A Day of New Life and Celebration

Easter Day at church was truly glorious this year. From the very beginning, there was a feeling of joy and life all around us, as if the whole congregation was wrapped in the light of the Resurrection. The church was filled with children, their laughter and excitement bringing a special kind of holiness to the day. Seeing so many young faces reminded us that Easter is not only a celebration of Christ rising from the dead, but also a celebration of new life, hope, and the promise of God’s love continuing through every generation.

One of the most beautiful moments came during the Eucharist, when all the children gathered around the altar together. It was a powerful image of welcome and belonging. In their innocence and wonder, they seemed to draw everyone closer to the heart of God. As they stood together around the altar, there was a deep sense that Christ was truly present among us, blessing the community with peace and joy.

Another moving moment was when the children placed flowers on the cross. The cross, once a symbol of suffering and death, slowly became covered in color and beauty. Each flower felt like a small offering of love and thanksgiving. Watching the children transform the cross into something living and radiant was a reminder of Easter itself — that God brings beauty from sorrow and life from death.

After the service, the celebration continued with a joyful Easter egg hunt. The church grounds were alive with laughter, running feet, and happy families. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling. There was such a spirit of togetherness and gratitude that it was impossible not to feel the presence of God in our midst.

Easter Day was more than just a church service; it was a glimpse of the kingdom of God — filled with joy, community, love, and new life. God was truly present in every moment: in the children gathered at the altar, in the flowers covering the cross, in the laughter during the egg hunt, and in the happiness shared by all. It was a day that will remain in our hearts for a long time.

JUNE 8-12 VACTION BIBLE SCHOOL

Kids—register NOW for VBS! Children age 4 through 5^th grade are invited to join the Snowball Mountain Challenge at Vacation Bible School. $50 per child.

Volunteers are needed for the daily jobs of workshop leaders, children's guides and snack prep. There are also part-time jobs like registration, decorating, and general background helpers.

Good Shepherd Youth are encouraged to volunteer. Contact Michelle Lane to volunteer and for more information. To register, visit the website at goodsheponline.org, or click the button below.  

Click to watch the video!!!

Celebrate Mother's Day with faith-focused, at-home activities that honor moms through prayer, gratitude, and intentional time. Meaningful gestures include hosting a breakfast with shared prayer, writing letters expressing gratitude for her spiritual legacy, and giving gifts like devotionals or prayer journals to nurture her spiritual life.

Faith-Filled Mother’s Day Activities at Home

• Family Prayer Time: Start the day by praying together, particularly during a special breakfast or brunch, thanking God for her influence.
• Gratitude Letters: Write a letter highlighting specific ways she has demonstrated faith, compassion, and courage.
• Spiritual Gift Exchange: Give gifts that nurture her faith, such as a new devotional, a Bible, or a journal to record her prayers.
• Acts of Service: Actively serve her by handling chores to allow her to rest and experience peace.
• Create a Prayer Tree: Craft a "prayer tree" by placing branches in a jar and hanging paper leaves with written prayer requests for her.
• Share Memories: Reflect on the godly lessons she has taught throughout your life.

Meaningful Ways to Honor Her Faith

• Ask About Her Journey: Spend time asking, "What is God teaching you right now?" to show her spiritual life is valued.
• Pray Over Her: Have family members share a prayer for her health, strength, and continued spiritual impact.
• Celebrate Her Legacy: Acknowledge the "quiet faithfulness" of her daily prayers and sacrifices that have shaped the family. 

A Mother's Day Prayer...

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of mothers, through whom Your love is revealed in so many ways.

Bless all mothers:

those who are joyful, and those who are burdened,

those expecting new life, and those who mourn a loss,

those who nurture children now, and those who lovingly remember.

Grant them strength, patience, and joy in their vocation.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord,

be their guide and consolation.

Let their sacrifices be honored, their love returned, and their hearts filled with peace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Who to Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this information, please contact our Children's Minister, Michelle Lane at 561-746-4674 or to email, click HERE.

www.goodsheponline.org

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and School

The Rev. Dr. Sanford H. Groff, Jr., Rector

Michelle Lane, Children's Minister

561-746-4674