After months of colder days and quieter rhythms, the world begins to open again; trees stretching into green, light lingering a little longer, and the earth reminding us that growth is not only possible, it is inevitable. And here at Church of the Loving Shepherd, we are beginning to see that same sense of renewal take shape in very tangible ways.
Because of your generosity through our Easter Special Offering, we are now able to move forward with several much-needed improvements to our property. These are not just updates to a space; they are investments in a living, breathing ministry. Every path cleared, every repair made, every space tended becomes an extension of the care and welcome this community embodies so well. Your giving is already making a visible and meaningful difference.
But perhaps even more than what is being improved, I want to remind you of what already exists here and what is always available to you.
Our grounds are not just for Sunday mornings. They are here for you, every day. You do not need permission to walk the labyrinth, to sit quietly by the pond, or to wander out into the field and take in the beauty around you. These spaces were created to be lived in, prayed in, rested in. Whether you come in a moment of joy, reflection, or simply the need for a breath of fresh air, know that you are always welcome here!
As the pace of life naturally shifts with the season, it can be easy to drift in different directions. And yet, community is something we choose to return to again and again. So I invite you to stay connected in the ways that nourish you. Join us for worship, lend a hand when you’re able, stop by just to be present. Your presence matters, and it continues to shape who we are together.
May this month be one of renewal for you in body, in spirit, and in the simple, sacred moments you make space to notice.
The Easter story has been told for generations. And yet, like all sacred stories, it continues to unfold depending on how we listen and where we find ourselves within it. In this next sermon series, we’re going to gently shift our perspective. Instead of focusing only on the central figures, we’ll explore the story through the eyes of those often overlooked: the bystanders, the unexpected participants, the quiet witnesses.
Some were pulled into the story without choosing it.
Some remained when others walked away.
Some didn’t fully understand what they were part of.
And perhaps that’s what makes their voices so powerful.
Because this is not just their story, it’s ours.
This series invites each of us, wherever we are on our spiritual journey, to discover how meaning, connection, and even transformation can emerge when we dare to see familiar stories in new ways.
You may hear something you’ve never considered before. You may see yourself where you didn’t expect to. And you may find that the sacred has been speaking… in more voices than you ever imagined.
GROW SPIRITUALLY AT CLS
Every Tuesday 12:30-2 PM on Zoom
Pathfinders will be reading and discussing the Tao Te Ching, here is the schedule for our final weeks:
May 5 Chapters 32-41
May 12 Chapters 42-51
May 19 Chapters 52-61
May 25 Memorial Day
May 26 Chapters 62-71
June 2 Chapters 72-81
The philosophy known to us as Taoism, “The Way,” or “The Path,” is thought to have originated with one Lao Tzu in 6th century BCE China. “Tao means path. “For Lao Tzu, it signifies not just any path, but the specific path to living in concordance with the unity of the universe.”
All are welcome to join in our discussions, whether or not you have read the book.
Our Easter food delivery was held on Thursday, April 2nd. We wanted to
make sure our families received their food in advance of the Easter holiday.
The Food Bank truck arrived a little later than expected, but it was
overflowing with produce! The wonderful turnout of CLS helping hands
broke down the large boxes and bags of delivered produce, and the delivery
bags were packed in a jiffy. The produce, whole frozen chickens, and side
dishes were delivered along with $50 Shop Rite gift cards. The cards
allowed our families to supplement their holiday meal. Our volunteers were
met with big smiles and grateful hearts.
Looking Ahead
Since Memorial Day traditionally marks the beginning of summer,
We’re hoping to deliver some “Picnic Products” to our families!
Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, and or Relish
There will be a basket in the church lobby marked Picnic Products. Please put your donations in that basket.
Thank you so much for all you do!
Set Up
Thursday, May 21st at 8:30 AM
Load bags with non-perishables and paper goods
Food Delivery
Friday, May 22nd between 8:30 and 9 AM
Bag perishables and deliver bags to families
We deliver in pairs or groups
There’s room for new hands and hearts, so come be a part of the team!
Besides your physical presence, we welcome donations for our deliveries. In Jill’s weekly schedule on the CLS website, you’ll find needed donations listed.
Are you available for 1-3 hours to assist us in spreading wood chips, cleaning up fallen branches and tending to our flower beds? Please let us know.
A excerpt from Pastor Jill's sermon on April 19th (This has been edited and shortened; for the full sermon, contact the office.)
Sounds like an easy task, guarding a body. The guards at Jesus' tomb stood there in the quiet for two nights. Maybe shifting their weight. Maybe making small talk. Maybe just waiting for the hours to pass. Nothing unusual. Nothing unexpected.
Until suddenly… everything changed. Scripture says there was a violent earthquake.
The ground beneath them began to shake. And before they could steady themselves, an angel of the Lord descended. Not approached. Not wandered in. Descended.
As if to say: This was never yours to control. The guards - these strong, trained men - shook with fear and became like dead men themselves. Because when heaven shows up, earthly authority doesn’t stand a chance.
They saw it. They witnessed it. They stood right there when the impossible happened. They watched the stone move. But seeing… is not always believing. And witnessing… is not always surrender.
The ancient teaching from the Tao Te Ching that I read this morning says:
“Ever desireless, one can see the mystery.
Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations.”
In other words…When you are holding tightly to outcomes…to control…to needing things to make sense…you will only ever see what can be explained.
You will see the stone. You will see the seal. You will see the system that says, “This is how the story ends.” That’s what the guards were trained to do. To protect the outcome. To maintain control. To keep the story contained.
But when you loosen your grip…when you stop trying to control the outcome…when you allow yourself to stand in what you don’t fully understand…you begin to see something deeper. Not just what is happening…but what is breaking through.
The mystery.
The guards saw the manifestation…but missed the mystery. They saw the stone move…but instead of letting it move them…they chose a story that gave them control again. Because later, Scripture tells us they went into the city. They reported what had happened.
And what did the leaders do? Did they fall to their knees? Did they say, “We were wrong”? No. They paid for their silence. “Tell a different story.” “Tell them the disciples came at night.” “Tell them anything… just don’t tell them the truth.”
Because the truth was too disruptive. Too uncontrollable. Too powerful.
And suddenly, the guards faced a choice. Not about what they saw, that part was undeniable. But about what they would do with what they saw. Do they tell the truth and risk everything? Or do they accept the version that keeps the world predictable… manageable… safe?
And the question is not: “Did it happen?” The question is: “What will you do now that it has?” Will you explain it away? Will you reduce it to something comfortable? Will you accept a lesser story because it feels safer?
- OR -
Will you stand in the trembling… in the uncertainty… in the holy disruption……and say: “I don’t fully understand this… but I know I’ve seen something real.”
Because faith is not about having all the answers. Faith is about having the courage to stand in the presence of mystery and not turn away. The guards saw the stone move…but they chose the safer story. The controlled version. The manageable truth. But the invitation is not to control the story.
