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CHRIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Christmas Day | Saturday, 25 December 2021

12/25/2021

Christmas Day 2021

A Beginning
“To us, watchful and waiting, a gift has been slipped into our midst. A tiny child, born in a manger. A gift of peace to troubled souls and dangerous streets. A gift of joy to sad hearts and cautious lives. A gift of hope to wearied brows and oppressed peoples. A tiny baby. A gift from God meant for us. Open your hearts, raise your voices, give thanks to the Giver, welcome the Gift!”

An Invocation
“Wondrous God, open our hearts and minds so we may hear once again the angels' song and know that Christ is born for us and for all. Touch the world with joy this holy day and fill us with peace and childlike wonder. Surprise us and bless us with the simple miracle of the birth of the Christ child. Amen.”

PRAYER
“Wondrous God, take us into your story. Let us be filled with wonder like the shepherds, be as loving as Mary and Joseph and sing with joy like the angels. Take us to Bethlehem and fill us with peace and surprise us with joy.

Holy God, we thank you for Christmas joy - for gifts and family gatherings, for renewed friendships and splendid meals. We thank you for lighted candles, carols sung, and faith put into action. We thank you for hope kindled, peace restored and visions of a new world. God of Christmas blessings, we thank you. Amen.”

“Joy has come to the world; peace has come on earth; we need worry no more.

Immanuel, God be with us, we have prayed for so long, and now God is here. In the serendipity and surprise of a Child, in the wonder of two young parents, in the wisdom of sages and the humility of shepherds, in innkeepers who make room when there is no room, in all these narratives and more, we know your presence among us.

Let us not forget, as gorgeous papers and ribbons clutter our living rooms, what we know here and now. The ultimate gift is your Son: Christ is born in Bethlehem, wrapped in the normal blankets of a normal child, yet containing deep within the genetics of joy, the seeds of peace, the DNA of salvation.

Bless our own gift giving that it, too, be marked with joy and filled with peace. Let our gratitude to others show, and let it come straight from our gratitude for you. In the name of the Child. Amen.”

BLESSING
“May Jesus, wonderful Counselor, grant you wisdom; May Jesus, mighty God, establish and uphold you in righteousness; May Jesus, Prince of Peace, sustain you in love from this day forward.” Amen

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DOUG AND JUDY

Thanksgiving | Thursday, 25 November 2021

11/25/2021

November 25, 2021, Thanksgiving
Have a Blessed Day from Doug & Judy
Psalm 65 CEB (assigned for Thanksgiving Day)
“God of Zion, to you even silence is praise. Promises made to you are kept—you listen to prayer—and all living things come to you. 3 When wrongdoings become too much for me, you forgive our sins. 4 How happy is the one you choose to bring close, the one who lives in your courtyards! We are filled full by the goodness of your house, by the holiness of your temple. 5 In righteousness you answer us, by your awesome deeds, God of our salvation—you, who are the security of all the far edges of the earth, even the distant seas. 6You establish the mountains by your strength; you are dressed in raw power. 7You calm the roaring seas; calm the roaring waves, calm the noise of the nations. 8 Those who dwell on the far edges stand in awe of your acts. You make the gateways of morning and evening sing for joy. 9 You visit the earth and make it abundant, enriching it greatly by God’s stream, full of water. You provide people with grain because that is what you’ve decided. 10 Drenching the earth’s furrows, leveling its ridges, you soften it with rain showers; you bless its growth. 11 You crown the year with your goodness; your paths overflow with rich food. 12 Even the desert pastures drip with it, and the hills are dressed in pure joy. 13 The meadowlands are covered with flocks, the valleys decked out in grain—they shout for joy; they break out in song!”
A Beginning
“Give thanks to God, for God's creation is amazing. The sun warms our day, the moon lights our nighttime way. The earth is filled with bounty, a cornucopia of plenty. Give thanks to God, for God's love is everlasting, a constant source of comfort, a companion in hard times. God is my strength and song, so my heart is filled with praise.”
A Prayer of Confession for Thanksgiving
“Wondrous and generous God, you have blessed us with gentle rains, glorious sunsets and sun-warmed days. You bless us with loving families, kind friends and caring churches. Let us receive these gifts with thankfulness and humility. We cannot earn nor do we deserve such generosity, but we graciously open our hearts and hands to receive.
Forgive us when we are hardhearted and tight handed, when we don't let your goodness flow through us, when we hide our talents and turn away from the needs of the world.
Release us, Holy One, from fear, and create a contagious spirit of giving that touches the world with hope. Amen.”
A Prayer for Thanksgiving Day
“God of peace and plenty, with awe and wonder we thank you for the beauty and abundance of our land and its people. Our ancestors came from many lands, for many reasons, but by your mercy they found grace in the wilderness. Your grace has supplied Our Daily Bread without fail. We thank you. Your grace has provided the raw materials of success, as well as the wit and will to use them. Thank you. By your sheer grace we can indulge ourselves in loveliness, steep ourselves in learning, renew ourselves in leisure and rest in safety. Thank you, Lord.
“You have freely blessed us with more than we could ever earn. You have sustained us in bounty we do not deserve. Our people have abused the land, robbed the heritage of indigenous peoples and imagined ourselves to be the source of our own blessings. Despite all this, you have promised to love your people with an everlasting love, and so we are bold to seek your mercy.
Help us respond to your infinite grace through generosity to those in need, understanding for those in dismay, courtesy toward those who oppose us, forgiveness for those who wrong us and compassion toward all who need us. As we gather with family and friends (perhaps not this year), help us speak freely and naturally of your gracious love so that our holiday table may abound with thanks as well as with food. Through this time of Thanksgiving and rest, lead us to continue in thankful living and giving, for the sake of him who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”

Labor Day Weekend | Thursday, 2 September 2021

9/2/2021

September 2, 2021 as my flag reads – “Don’t Give up The Ship”

According to the Chautauqua County Health Department, the county had 733 new cases of COVID in the month of August along with 6 deaths (164 total during the pandemic).  In the month of July, there were only 54 new cases.  In August of 2020, the County reported 165 cases for the month.  The report indicates that the increase is primarily due to the delta variant which is two and a half times more transmissible and responsible for 90% of the new cases.

We are also approaching the flu season.  According to one medical professional I heard, the rise in new cases may be with us until November.  Just when we were beginning to relax and feel comfortable around people, we now have to be more cautious.  It is a good practice to wear a mask when out in public buildings.  Remember to wash your hands and practice social distancing.

Labor Day is right around the corner.  Let us pray for those who continue to labor in all fields providing for our needs.  Health Care personal especially need our prayers.

Let us continue to pray for the victims of Hurricane Ida and the tornadoes and flooding that has taken place across our country due to its path.  Let us continue to pray for the people of Haiti as they struggle with recovery from an earthquake.  Prayers for the refugees of Afghanistan who are in new lands with new surroundings and new challenges.

In the Woodlands Community – prayers for Wendy and Don, Dodie and Jim.

        “O God of wisdom and understanding, in mystery and silence you are present.
You are always bringing new life out of destruction, hope out of despair, growth out of difficulty. We thank you that you do not leave us alone, but labor to make us whole.
        Help us today to perceive your unseen hand in the unfolding of our lives and to attend to the gentle guidance of your Spirit, that we may experience and feel the joy you give your people.
        We realize that wisdom is more than gaining knowledge and understanding
more than listening. Enable us to let go of heavy expectancies and shriveling anxieties.
        We come with praise and thanksgiving as we welcome this new day and trust that what we experience today will truly enable us to see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly.
        In the Savior's name. Amen.”

Have a safe holiday.  Stay safe and healthy.

The Woodlands Shepherd

Independence Day | 4 July 2021

7/3/2021

Independence Day - Audio Version

July 4, 2021 – Independence Day

A Beginning:
“From shore to shore – Let God’s praise be sung.

From mountains high to valley’s low – Let the echo of praise resound.

From the mouths of children and the prayers of the saints – Let thanksgiving abound.

For great is our God and Greatly to be praised.”

An Invocation for Independence Day
“Creator and ruler of humankind: while songs of our nation’s birth ring in our hearts, remind us to celebrate above all the oneness of the race you have created and the openness of the church you have loved, And help us, who are your church in this place, to be truly open to all your children and to pray for the coming of the day when all shall be one in him who has broken down all the walls that now divide us, even Jesus Christ, the Lord of both church and world. Amen.”

A Prayer for Independence Day
“We give you thanks, O God, for this great country, for its north and south, east and west, for its mountains and rivers, trees and forests. We give you thanks for the hopes it has, of liberty and justice for all. We give you thanks for all that it is not yet and pray for the day when the country realizes its fondest dreams of democracy and liberty and justice for all.

While racism is not our fault, it is still our responsibility. Help us understand, mighty God, that we don't have to shut down. That we don't have to stay angry. Shift us to responsibility and away from guilt.

While this country, like any country, has big problems, it has them in the service of even bigger dreams. Don't let us die to the dream so much as live to its realization. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen.”

“O God, this day we celebrate who we are and where we live. In our pride, make us also humble, for we are aware of our freedom, but also aware that sometimes our freedom and our fortune has cost others theirs.

Give us your perspective this day - not only to enjoy celebration but to know that we cannot celebrate fully until the world joins us as a community of care.

We lift to you prisoners of conscience, poverty, cruel regimes and places where freedom is just a dream.

May we always be a people who remember and work for justice as you would have us do. Amen.”

A Quote:
“God is. We are. In spite of our fumbles and because of God's grace, we are not daunted by the troubles of this age, nor are we fearful of what is to come. We do not bless God for our wealth, our health or for our feeble wisdom. We bless God that God is, that we are and that his promise and love shall be with us when time itself shall be no more.”
-Peter Gomes

Father's Day | Sunday, 20 June 2021

6/20/2021

Father's Day - Audio Version

Father’s Day June 20, 2021

A Beginning:
“Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, Families in all shapes and sizes, worship the Lord our God. Loud singers and quiet hummers, quick learners and patient teachers, ocean surfers and mountain climbers, worship the Lord our God. We who feel younger than springtime or older than the hills, worship the Lord our God. We who go faster than the speed of light or slower than molasses, worship the Lord our God. On this special, holy day, worship the Lord our God.”

An Invocation:
“Almighty God, you have set us as individuals in families. May our families be strengthened by your Spirit. Keep us close together so that no challenge can unravel the bindings of love that unite us. On this Father's Day, we pray that you will turn our hearts in tenderness toward one another. In the name of him who came into the little family of Nazareth. Amen.”

A Prayer of Confession:
“Faithful God, persistent friend, you weave so many wonderful people into our lives: fathers and mothers, children and youth, friends and neighbors, teachers and preachers. Yet do we stop to acknowledge them as blessings from God? Do we say a word of thanks or whisper a prayer of gratitude? Have we told our appreciation, written a word of encouragement, sung their praises?
Faithful God, forgive us for taking anyone for granted. Give us eyes to see the miracles around us. Give us hearts that know you care for each and every one. Give us voices to sing our thanks. Amen.”

A Prayer for Father’s Day:
“O God, bless the fathers, Make them strong, Make them gentle, Give them courage, Fill them with love. O God, bless the fathers, Flood them with joy. Give them patience. O loving God, Bless the fathers, and bless us all.”

An Affirmation for Family:
“We believe God created families, small communities where we learn to love up close, celebrate life around the table meal, pray through difficulties, discover that we are children of God.

We believe God created humans not to be alone, but to live in relationship as friends, partners and companions.

We believe God sent Jesus so we could see the heights and depths of love, know that we have a second chance, discover that in loving service the world and our lives become better.

We believe God delights in our laughter, rejoices in our kindness, celebrates our faithfulness.

We believe God made us miracles and surrounds us with reminders, including this family of faith.”

A Prayer for Father’s Day:
“God who brings us mercy and nurture, bless all who have the joy and responsibility of fatherhood this day. We are grateful for fathers who build up their children with gentleness, who break out of stereotypes of strength to provide true, quiet support. We give you thanks for fathers who are husbands as well and keep the family as a priority in life.

We pray for fathers who don't have time, who feel a burden, who find difficulty or might feel like they want to walk away. Steady and center them, O God, as part of your family. God, in your love, bless the fathers. Amen.”

God Bless our Father’s and Mother’s and all who have fulfilled that place in our lives.

Trinity Sunday | Sunday, 30 May 2021

5/30/2021

Trinity Sunday - Audio Version

The assigned Scripture readings for Trinity Sunday, May 30, 2021, are Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29, Romans 8:12-17 and John 3:1-17.

          The following is excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch

          “We are blessed this week with two of the ‘classic’ Biblical verses, which could easily be repeated by many within the church: Isaiah 6:8 and John 3:16. Not only do both the Isaiah and John passages have Trinitarian overtones and references, they can lead beyond consideration of the Trinity in many directions.”

“The fundamental dogma, on which everything in Christianity is based, is that of the Blessed Trinity in whose name all Christians are baptized. The feast of the Blessed Trinity needs to be understood and celebrated as a prolongation of the mysteries of Christ and as the solemn expression of our faith in this triune life of the Divine Persons, to which we have been given access by Baptism and by the Redemption won for us by Christ.”

“The feast of the Blessed Trinity was introduced in the ninth century and was only inserted in the general calendar of the Church in the fourteenth century by Pope John XXII. But the cultus of the Trinity is, of course, to be found throughout the liturgy. Constantly the Church causes us to praise and adore the thrice-holy God who has so shown His mercy towards us and has given us to share in His life.”

          “Trinity Sunday The dogma of faith which forms the object of the feast is this: There is one God and in this one God there are three Divine Persons; the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God. Yet there are not three Gods, but one, eternal, incomprehensible God! The Father is not more God than the Son, neither is the Son more God than the Holy Spirit. The Father is the first Divine Person; the Son is the second Divine Person, begotten from the nature of the Father from eternity; the Holy Spirit is the third Divine Person, proceeding from the Father and the Son.”                                                                                                                                        “Why is this feast celebrated at this particular time? It may be interpreted as a finale to all the preceding feasts. All three Persons contributed to and shared in the work of redemption. The Father sent His Son to earth, for "God so loved the world as to give His only-begotten Son." The Father called us to the faith. The Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, became man and died for us. He redeemed us and made us children of God. He ever remains the liturgist par excellence to whom we are united in all sacred functions. After Christ's ascension the Holy Spirit, however, became our Teacher, our Leader, our Guide, our Consoler.”

“This feast, which falls on the first Sunday after Pentecost, should make us mindful that actually every Sunday is devoted to the honor of the Most Holy Trinity, that every Sunday is sanctified and consecrated to the triune God. Sunday after Sunday we should recall in a spirit of gratitude the gifts which the Blessed Trinity is bestowing upon us. The Father created us; on the first day of the week He began the work of creation. The Son redeemed us; Sunday is the "Day of the Lord," the day of His resurrection. The Holy Spirit sanctified us, made us His temple; on Sunday the Holy Spirit descended upon the infant Church. Sunday, therefore, is the day of the Most Holy Trinity.”

Thanksgiving and Confession shared by Rev Dr Sandy Forsyth, Minister of Mayfield Minister of Mayfield Salisbury, Edinburgh, Scotland.

“Loving God, this time, these moments are precious – set apart from all that we have to do in our lives,
A haven where we can seek together the grace you freely give, God the Father,
The peace of Jesus your Son,
And unity amongst each other, to draw near as brothers and sisters in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
God our Father, as You bring light into darkness
And hope to our world.
As Your son Jesus bring comforts to those suffering
And a full life for all.
As the Holy Spirit brings joy to our hearts
And everyday miracles of change in our world.
We come to worship You and to offer our praise.

As we look towards a life where we can live more openly as restrictions ease from the pandemic, we offer our gratitude for the strength You have given us to persevere through all the hardships of the past year, and praise You for the prospect of new beginnings.

We thank You, Lord God, that You have always come to Your people in the past, for Your presence and guidance through centuries of faithful worship and service in the churches of Scotland:
You have led generations through the wilderness that life can be,
When they have been lost, You have searched for them,
When they have been in deepest struggle and exile, You have brought them back home,
For Your love and commitment to all people which stays so close, we praise You, God.
We thank You, God, that You come to us now in our lives as we look ahead once more,
In worship, You speak to us,
In our journey through life, You go with us,
When we look for a way, we can see it in Your son Jesus,
For Your love which calls us to follow, we praise You, God.
We give thanks, God, for the times when You will come to us in the future,
When our lives are troubled, You will be there for us,
Your promises will remain, You will hold us fast,
Your son Jesus will give us the strength, peace and comfort to go on,
For Your love which holds us forever, we praise You God.
Lord, for the times when we have ignored the path that You have laid for us, when we have rejected Your promises of change, forgiveness and hope, when we have spurned Your generous hospitality,
For the times when we have been too busy to do the right thing, in Your name, even though we know we should have,
For the times when we’ve made excuses rather than act,
Forgive us Lord.
We are but sometime sinners and ragged saints,
Help us to be renewed and refreshed once more, to rejoice again in You,
To live every day as a step forward,
Living our lives always in Your light,
And to spark that light to shine again in church and nation.
We offer You these prayers in the name of Jesus, our saviour who lived and died for us, Amen.”

Pentecost | Sunday, 23 May 2021

5/22/2021

Pentecost - Audio Version

The assigned scripture readings for this Pentecost Sunday are Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:22-27 and John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15.

Acts 2:1-21 The Message
1 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force - no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. 3 Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, 4 and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. 5 There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. 6 When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. 7 They couldn't for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, "Aren't these all Galileans? 8 How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene; 11 both Jews and proselytes; Even Cretans and Arabs! "They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!" 12 Their heads were spinning; they couldn't make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: "What's going on here?" 13 Others joked, "They're drunk on cheap wine." 14 That's when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: "Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. 15 These people aren't drunk as some of you suspect. They haven't had time to get drunk - it's only nine o'clock in the morning.
16 This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen: 17 "In the Last Days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams. 18 When the time comes, I'll pour out my Spirit On those who serve me, men and women both, and they'll prophesy.
19 I'll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, Blood and fire and billowing smoke, 20 the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the Day of the Lord arrives, the Day tremendous and marvelous; 21 And whoever calls out for help to me, God, will be saved."

A Pentecost Prayer of Confession
“Awesome and disturbing God, you breathed life into us, and each day you fill us with the power of your Spirit. We are given your courage and yet act with caution and timidity. We know your intentions for justice, yet too often keep silent or yield to the complexity of issues and do nothing. We are over-whelmed with your love, yet are hesitant to mention your name to another. We have been forgiven much, yet we harbor old resentments, hold on to past hurts and turn away from reconciliation.

Wondrous God, restore us to clear thinking, give us compassionate hearts, and lead us to bold actions. Let your forgiving love cleanse fear and timidity from us. Set us on your path with your Spirit in our minds. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”

A Pentecost Prayer
“Holy Breath, Holy Spirit, you who move so lightly on wave and wind, you who can be as mighty as a hurricane, as strong as a tornado, as quiet as breath, draw near. Give us light. Give us hope. Give us spirit. Let us be strong and tender, simultaneously, even as you are. Let us be fierce in defending the gospel and humble in our understanding of its completeness.

Let us join your disciples in awe and wonder, and let us become the kind of people they were - real, awed, full and capable, despite weakness, of great witness.

When we lose our way, guide us. When we are winded, invigorate us. When we go too far on too little, befriend us. Never let us be far from our source in you. Amen.”

Prayers for Beth Green as she recovers from her fall.

Ascension Sunday | Sunday, 16 May 2021

5/15/2021

Ascension Sunday - Audio Version

Sunday, May 16, 2021 – Ascension Sunday

The assigned scripture readings for this the 7th Sunday of Easter and also Ascension Sunday are Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23 and Luke 24:44-53.
Luke 24:44-53 The Message

44 Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled."
45 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way.
46 He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day,
47 and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations - starting from here, from Jerusalem!
48 You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses.
49 What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high."
50 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them,
51 and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.
52 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy.
53 They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.

A Prayer of Invocation for Ascension
“We come to celebrate Christ's ascension, our Father. We remember that his physical removal from earth made possible the coming of the Holy Spirit who is our companion at all times and in all places. We glorify God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. One God in three manifestations. Therefore, we thank you, God, that you are ever-present and ever blessing us. In Christ's name. Amen.”

A Prayer of Confession for Ascension
“Almighty God: You accepted our Lord's sacrifice on the cross for our Salvation; by your infinite power you raised him from death on the third day, clothing him again with the flesh in which the disciples had known him, so that they might recognize him; and then you ordered him home, to rule with you in heaven until his final return to earth.

We humbly confess that, while we know the story and even believe it, we do not allow it to make much difference in our lives. We still fail to value each other’s lives. We still dread death as if we did not have his promise of life beyond this life. We still do not know how to respond rightly to the assurance of his ultimate return at the end of our time.

Enable us today, oh God, to reflect more deeply on the sacred story, that our discipleship may be enhanced and that our service to him may become more useful and effective. In the name of the risen and ascended Savior we pray. Amen.”

A Prayer for Ascension Sunday
“The time is now when Jesus departs from our sight, only to return in a new and different glory. Understand our griefs and our fears, O God, and transform them into hope. Let trust be ours - and help us manage to be your people despite our fears. When doubt moves into our room, chasten us. When we feel horribly alone, send us a sign of your presence. And when we compete for seats next to you, or at the table, remind us that, because of you, time has changed. Remind us that there is plenty for all. Amen.”

Day 410 | Monday, 3 May 2021

5/3/2021

Day 410 - Audio Version

Day 410 | Monday, 3 May 2021

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11 The Message

1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth: 2 A right time for birth and another for death, A right time to plant and another to reap, 3 A right time to kill and another to heal, A right time to destroy and another to construct, 4 A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer, 5 A right time to make love and another to abstain, A right time to embrace and another to part, 6 A right time to search and another to count your losses, A right time to hold on and another to let go, 7 A right time to rip out and another to mend, A right time to shut up and another to speak up, 8 A right time to love and another to hate, A right time to wage war and another to make peace. 9 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? 10 I've had a good look at what God has given us to do - busywork, mostly. 11 True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time - but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going.

It was Friday, March 20, 2020 that the first of these daily messages was sent out to the neighbors at the Woodlands where Judy and I live. When I began these thoughts, the intent was to connect us together in our community after hearing about the Corona Virus and the shutting down of life as we had known it. We were in new territory. There was uncertainty, fear, worry and many questions. I wanted the daily thoughts to be a source of hope for all of us as well as bringing us a sense of togetherness even though we needed to be in isolation. It wasn’t long before the neighbors were referring to me as The Woodlands Shepherd. When I shared what I had started in the Woodlands with my pastor, she asked if I would send the daily messages to the church so they could be added to the church web site and face book page. Friends and family soon asked to be added to the email list to receive these daily offerings. Last fall I was asked if there was a way for me to record these offerings so that people with vision problems could hear them. That proved to be very meaningful to some.

As Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is a right time for every season. Even though we are not completely back to normal and out of the woods regarding the Corona Virus, I believe that we are no longer in crisis. Most of us have received our vaccines. Many are resuming activities and family gatherings. In fact, this coming Friday, we are traveling to West Virginia to meet our great grandson who was born Feb. 16th. We will also be visiting a couple daughters and families one of whom we have not seen since August 2019 and the other since December 2019. The need around which I started these daily messages is no longer there. With all that being said, today will be my last daily message to all of you. The Church Mouse and I have decided to refocus.
Periodically I will send out a similar email. I will probably focus my thoughts on the change of church seasons and when there seems to be a time of need. I might even focus on the Sunday messages. I thank you for reading, listening to or even passing along these messages.

We will continue our weekly meeting at Noon on Wednesday to pray the Lord’s Prayer and give strength to one another. God Bless everyone – stay healthy and stay safe.

The Woodlands Shepherd and The Church Mouse!

Day 409 | Sunday, 2 May 2021

5/2/2021

Button Day 409 - Audio Version

Day 409 Sunday, May 2, 2021

The assigned Scripture readings for this the fifth Sunday of Easter are Acts 8:25-40, Psalm 22:25-31, 1 John 4:7-21 and John 15:1-8.

I am sharing the gospel reading which is a reminder of how we are connected to Jesus. The imagery is one I have always found to be very powerful. I am a branch. Have I been producing, or have I started to dry up and be unproductive? Every now and then, I need to be trimmed to be productive.

The second reading is from 1 John. This week I have shared thoughts on trust and faith. This reading is just one that talks about love. It is challenging in today’s world to be loving of some people. What does this mean for me as a disciple? How do I show my love when there is so much hatred and evil?

John 15:1-8 CEB I am the true vine
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. 3 You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can’t produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine. Likewise, you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything. 6 If you don’t remain in me, you will be like a branch that is thrown out and dries up. Those branches are gathered up, thrown into a fire, and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.

1 John 4:7-21 (The Message) Love and God
7 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. 8 The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love - so you can't know him if you don't love. 9 This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. 10 This is the kind of love we are talking about - not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God. 11 My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. 12 No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us - perfect love! 13 This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. 14 Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. 15 Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. 16 We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. 17 This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day - our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. 18 There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life - fear of death, fear of judgment - is one not yet fully formed in love. 19 We, though, are going to love - love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. 20 If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? 21 The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.

Today: How are you doing as a branch connected to the vine? How loving are you?