"The hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." - John 4:23-24 NRSV
There's something deeply moving about Jesus choosing to have this theological conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well. In a culture where she would have been overlooked; as a woman and as a Samaritan and as someone with a complicated past. But, Jesus engages her in one of the most profound discussions about worship found anywhere in Scripture.
Notice that Jesus does not say God tolerates our worship or even accepts it. He says God seeks it. The Creator of the universe is searching for those who will worship authentically. This isn't about having the right building, the right music style, or the right liturgy. It's about bringing our whole selves - our honest hearts, our real struggles, our authentic joy - into God's presence.
"Spirit and truth" challenges us to move beyond mere ritual or emotional experience alone. Worship in spirit means engaging with our whole being. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to move in us. Worship in truth means grounding ourselves in who God actually is, not who we want Him to be. Together, they create a worship that is both deeply felt and firmly rooted.
Practice for the Week: Set aside 10 minutes this week for what you might call "well-side worship." Find a quiet place (perhaps literally near water, or simply a peaceful spot) and bring nothing but yourself - no agenda, no requests, just your honest presence before God. Notice what surfaces when you stop performing and simply sit with the One who seeks you.
Question to Ponder: When you think about your own worship - whether in corporate gatherings or private moments with God - what barriers keep you from being fully present "in spirit and truth"? What would it look like to remove one of those barriers this week?
Keeping you in prayer, Pastor Erin
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends and families for the recent passing of Russell Bliese, father of Sandy Hynek.
Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
Found Cell Phone A cell phone was recently found in the worship space. If you have misplaced yours, please contact the church office to identify and claim it.
Ken Sharp celebrates his 101st birthday on March 16!
Please join us for Adult Forum every Sunday from 10:20am to 10:50am in the Garden Room.
This Sunday's topic:
Please join us for a Parent Focus Group Meeting on March 15 in the Garden Room. We’ll gather immediately following the 9:00am worship service to share our hopes, dreams, and expectations for the future of our Youth and Family Ministry.
We invite you to join us for worship and fellowship throughout the season of Lent as we gather for reflection, prayer, and community.
Wednesdays – February 25 through March 25 12:30pm Worship Service 5:45pm Lenten Soup Supper 6:30pm Worship Service
Please join us for the next Young at Heart Luncheon on March 19 at noon! The sign-up sheet can be found on the Welcome Desk.
Join us as we walk through the story of Jesus’ final days, from Palm Sunday to the joy of Easter morning.
Sunday, March 29 9:00am – Palm Sunday Worship 11:00am – Palm Sunday Worship Thursday, April 2 6:30pm – Maundy Thursday Service Friday, April 3 Noon–3:00pm – Stations of the Cross 6:30pm – Good Friday Service Saturday, April 4 7:20pm – Easter Vigil Sunday, April 5 6:30am – Easter Sunrise Service (at the beach) 9:00am – Easter Sunday Worship 11:00am – Easter Sunday Worship
Are you thinking about making TLC your church home? Join us for our New Member Reception on April 19 — a relaxed time to learn more about who we are, ask questions, and explore what membership means.
If you’d like more details, feel free to contact the church office. We’re always happy to chat and share more about life at TLC.
Stop by the Gathering Space to see our vision for the future! We have a display board featuring the new paint colors for the church. If you would like to support this enhancement, please mark your donation 'Painting Project.
Join Pr. Erin on April 18 at 9:30am for a brand-new Bible study. We’ll be diving into Daniel and Esther with "Lions, Kings & Brave Questions." Hope to see you there!
TLC and The Salvation Army will be holding a clothing drive on Sunday, May 17. We’re looking for a volunteer to help coordinate the drive on-site that day. If you’re interested, please contact the church office.
Mark your calendars! TLC’s Vacation Bible School is returning this summer from July 20–24. We are so excited just anticipating seeing you there.
City Center is in need of toilet paper and paper towels, diapers (sizes 5 & 6) and groceries of any type. Please place your donations in the baskets located in the Gathering Space.
Thank you for your ongoing support! As a reminder, residents at The City Center purchase their own food and household items, so your contributions help them redirect those funds toward their children’s needs, such as school supplies and clothing.
March 11 - Mary Ann Downard March 12 - Lillian Montecino March 13 - David Harriger March 15 - Gordon Cornett, Katherine Hecht, David Witham March 16 - Ken Sharp
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
For Healing and Comfort:
Diane Stef
Nancy Maxwell
Craig Johnson
Sandy, mother of Kim Kinney
Let Us Pray for the Families who are Mourning the Death of:
Russell Bliese, father of Sandy Hynek
Week 9 (March 1 - 7, 2026)
Giving through Week 9: Current Week - $8,438.86 2026 YTD - $100,214.56 2025 YTD - $117,455.84
'25 Goal based on 2.5%+ over '24 actuals - $548,020.88/52 weeks. '25 YTD Challenge Goal based on 50% over 5 Years (8.5%) - $646,641.45/52 weeks.
Attendance Week 9, 2026: Individuals in Person - 113 Estimated Individuals Online - 40
Attendance Week 9, 2025: Individuals in Person - 146 Estimated Individuals Online - 35
