For God so Loved

September 13, 2026

Each week we gather around the Word of God, the message, and one another. This is where the week’s reflection begins — and you can pick up the latest sermon below.

John 3: 16 - 21

For God so Loved.......
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fearthat their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 3: 16 - 21

A Thought From the Pastor

Many of you know that I love the spiritual concept and meaning of light in the Bible. I have such a connection to light from teaching it in my physics classes, but also from a truly spiritual concept that has such deep meaning to me. I find it so pertinenet that the most “famous” verse in the Bible (John 3:16) is followed up with a discussion of light and darkness. It clearly says in the scripture above that we love darkness, but God still sent the perfect light into this world to bring us out of the darkness. We must rememer that God is light and Jesus was the absolute perfection reflection of this light. If we are goving to live out John 3: 16 in our daily lives, I would suggest three steps to be that mirror that reflects Jesus to our community.

God’s choice to send Jesus into the world was based on love and not a feeling. He loved the “world” and that means everyone. If we’re to reflect this love as light, we must choose to love difficult people. We must love all people. Extend patience and forgiveness to those whom you come into contact with. Seek to understand people’s pain and struggles and don’t judge their actions. Let your “love in action” be the light in this dark world.

Second, we can reflect God’s perfect light by sacrificial giving. God’s love was followed by giving. Is your love followed by giving? Give up your time, resources and talents to those in need. Do you consistently offer hospitality to those around you? Do you only give left overs or do you give of your firstfruits? God sent us his best and most
precious gift. I often hear the term “they are givers” or “they are takers.” I pray that our community sees and experiences us as a community of “givers.”

Finally, live with an eternal purpose. Through Jesus we have eternal life and that should change our perspecitve dramatically. Share this hope and peace of eternal life with others in meaningful way. Look at people and value their souls over the “things” of this world. Anchor your daily struggles in your future which is secure with God. May worry and anxiety be replaced by security and trust. When the world sees this light shining, regardless of your circumstances, they will notice and wonder how this happens. May your life this week be centered on sacrificial love, generous giving, andgrounded in eternity. If so, you will be living in truth my friends and this is light.

Prayerful Planning

We will be having a work bee and cook out at the Eby’s on Saturday, September 19 from 10 am to 4 pm. Please plan on coming for a time of work, food and fellowship as we help the Eby family with a list of “to do items” to prepare them for fall. Please grab a flyer and sign up for this time of service at the Welcome Center.

Plans and Events at PCOC

9/14 - Community Kitchen @ 11:30 - 12:30 @ PCoC.
9/16 - Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies @ 6:30 pm @ PCoC.
9/17 - Church Prayer Group @ 10:30 am @ PCoC.
9/18 - Bridge Street Service @ 6:30 pm @ The Bridge
9/19 - Work Bee @ 10 am - 4 pm @ Eby House

Purpose For This Week

Pray that we would seek to follow Jesus.
Pray that we would learn to live as His disciples.
Pray that we would find joy in following him and becoming his disciples.

Praise Reports & Prayer Requests

Please cover our sister Tammy Boucher in your prayers. She is experiencing issues with her blood pressure and heart palpitations. Please pray for healing and that the heart monitor that she is wearing can help determine a cause and that she can receive treatment.
Please pray for Eric and Shana Hopkins and their family. God has blessed them with so much in regards to family, their business, but it all can be overwhelming. Please specifically pray for their family priorities to be focused on God and connection and also Eric’s health.
Please continue to pray over Joe Soper and his health problems.
Please cover Vince Ryan in your prayers and that God would guide his steps in his schooling and living situation.
Please continue to cover Chaning’s pregnancy in your prayers.

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