In our parish, we pray for: Sandy T.A.,Lora V. Sylvia, Donovan, Ryan, Blake, Bruce, Chris, Wayne, Heather, Erwin, Dorie & Agenhart, John, Todd, Terry, Sharon, Elaine, Tom, Sue, David W., Eric, Katy, Kate, Sandee, Barbara, and Mary F.
AND all who struggle with illness and/or hardship.
Please contact the HNC office with any additional prayer requests
Have you ever had an experience with sheep and know what it is like for someone who cares for them?
There are some solar panels up on a hill near where I live. Nowadays, itʻs fairly common for large solar fields to have sheep living below the panels to help keep the plant growth under control. Three adult sheep have been living under the nearby panels for a year or so, and now three lambs, new additions in recent months, also live there.
The sheep are happy to eat what grows but it isnʻt enough to sustain them. They rely on a young man who feeds them every morning and evening. As they hear his voice calling, they come running to eat the tasty food he brings. They recognize his voice and know when they hear it they will be fed something delicious. The sheep know him because he always shows up. He is trustworthy; heʻs the one they can rely on. He knows them, too. He has seen their quirks and knows who will be a little bit of a bully. He knows which ones he has to make a little space for so they get what they need, too. He knows the sheep and they know him.
The last words of the song Dr. Cat sang during communion last Sunday have been running through my head this week. “To be known, to be known, to know, to know.” When they asked Jesus if he was the Messiah he said, “The works that I do in my Fatherʻs name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”
When I dwell on those words, I think about how comforting it is to be known. There are few people in our life who really know us as we are, who we trust with our secrets and our true selves. Sometimes itʻs our parents who know us through and through. Every once in a while, we might have a friend who knows us.
To be known by Jesus and to be his sheep means that we are accepted and loved in our entirety, even when we wander off and get lost. We are known even when we might feel misunderstood by the world. When we follow Jesus we know him through his words and teachings. We know his voice and turn back when we are wandering away and we hear his voice asking us to come back to him.
Knowing Jesus and being known by him - may we all remember this blessing every day.
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Aloha/Coffee hour needs volunteers to bring refreshments!
Starting in June, we are looking for enthusiastic people who can bring snacks and food for the social time on Sunday, after services.
This can be a one off to commemorate your special occasion or a semi-regular thing. Individuals are welcome or you can team up with others.
All efforts are much appreciated!
HNC will provide the coffee and plates, cutlery, napkins, cups
Setup is 8:45am
Bring any food or snacks you wish to share (please supply your own serving platters and serving utensils)
There will be help with cleanup
The volunteer sign-up sheet will be available after services.
Please contact the HNC office with any questions or to sign up!