THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (8 March 2026) Exodus 17:1–7; Romans 5:1–8; John 4:5–26 (27–30, 39–42) We Worship the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Spirit and Truth of His Gospel Though the Lord had brought them out of Egypt, “all the congregation of the people of Israel” grumbled against Him because “there was no water for the people to drink” (Ex. 17:1). Despite their quarreling, the Lord graciously provided for them. He did not strike the people for their sins, but by the hand of Moses He struck the rock instead and brought forth water for the people. In the same way, living water flows from the pierced side of Christ at “about the sixth hour” (John 4:6; 19:14), when He is lifted up on the cross for the sins of the world. He is “the gift of God” (John 4:10), the well from which the Holy Spirit is poured out and becomes in His people “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). By this grace in which we stand, being at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we “worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God” because “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:2, 5).
St. John’s Lutheran Church 13115 Telegraph, Taylor 734-287-2080 [email protected] Rev. Mark Whittaker, interim [email protected] Sunday, March 8, 2026 – Third Sunday of Lent
THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Sunday, March 8 – Hank & Hans 4-6p – Nerf Nite, circuit youth event 7p – Men’s Bible Study Wednesday, March 11 1p – Lent Worship (elder - Hank) 2p – Luncheon 6p – Soup Supper 7p – Lent Worship (elder- Noah)
Upcoming Events Sunday, March 15 – Hans & Noah Monday, March 16 6p – Music Committee meeting Friday, March 20 9:30a – Women’s Bible study Saturday, March 21 9a-3p – Flea Market (Evangelism) Saturday, March 28 10a-5p – Gem Show (gym rental)
Welcome VISITORS and FRIENDS - We are honored to have you worship with us today! Feel free to wear a maskif you wish.RESTROOMS are off the lounge to the right (south side) of the main entrance. When leaving the pews, they will be on your left. The tower stairs (to your right while leaving the pews) lead down to the basement where there are another pair of restrooms. Feel free to use the LOUNGE if you or your children need a break. Since the Sacrament of Communion is administered to those instructed and examined in the Faith as Confessional Lutherans understand it, you will receive a verbal blessing unless you speak with Pastor beforehand. Families with young children are always welcome to worship with us. Feel free to take a quiet bag with coloring pages and crayons to your seat.
Bible study Sunday morning Bible Study continues this morning on the origin of the Bible in the church basement. A continental breakfast will be offered. Office Hours Our church office is staffed Monday through Friday from 9-11:30am. You can call 734-287-2080 to speak with someone or reach us by email – [email protected] or [email protected] . Youth Circuit Event All youth grades 5-12 are invited to participate in Nerf Nite TODAY, March 8th from 4-6pm. Bring your Nerf supplies and protective eye wear if you have it! RSVP to Katie Bauer. This is a circuit event – please bring a friend! Lent Worship Rev. Whittaker has prepared some special services, both for the 1pm and 7pm services. Stay for the 2pm luncheon or join us early for the Soup Supper in the church basement! A sign-up sheet is in the narthex if you would like to volunteer a dish.
CLEANING BEE to be held THIS SATURDAY, March 14th at 9am. Please come help the Board of Properties give the church a good wipe down before Easter!
March Newsletter has been published. Digital copies have been emailed; paper copies have been placed in family boxes and additional copies available for pickup in the church narthex or office.
Online Givings available now! Use this link https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=9a33951b-18a2-4892-bf61-f4140d1cf649 Congratulations to Laura Goble, our St. John’s Woman of the Year! Please congratulate Laura on this well‑deserved honor. We celebrate her on March 24th at the 2026 Council of Lutheran Women’s Annual Luncheon. Pastor Mark to hold a membership class for those who wish to join St. John's.The class will cover the basic teachings of the Bible through the lens of the Small Catechism. This is a great class not only for those who wish to become a member at St. John's, but also as a refresher course for those who have long been members. It will also serve as the Jr. Confirmation class for high school students. Please contact Pastor Mark ([email protected]) or the church office (1-734-287-2080) for more information. Where Do We Get pastors who preach and care for us with God’s Word? Where do we get teachers who teach our children about Jesus in our Lutheran schools? Where do we get our directors of Christian education, deaconesses and directors of parish music? Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is partnering with our seminaries, Concordia universities, districts, congregations and many others to build a Synodwide culture of church work formation and recruitment. You can contribute toward this effort by taking this brief online survey at lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve-survey. Please let us know how all of us can make SAS more beneficial to your congregation. It is important we hear what you have to say.
He is risen. He is risen indeed! We would like to invite all of our members, families and/or guests to join us after the early service for a light breakfast in the church basement. If you are able, we would like each of you to bring an item to share as we fellowship on this most wonderful day. Your donation can be juice, fruit, yogurt, cookies, muffins, etc. Those of you who have special or favorite family recipes are welcome to share your items as well. Part of Lutheran Christian socializing is always around a table sharing food and conversation. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex for those of you who wish to participate. Come join us. He is risen. He is risen indeed! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sharon Heise at 734-612-6913. Leadership Boards A list of currently elected directors and leadership board members has been posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Elections are this June – please consider serving! Men’s Bible Study meets on Sunday evenings at 7pm. You are invited! Prayer RequestsOn a quarterly basis, everyone on the prayer list under surgeries and healing will be removed UNLESS you contact the office to resubmit their name. If the office is not contacted, they will be removed and assumed to be doing well. You may call or send an email to [email protected] . Dr. Richard Zeile would like to drive any in our community to the "Prayerfully Consider" days at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. The event is March 19-21, Thursday through Saturday mornings, at the seminary, two nights lodging and some meals provided for those who register in the next week or so. Call Dr. Zeile 313.802.1146.
Stewardship ThoughtExodus 17:3 – “But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?’” Even the Israelites, who saw miracles with their own eyes, fell into unbelief and fear. From this distance we can see how foolish their worry is. How foolish will our worries appear from the distance of eternity? The Lord cared for them, and He will care for us. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Mission of St. John’s Lutheran Church is to conserve and promote the true Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ in our members, our community, and our world. We offer prayers today for those listed and those we hold dear in our hearts. For those suffering in Areas of War & Natural Disaster
Elizabeth Bauer & others from Martin Luther Chapel on mission trip to Newland, NC with Avery County Habitat for Humanity, Feb 28 – March 7 For Military and those who Protect Our Country– Upcoming Surgeries, Hospitals Stays, & Recovery
In need of Healing – Homebound–
For Those in College especially, Elizabeth Bauer, Michael Bauer, Jacob Bias, Jack Bias, Brady Coppo, Miriam Doshoian, Peyton Culpepper, Corinne Datema, Jacob Datema, Cameron Schneider, Rachel Zorn
Flower DedicationIn Honor of Roger Winchel’s birthday