March 1, 2026
Psalm 121 & John 3:1–17
Theme: “Led by God, Renewed by the Spirit.”
Psalm 121, written by an unknown psalmist and later included among the Songs of Ascents, comes from the tradition of pilgrims journeying toward Jerusalem and trusting God for protection along the way. It begins with a question every follower of Jesus Christ may be struggling with: “From where will my help come?”And the psalmist answers with confidence: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
This is the foundation of Christian faith and Christian leadership. We do not practice our faith with our own strength neither do we serve in our own strength. We practice our faith and serve under the watchful care of God who neither slumbers nor sleeps. Today is our annual general meeting. As we step into a new year of ministry, this psalm reminds us that God is our keeper, our guide, and our steady presence.
In John 3, we meet Nicodemus-a respected leader, a man of influence – who defies his ego, comes to Jesus with questions he cannot answer alone. Jesus invites him into renewal: “You must be born from above.” The conversation between Jesus and Nicomedus, reminds us that Leadership in God’s house always requires this openness to the Spirit’s renewing work. It is not about status or expertise, but about allowing God to reshape us from the inside out. It did not matter to him how powerful he was in the community. Nicodemus was open to be equiped and be reshaped from the inside.
These two readings speak directly into our lives today. As we look forward to elect new vestry members, we are not simply filling roles. We are discerning whom God is calling to serve, trusting that the Spirit equips those whom the community affirms. Those stepping into leadership do so with God’s help; those stepping aside do so with God’s blessing; and all of us move forward together under God’s watchful care through His love and grace.
This Lenten season deepens that call to serve God. Because Lent invites us to prayer, reflection, and renewed dependence on God. It reminds us that we are not meant to carry burdens alone. And this is where the spirit of the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” speaks so beautifully. The hymn encourages us to bring every concern, every decision, every hope to God in prayer, because Christ promises to walk with us as a friend and a guide.
So, as we prepare for elections and look toward a new year of ministry, let us lift our eyes to the One who helps us. Let us open our hearts to the renewing work of the Spirit. And let us carry our decisions, our leaders, families, our community, and our nations to God in prayer, trusting that Christ is with us in every step. May we be led by God and be renewed by the spirit.