God's Loving Presence in a Hurting World

Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 3, 2026

Musings from the Pastor's Desk

Finding Our Way with God’s GPS

 

When we are on the road and get lost, we can rely on our GPS to get us back on track. When we make a wrong turn, a voice corrects us and tells us where to go. Today, it’s virtually impossible to become lost.


What do we do when we have lost our way, feeling hopeless, anxious, and not sure where to turn? In Sunday’s gospel lesson from John, Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Jesus is speaking to the anxious disciples who don’t know where to go when their path forward feels unclear or even impossible. Jesus is the way.



Much of our life can feel like we are trying to make a way where none is obvious. We face decisions about health, family, finances, and vocation. We navigate grief, fractured relationships, and seasons of doubt. Sometimes the road ahead disappears entirely, and we’re left asking, “Where do we go from here?”

 

In our daily lives, we rely heavily on GPS to guide us. We enter a destination, and step-by-step directions appear. When we miss a turn, it calmly recalculates. When traffic blocks the way, it reroutes us. There’s comfort in knowing that even when we’re off course, we’re not lost.


Jesus offers something deeper, what we might call a Holy GPS. Our Holy GPS begins with trust in the destination. Jesus says, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you.” The journey of faith is not aimless wandering; it has a promised end rooted in God’s presence. Even when the road is hard, we trust where it leads.


Our Holy GPS depends on relationships, not just information. Unlike a device that gives directions from a distance, Jesus walks with us. “If you know me, you will know my Father also.” The guidance we receive is grounded in knowing Christ through prayer, scripture, and community, and not just following abstract instructions.



Our Holy GPS includes course correction through grace. We will miss turns. We will make choices that lead us down difficult roads. Yet Jesus does not abandon us. Like a patient guide, he calls us back, redirects us, and continues to lead us forward. Grace is God’s way of recalculating without condemnation.


Finally, our Holy GPS is empowered by faith in action. Jesus tells his disciples that those who believe in him will do “greater works.” Following Christ is not passive; it means stepping forward in trust, loving, serving, forgiving, and witnessing, even when we don’t have the full map in front of us.


Making a way in life is rarely straightforward. But Jesus does not hand us a map and send us off alone. Jesus gives himself to us, inviting us into a loving relationship with him. Jesus becomes the Way who walks beside us, steadies our troubled hearts, and leads us toward life.


So, when the road ahead feels uncertain, turn on God’s GPS. Listen for that steady, guiding voice. Trust the destination. Stay close to the Guide, and remember, even when you feel lost, you will be led home.

 

Come worship with us Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 10:30 AM or on Facebook Live.


Come to Hope using God’s GPS or the one on your smartphone. Both will take you there.

 

Peace+

Pastor Eric

Preparing for Sunday

Fifth Sunday of Easter


Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

1 Peter 2:2-10

John 14:1-14


Choir News

Our Choir will sing the anthem, "God Is Always Near", by Helen Kemp, this coming Sunday, and will practice just before the Service.

Mothers' Day


Sunday, May 10 is Mothers’ Day.  We will celebrate this day by visiting with each other after the service and sharing various kinds of salads. 


If you can bring a salad, please send an email and let us know. 


Experiment! 

Bible Study

On Fridays, we meet at 11AM in the fellowship hall.

Join us!

GriefShare

Support Group

It’s not too late to sign-up! We hold the sessions on Wednesdays from 2-4PM. Please consider joining or referring a friend.



The next class will begin on May 6th.

Ponder the Thought

Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.

Charlie Chaplin


He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Drag Bingo


The Drag Bingo event on April 25th was a great success. Tim reported that we raised $305, in addition to a $1,500 contribution from an anonymous donor. Miss Stormy is considering hosting another Drag Bingo in June, attached please find photos from the evening.


Thank you to everyone for your help, especially Miss Stormy and Tim.

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6201 Coventry Way, Clinton, MD 20735

301.868.2678 | office@hopeclinton.org