This Sunday is known as Good Shepherd Sunday as we read Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30. The Psalm uses evocative images that describe the care of God as the work of a shepherd who tends a flock. In the Gospel Jesus speaks of his disciples as those who hear the voice of the shepherd and are guided by that deep wisdom. In addition we will read Acts 9:36-43 that describes new life coming to a faithful disciple who has died. Tabitha, a self-giving woman who has served extravagantly throughout her life, dies and then is restored to life through the prayers of Peter. The power of resurrection — the restoration of life — has come into the world through the resurrection of Jesus. Peter helps this energy of new life blossom in our story.
My reflections on this will take the form of a dialogue sermon with our two Miss Hall’s students who have been volunteering weekly at the Pantry since October. Mariah Lewis is from Williamstown and Helin Karakus is from Adana, Turkey — not far from Tarsus, the home town of the Apostle Paul. They are both sophomores and have been working closely with Sandie Smith at the Children’s Book Table as well as working with the larger Pantry ministry.
They have had marvelous experiences this past year and together we will reflect on their work here, at school, on larger issues of wealth and poverty, and on our theme for the day: “Miracles in our Midst.” It has been a joy having both of them with us this past year and we wish them many blessings in all their future endeavors. Be sure to come and listen in on what will be a rich, wonderful conversation. (You can now listen to the dialog sermon.)
I will also have a conversation with the Church School about the 23rd psalm and the care of shepherds. I have a simple object that will make visible such tender care. This Sunday the children will be collecting canned pears for the pantry. They will spend time with Ann Roche learning more about our shepherding God.
We will all sing some great hymns in worship and the Choir will share “The King of Love My Shepherd Is,” an Irish hymn. It will be a good day to be together in faith, hope, and love.
On April 16, we will give thanks for the life of Dave Colburn in a memorial service at 2 p.m. This will be followed by a reception in the parlor hosted by the May Mattoon Class. Dave was a wonderful support in worship and on the Diaconate for many years. He was a marvelous presence in the life of the church. We will share some very rich memories together in word, song, and prayer.
On these sunny days I’ve been checking out the sun with my special telescope looking for sunspots. Nobody is likely to tell you but this week a giant sunspot — larger than the earth — has been passing over the face of the sun. It’s been making fascinating patterns in the bubbly cauldron of the sun and keeping your pastor quite entertained!
Enjoy spring. Peace.