Grace Abounds

During the Last Supper, Jesus said to his disciples, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:53). Jesus does not say people will know we are his followers by our doctrinal beliefs or our moral code or our church traditions. These things are important, but they are not what define us as followers of Christ. Love is what defines us followers of Christ. How are you sharing the love of Christ in your life?

For more information about Worship and Ministry at St. John’s, please email the Church Office at [email protected] or call us at 760-345-2122  CCLI Streaming & Podcast License # CSPL129016

While teaching in Jerusalem, Jesus described himself as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10). He knows and cares for the sheep because they belong to him. He lays down and takes up his life for the sheep. His sheep hear his voice and follow him. How are you listening for the voice of our Good Shepherd? And how are you following him?

The Apostle Peter is a profound example of the Gospel truth that Jesus calls us to do his good work not because we are perfect, but because we are his. As Jesus did for Peter on the seashore after his resurrection (John 21:1-19) - so Jesus does for us. Jesus rests our faults and failures in his grace and shows us a better way. Jesus loves us, always. Jesus will restore us, and the whole creation. Where do you need the forgiveness, grace, restoration of Christ in your life?

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the glorious good news that “Christ is Risen!” Jesus Christ joined with us so that we might join with him. He suffered with us and assures us we never suffer alone in this broken world. He took our sin and death as his own and gives us life now and forever. And one day, he will come again and make all things new. In Christ, we know that “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

Find out more about upcoming events and ways to serve our community by joining our mailing list. Email [email protected] and request to be added!

If you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, email Pastor Jen at [email protected].

We continue to be deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity of our St. John’s community members, and the faithful financial support that contributes to our mission to “Know Christ and Make Christ Known.”

Thank you!

Ways you can Give:

 • Online stjohnslutheran.church

 • Text "Give" to 760-330-2326

 • Mail a check: 42695 Washington St. Palm Desert, CA 92211

For more information about Worship and Ministry at St. John’s, please email the Church Office at [email protected] or call us at 760-345-2122

CCLI Streaming & Podcast License # CSPL129016

The night before his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, Jesus shares a meal with his beloved friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 12:1-8) - a meal at which Mary pours costly perfume on the feet of Jesus and wipes his feet with her hair. This sacrificial act of love is a demonstration of Mary’s gratitude and devotion for Jesus - and a signifier of the sacrificial love Jesus demonstrates for us all.

“A man had two sons…” So begins what is commonly called “The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 11:15-32). Given that prodigal means “recklessly extravagant,” perhaps this is more aptly called “The Parable of the Prodigal Father,” who is recklessly extravagant in his love for both of his wayward sons. With this story, Jesus invites us to reflect on our response to the grace of God - for ourselves and for others.

Jesus tells the Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13:9) after speaking of two tragic events that had taken place in Jerusalem. He tells this parable as he is on his way to Jerusalem - where he too will experience great suffering and death, and will rise again from death to life. Jesus embodies the gospel truth that sin and suffering and death are not the end of the story, and “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well” (St. Julian of Norwich).

Jesus tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) to encourage his followers “to pray always and not to lose heart.” With this story of a tenacious woman, Jesus encourages us to make our requests known to our good and gracious Lord - trusting that God hears our prayers, cares for us, and will, ultimately, make things right. As Jesus himself teaches and embodies, whatever else God may or may not give us in answer to our prayers, God always gives us himself.

Join us for In-Person Worship Sundays at 9:30am and 11am.

Join us for Online Worship at 9am Sunday Mornings on our website (stjohnslutheran.church). Also available on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.

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Find out more about upcoming events and ways to serve our community by joining our mailing list. Email [email protected] and request to be added!

If you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, email Pastor Jen at [email protected].

We continue to be deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity of our St. John’s community members, and the faithful financial support that contributes to our mission to “Know Christ and Make Christ Known.”

Thank you!

Ways you can Give:

 • Online www.stjohnslutheran.church

 • Text "Give" to 760-330-2326

 • Mail a check: 42695 Washington St. Palm Desert, CA 92211

***

For more information about Worship and Ministry at St. John’s, please email the Church Office at [email protected] or call us at 760-345-2122

CCLI Streaming & Podcast License #CSPL129016

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-3) is a test of his identity and mission - who he is and what he will do. We too are tempted to forget our identity as God’s beloved children and fall short of our mission to do God’s good work in this broken world. May we overcome these temptations, as Jesus did. May we remember who, and whose, we are. May we do what our good and gracious Creator would have us do.

Join us for Online Worship at 9am Sunday Mornings on our website (stjohnslutheran.church). Also available on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.

***

Find out more about upcoming events and ways to serve our community by joining our mailing list. Email [email protected] and request to be added!

If you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, email Pastor Jen at [email protected].

We continue to be deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity of our St. John’s community members, and the faithful financial support that contributes to our mission to “Know Christ and Make Christ Known.”

Thank you!

Ways you can Give:

 • Online www.stjohnslutheran.church

 • Text "Give" to 760-330-2326

 • Mail a check: 42695 Washington St. Palm Desert, CA 92211

***

For more information about Worship and Ministry at St. John’s, please email the Church Office at [email protected] or call us at 760-345-2122

CCLI Streaming & Podcast License #CSPL129016