The rain stopped and the sun came out during the service.

Our Gospel reading today told of Nicodemus going to see Jesus in the night from the Gospel of John. Father Stephen spoke of this in his sermon.  Nicodemus goes to see Jesus under cover of darkness.  The most obvious explanation for this is that Nicodemus, a leader in the synagogue, does not wish to be seen n the company of Jesus, but is intrigued by him, an untrained scholar and rabbi. Although Jesus is of the light, he also knows of darkness. In this nocturnal encounter, there is an allusion to baptism. and the preparation for it. Did it convert Nicodemus?  After the crucifixion, Nicodemus is described bringing large amounts of embalming fluids again by night. 
We may not always know at the time about the change we can bring about in people, but may discover it some time later, even a long time afterwards.
God is full of surprises. We can encounter him sporadically, at church services, in prayer and meditation.  We keep in touch with our friends and so God keeps in touch with us.

The Sunday School were busy.