“A Lenten Journey with John: A Wake Up Call” – March 27, 2022

Dear SDUMC Family,

We've been on our journey through the Gospel of John throughout this Lenten season. I invite you to take some time and use the reading list we created if you haven't had time to start (there's never a deadline on beginning to read and study the Bible) Gospel of John Reading Plan. Also, we've had an excellent study with Dr. Michael Lodahl on Wednesday nights. Throughout my spiritual journey, I've found that the collaborative nature of a group Bible study helps me better understand what God is saying through scriptures. Feel free to email me (revjohn@encinitaschurch.com) for the Zoom link, and we're happy to have you join us for an inspiring study in these last two weeks.

Through Lent, we've been traveling through the Gospel of John. On Sundays, we've made some stops along the way: an evening meeting with one of the Pharisees (John 3:1-21), shared some water with a Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42), paused at the temple for a challenging then life-changing morning (John 8:1-11). If you've missed any of the Lenten Sundays, you can always find them on our SDUMC YouTube channel SDUMC YouTube Channel Link.

As I think about the various stops, I am reminded of my new friend, Rev. Casper I. Glenn, who shared with me as we read through John "to look for the miracles" (also, to look for them in our personal journeys). So even though each of the stories is so different, there is a miracle embedded in each of them.

This Sunday, we'll make another stop in the village of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. As we stop in Bethany, we will experience one of the most profound miracle passages in the Bible (John 11:1-45). I hope you'll see with me that this passage invites us to share in the miracle as we travel the road to Easter Sunday. I hope you will also continue to "look for the miracle" on your daily walks throughout life (my eyes have amazingly opened as I've started this practice).

I hope you'll make it part of your Lenten practices to join us for worship this Sunday at 8:00 a.m. (in the Chapel for a shortened Communion Service), 9:30 a.m. (in the Sanctuary with the Choir), or on Livestream at 9:30 a.m. (and throughout the day and week on our YouTube Channel). It's been wonderful to share in conversations over donuts and coffee following our 9:30 a.m. worship as we continue to (re)Gather in God's love.

Grace and Peace,
John

P.S. Don't forget to share your miles on our Walk To Jerusalem this Lent at info@encinitaschurch.com or on the slips around the Sanctuary on Sunday morning. We're about one-third of the way there, so keep your miles coming (remember, it's one mile for every twenty minutes of any type of activity).