Items for the week of Sunday, April 26th

This past Sunday, April 26^th, was the Fourth Sunday of Easter

During worship we welcomed new members officially into the community of All Saints Lutheran Church.

Welcome Tracy, Bonnie, and Madge!

We also celebrated First Communion and a Bible Presentation for Jade and Jeremiah. They completed a class led by Wanda last week, learning the reasons we celebrate Holy Communion. Congratulations!

We heard the following scripture readings, introduction, and prayer of the day during the worship service:

Introduction

Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.

Prayer of the Day

O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture
Acts 2:42-47 The believers’ common life
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)
1 Peter 2:19-25 Follow the shepherd, even in suffering
John 10:1-10 Christ the shepherd

Devotion for the week
Our Good Shepherd

The images in today’s texts provide us with much food for thought and action. Psalm 23 tells of a shepherd who leads us to green pastures and refreshing waters, walks alongside us as we face challenging times, takes us to a table already set, and anoints us with oil to mark each of us as chosen. We are heard, seen, known, valued, and loved, and remain in the Shepherd’s presence for all time.

Jesus’ words in the gospel reading add to the image of a loving and caring shepherd. The shepherd calls each sheep by name, while the sheep follow because they recognize that voice. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows us well and calls each of us by name. Jesus also serves as the gate for the sheep, guarding and protecting us in the sheepfold, while also providing access to pastureland. This protection and access give us the space to be who we are, with no need to play games or pretend to be someone we are not. And when it comes right down to it, the Good Shepherd comes to give us abundant life—new life in relationship with God, others, and all creation.

The reading from Acts 2 provides an image of abundant life among the early Christians, a life with an extravagance of worship, fellowship, prayer, generosity, service to others, and thankfulness.

How does the image of the Good Shepherd sit with you? How do you picture the relationship between you and Jesus—with shepherd and sheep imagery, or something else? Where and how do you recognize the Good Shepherd’s voice? Do you know someone who has abundant life in Christ—a life of faith, joy, and love? What would such a life look like for you, and for your faith community?