Bible Text: John 10:11-18

This Sunday, just a few weeks after Easter, we hear the story of the Good Shepherd. We hear how adrift sheep would be without a shepherd - they are susceptible to wolves snatching them up, going astray without strong leadership, and getting lost without a vigilant shepherd who is paying attention. It's not just a sweet story; there are real repercussions if we don't have caring, dedicated people watching out for sheep! We as humans also have different lives when we don't have people watching out for us. The early disciples were frantic that their leader, their Rabbi, had been taken from them. Jesus had been their link to God, their manifestation of Divine presence and guidance. Now they would have to band together and provide that for themselves. They would also have to connect with God in a new way without Jesus interpreting things for them. This story is a story about being protected and cared for. It operates on several levels: about how Jesus cared for them; about how we are to care for others; about how our God cares for us on a cosmic level. This is about our lives being bound up intimately with our Creator God and with one another. And this story falls on Earth Day - a day when we are asked to ponder how we can care for our beautiful earth and world. We will explore our need for protection and care in our worship on Sunday. You are invited to join us at 10 am. We will have special music by Candace Murphy on violin and soloist Kim singing a piece from Bach's Magnificat as well as other stirring music. Come early if you want to join our hymn-sing as we gather!

 

-  Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy

Also on Sunday:

Jeff and Neva will be leading Church School class. Jackie and Lu will be overseeing the nursery.

 

Council will be meeting at 11:30 in the East Parlor to go over the monthly financials.

 

Descanso Gardens Outing -
Don't miss the Saturday trip to Descanso Gardens.  Our Lamplighter Group is coordinating a trip on Saturday the 21st to see the blooming flowers. Plan to meet between 11:00-11:30 in the patio area for lunch and then you may tour the gardens on your own. RSVP Sue Miele or Nina in the office. The Enchanted Railroad will be running! Click here for more info.

 

The Scholarship Committee is in the process of interviewing potential recipients for our annual FCC Pasadena Area Women's Pasadena Scholarship. Please keep the committee in your prayers as they discern who will be selected this year as we have a nice group of talented and wonderful women to choose from! The selection committee is : Grace Rinck, Mary Camacho, Krysty Leckrone, Sue Miele, Pastor Marlene Pomeroy and Bettie Teel.

 

What we need now is for you all to come to the Tea and meet the recipients! Membership Ministry is coordinating the food and you may be in touch with Kevin Cordova-Brookey or Kim Story to sign up to bring homemade goodies. Please RSVP to Nina at [email protected] with your reservation. The cost is $34 per adults and $20 per child under 10 yrs. This is a fantastic event to invite a friend! Our Music Director Connie Washburn is providing some special music again this year for your pleasure at the Tea.