March 10, 2026
Lessons for Lent 4
March 15, 2026
• Samuel 16: 1-13
• Psalm 23
• Ephesians 5: 8-14
• John 9: 1-41
JESUS AND THE MAN BORN BLIND
This week we listen in on several dialogues about a man born blind. It follows one of the “I am” saying in the Gospel of John. Jesus says: I am the “Light of the World.” John 8:12)
The first conversation is with the disciples. As they pass a man blind from birth, they ask Jesus: Who sinned this man or his parents, that he was born blind? (9:2)
The question seems a cruel one to my ears. I have known people with various health issues, some from birth. I have never thought of blaming the victim. Jesus does not either. He
answered: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.” (9:3)
At Trinity in Hemet, we had a monthly meeting of mentally disabled adults. They would come for refreshments and a dance, a chance to get out into the world. The mother of one of the
high functioning men sponsored the event each month. It was a beautiful celebration of life. Why was her son born intellectually disabled? It was not because the newborn had sinned. It
was not the sin of the mother. He may have been intellectually disabled but emotionally he and his mother used the challenge set before them to: Reveal God’s work. (9:3)
We had a neighbor in Overland Park, KS whose daughter was born with similar and more sever challenges. The husband who was focused on his career in golf abandoned the family. Her
family came to her aid, providing a home, care and a path for the mother to finish her nursing degree and support her family. She eventually remarried and with her new husband, a haven
of care was created. The family used the challenge set before them to: Reveal God’s work.
Jesus said: “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day, night is coming when no one can work.”
Jesus does that by healing the man, which involved him washing in the pool of Siloam. He came back able to see. Revealing God’s work. Glory to God, right? Sadly, instead of celebrating with the man. The community wonders what just happened. They cannot see this man anyone other than a beggar. In the end, they drove him out. (9:34) When good things happen to others, how do we respond?
The blind man’s townspeople will not allow him to have any new future with them. Why should this sinful man be healed? What kind of God is Jesus revealing here that cares for the losers of the
world?
I mentioned on Sunday that Connie and I celebrated our grandson Blake’s first birthday, with his other set of grandparents. We were all blessed as he had just started walking and we 
could applaud his new talent. He is pictured here enjoying his birthday cake and stuff animals. John 9 is a reminder to celebrate the good times when they come. When we see others walking
into a new future, bring out the cake; bring out the friends, bring out the party animals.
Jesus heard about the lack of celebration and the blindness of townspeople. So, Jesus heals the man a second time, offering him Faith. Enough faith to look in the mirror and see the
image of God. Faith to see that Jesus was truly about God’s Work. He saw Jesus as the Light of the World.
In this world of joys and sorrows, Jesus urges us to look in our mirror and see the beloved of God. To look out upon the world and see reasons for celebration, rejoice in the healing.
In Luke 15 there are three parables about lost sheep, coins and children. Each of them ends with the finder pleading with people to rejoice with them. Something beautiful has happened.
The last parable is about a lost son who comes home. The elder brother is not keen to join in a party for this wayward brother. The prodigal is not worthy. His father urges him not to pass up
the chance to mark this day with an open heart. We are not told if the older brother came to the BBQ. Jesus urges us to come to the party. When shadows fall do not blame the victim on
whom they fall. Instead see how the Works of God might be revealed in that situation.
PRAYER:
Jesus, you are the Light of the World. Help us to see and celebrate that Light even when the spotlight falls on someone else. Help us to be about your work while it is day, because the
night does fall. Be especially with those on our prayer list and the people of the Middle East upon whom night has fallen.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John Bunge
REMINDERS
Lenten Souper Bible Studies Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm. February 25 – March 25. This week we look at the “I am” sayings of Jesus. Thanks to all who signed up to bring soup. Hosts for
the evening are to set up (coffee, drinks, silverware, bowls, etc), those attending with join in cleaning up.
March 15 the Inland Choral is presenting J.S. Bach’s Passion of St. John at 4 pm at the University of Redlands chapel with 80 singers, soloists, and an orchestra of Baroque
period instruments for an authentic experience. Tickets available online or at the concert. March 29 – Palm Sunday we meet outside and enter with palms in hand.
April 3 – Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m.
April 5 – Easter Sunday you can give to toward the special musicians’ fund. Just use your offering envelope.
Also, please remember to bring flowers for the outdoor cross.
Pastor Bunge is in the office Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesday nights. Call to make appointment if you’d like to see him.
Offerings Thanks for all your continued support.
Kyle for working on the drainage by the sacristy door and front and working on the walls of the sacristy. He also added metal strips by the oven in the Fireside room.
Lou repaired wood vents by the front of the sanctuary and fixed the toilet in the women’s bathroom and the doorknob in the preschool. You guys are Great.
Connie will be doing the touch-up painting in our updated kitchen.
Pantry – We were blessed with two vans loads of cereal so we have a great supply of cereal but can use macaroni and cheese and soups of any kind. Also, we need sacks–
plastic with handles if still get from some stores and the paper bags. Next pantries, March 7 and 21.
QUILTING – Over 250 prayer quilts have been made and blessed on Feb 15. 4 quilts so far this year for Lutheran World Relief. 4 for our San Bernardino Wellness Center have been
completed.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box was full and so was taken for its good use. The box is still in the Narthex for
continued donations. Thanks to David Strack for coordinating. Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well.
• Alec Blue was hired by the Inland Empire 66ers. Their season opens at home April 7.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Tom Ziech is hoping to move forward with his hip surgery soon.
• Bonnie Strack had surgery to relieve back pain and is home recovering. Her daughter Laura has been a wonderful blessing; along with Dave. We continue to pray for her full
recovery and for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered years from a series of strokes.
• Scott Hemre would appreciate prayers for his brother, Jim, who fell.
• Maria Baker is facing back pain from a previous car accident.
• Heather Lewis’s mother Rosalind Lara’s recovery has been slow. She is still at Arrowhead Springs Healthcare but had a smile on her face on Monday.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, who was fortunate to have his colon cancer discovered early but is facing radiation and chemotherapy and is on medical leave.
• Lauren Shaffer’s surgery has not happened yet. They are still working on the swelling in her right leg.
• Jeanne Koening’s surgery was also postponed.
• Michael Shea has continuing health issues and would also appreciate prayers for his and Ann’s son, Andrew and for son, Steve.
• Eloise still has some double vision. Parkinsons is acting up.
• Bonnie Hallberg’s clot in her hip was determined to be stable so they can move forward with her shoulder surgery but are awaiting appointments for now.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns. They are checking on his heart function with a new monitor. He was looking well when I saw him last week.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle. Nice to have her cousin Brian visiting on Sunday.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier who, due to her eyesight, is no longer able to drive. Nice to have her neighbor Elaine Risso back with us in worship.
• Continued prayers for Bob Jensen for answers to his kidney issue.
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH
SMALL PRAYER QUILTS – Thank you to Pastor John for blessing the prayer quilts. Thanks to Barbara for the idea, and Emily, Dana, Dona, Linda D, Connie B. for helping to make them.
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They are available for you to pick up in the Narthex. Please help yourself as we have made plenty. They are meant as an outreach to all.
NOTE on MAILING THE PRAYER QUILTS – THEY REQUIRE $1.27 if you put only a card and quilt in a regular sized envelope. YOU CAN PURCHASE A $1.27 STAMP AT THE POST OFFICE AND
MARK THE ENVELOPE HAND CANCEL TO AVOID DELAY. (you can also put 2 first class stamps on the envelope or put any combination of stamps you may have to total $1.27.)
PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS- to blanket and surround people in love and prayers. These will be blessed on Sunday, March 22 .
Thanks to Karen’s idea, we will also be providing PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS to those who are mostly homebound and people who have received a challenging medical diagnosis.
Thanks to Karen for crocheting beautiful variegated blue and pastel ones. Thanks to Sharon & Steve Cady providing an action team to help with this. Thanks to Chris Ladd for donating, one made by her mother, and to Irm who is also willing to crochet some. Each will have a label sewn on them from Faith.
HANDMADE CARDS – We still mail about 37 BIRTHDAY CARDS AND ANNIVERSARY CARDS AND CARDS TO THOSE ON THE PRAYER LIST monthly. And we will provide
CARDS IN THE NARTHEX for members to mail. We will include Monthly Seasonal cards and generic Thinking of You cards (can be sent for Thank you or Get Well.) (Watercolor or Fabric)
Thanks to Linda D. for her marvelous fabric creations. Thank you to our watercolor color class that meets on the 1st Sunday – Holly, Kim, Alec, Sharon, Barbara, Pat T., Connie for their fabulous heart creations. These cards accompanied prayer quilts that were mailed to the prayer list.
WATERCOLOR CLASSES usually on the first Sunday of the month. We will skip Easter Sunday, April 5, and resume May 3.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS – There are Easter themed rocks available for you. Karen, Connie B., Sharon C., and Carol Hamre continue to paint prayer/friendship rocks for you to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put in your garden, etc. Rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for members, friends and the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups.
8 WELCA – Thank you!
15 HAPPY St. Patrick’s Day – Thanks to Kim & Connie for providing lasagna, salad, bread and dessert.
22 POTLUCK – It’s Spring Celebration – Please sign up in NARTHEX to bring a Salad. We need someone willing to bring bread or rolls. Thanks,
29 PALM SUNDAY – WAFFLES – Thank you to Richard & Jenny!
4 EASTER Sunday – bring flowers for the outdoor cross Treats in the Narthex
12 Thank you to Maria for Shepherd’s Pie and Heather for Salad
NEEDS LIST & THANK YOUs
o Stamps can be left at the office marked card ministry.
o Always any Bingo Prizes are welcome
o Thanks to Pat T. for the Bingo prizes!
