Communion, The Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments as well as worship and liturgy and more so together we can grow in our understanding of our Christian faith and our Lutheran expression of that faith.
MONDAY BIBLE STUDY on God sightings every Monday at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
WOMEN OF HOPE –Next meeting with be April 18th, 2021.
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