March 19, 2026

Coffee and treats between services are always appreciated! Click the graphic above to sign up.👆

If you are able to help, please sign up using the graphic above. Training will be provided! Contact Amy Steenson with any questions.

The Message this Week

Preaching Text: John 19:1-16a


What you meant for evil, God meant for good. We will continue in the story from the Gospel of John of Pilate’s interactions with Jesus. Pilate and the chief priests do not understand the Kingdom of God that Jesus had been preaching about. They seek to ridicule him with a “crown” of thorns. What the powers of this world use for their Kingdom, God turns inside out for the redemption of the world. The worldly powers think they are stopping Jesus’ ministry with the suffering and his later death by crucifixion. But it is through the Cross that God redeems. Let’s reflect on the suffering of God this coming weekend. 

Holy loving crucified God, in first century Galilee as well as now earthly powers use force to take control of earthly kingdoms. Guide us to strive for the coming fulfillment of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom without violence and death. Amen.

WONDERING...

Real questions from real people to learn more about faith.

What is a crucifixion? Was Jesus the only person crucified? 

Next week is the final week of Lent! Soup Suppers and Holden Evening Prayer take place every Wednesday in Lent through March 25. Click HERE for Holy Week and Easter Schedules.

• Make Jesus our model of unwavering faithfulness in the face of threats to our status and safety.
• Give us the hope and motivation to take action to change our society’s ways that we might create a brighter future for our children’s children.
• Inspire all who lead to work tirelessly for just laws that ensure that all people enjoy basic human rights. Sustain the work of those who labor to change oppressive systems here and around the world.
• For all with no voice, make us advocates. For those who are lonely or feel abandoned, makes us companions. And for all who suffer any illness or trial, make us bringers of a healing word and a steadying hand.
• Join us to saints of old and those among us still, and number us among your redeemed.

Into your hands we place our prayers, spoken and unspoken, and entrust all things to your eternal care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Results from last week:

Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad aka Sunshine Salad

We're halfway through our budget year! Note that both income and expenses are down, leading to an overall positive result. Expenses will be increasing as we look toward calling an associate pastor.

Here are the numbers: 

• Regular Giving was $440,957 (90% of / $47,707 less than Budget)
• Regular Giving for Sept.-Feb. is 4.2% / $18,342 less than for the same six-month period in FY 2025
• Total Income was $543,571 (94% of / $36,907 less than Budget)
• Total Expense was $418,889 (86% of / $66,497 less than Budget) ***
• Net Income in Sept-Feb. was a positive $124,674 (versus a Budget of positive $95,093 = $29,582 better than Budget)

***Total YTD Expense does not include $31,091of Benevolence due in February. Payment of benevolence will put us close to even for the year.

Mortgage Balance = $873,220

Questions? Reach out to the team: finance@genevalutheran.org

Counters needed! We are in need of volunteers to count giving every other Monday.

Join us for our final Lenten Soup Supper next Wednesday March 25 at 6PM, prior to the 7PM Holden Prayer service. Click HERE to sign up to bring soup, sides, or desserts, or to serve. Contact Debbie Mickelsen for more information.

This Sunday will be our LAST Sunday night worship service at 7:30PM. It is a 30 minute service that includes reflection, contemporary worship music, and communion. All are welcome to attend!

Vacation Bible Camp will run July 27-31. Registration is now open to GLC members and registered Sunday School families! Click HERE for more information and to register. Contact Jess Swanson with any questions.

If you’re looking to have yourself or your child baptized at GLC, please plan on attending a baptism information class this Sunday, March 22 immediately following the 10:30AM service in the chapel. Contact Michelle Lata for more information.

Guys Group is meeting next Monday, March 23 at 8PM at Bad Alice in Geneva. Contact Jeff Cameron for more information.

Come be part of a monthly gathering where women grow together in faith. Each session includes a scripture-based devotion, meaningful small group conversation, and a hands-on activity to help you live out of your faith. Our next meeting is Thursday, March 26 from 6:30-8PM. Click HERE to register or contact Michelle Lata for more information.

We will be preparing and serving dinner for 60-80 people at Holy Trinity Soup Kettle in Elgin on Sunday, March 29. We will prepare the meal between services that morning (Palm Sunday). Volunteers are needed to bake the casseroles at GLC, deliver to Holy Trinity, and serve the meal at Holy Trinity. Click HERE to sign up for ingredients needed and to serve. Contact Michelle Lata for more information.

Thank you for your generosity. Your gift of $993 on February 11, 2026 to Feed My Starving Children is providing 3,424 MannaPack meals to those around the world who need it most. Though poverty is complicated, we know that hunger is fixable - one reliable meal at a time. Thank you for feeding hungry kids.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..." - Matthew 25:35

Until all are fed,

JJ Slag, Executive Director/CEO FMSC

Click HERE to see pictures of the last week!

To see all weekly and special events please check our calendar.