First, thank you all for the birthday celebration last week. It is good to love and be loved. It was cold outside, but warm in our hearts. I am looking forward to seeing what happens when we share that warmth with the community around us on March 16. We’re going to have some resources to help us and volunteers on the day of the event, but we are going to be the ones to plan and execute. More to come.

Our study continues with John 17:12-19. Jesus continues His prayer for the disciples, that they be protected from the evil one while they remain in the world, and that they be sanctified by the truth of His word. He said that the things He spoke to them were so that they would have His joy, and affirms that they have been sent into the world for a purpose. The world would not love them for it. This prayer is also for us, and we can take instruction, comfort, and joy from it. I hope you can join us as we explore this very special chapter. When God the Son prays to God the Father on our behalf, we can be sure of the answer.