Dear Church Family,
               We’re in Virginia again visiting Toby.  He’s doing well and our visits are providing support and encouragement during this rehab process.   He seems to look forward to them and so do we.  We’re definitely putting some miles on the car.
               The lectionary lessons for Lent this year are mostly from  the gospel of John.  They include several lengthy conversational exchanges with Jesus.  This Sunday we encounter Nicodemus, the Pharisee who visited Jesus secretly at night to ask some pointed theological questions.  It is in this passage we encounter the term “born again,” a misunderstood word which has played such a big part in the evangelical churches.   Some commentators think the word  is better translated “born anew” or born from on high.”  In any case the term reflects an idea universal to Christianity, that one doesn’t just get born into the faith.  It is not a physical matter, but involves a deliberate spiritual birth.  Being a Christian is an action of  the spirit—the Holy Spirit and our human spirit--to allow God’s presence into our lives and to commit to following Christ.  John is telling us being a Christian is more than being in church.  It involves our heart, soul, mind and strength.  
               The texts are Genesis 12:1-5 and John 3:1-17.  The sermon is “If I Tell You of Heavenly Things.” We’ll be celebrating communion as well.  The Deacons will be meeting following the service. 
See  you in church,
Rich