May 2, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

A shepherd watches over 100 sheep.  One is startled and overwhelmed.  That one gets lost and is afraid.  The one sheep feels disconnected from the rest of the flock and is more vulnerable than ever.  The shepherd counts the sheep continually.  Can you imagine, counting 100 sheep hour after hour?  The shepherd's purpose is to protect the sheep.  One is missing, in danger, and alone.  The shepherd will not stop searching until the sheep is rescued.  Placing the sheep across the shepherd's shoulders, they return to where it is safe.

God is watching over us in this way in these days.  In our social distancing, we may feel isolated and lost.  We might feel disconnected and afraid.  But there are shepherds who are ready to lift us up and carry us to safety.  They are phone callers and letter writers.  They are the Zoom check-ins and online worship services. They are the people who are just a text message away to provide help and support.  I read this story this morning.  Any in Michigan can text the word RESTORE to 741741 and a trained counselor can provide assistance to anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, 24/7.  

And the shepherd calls out to the neighbors, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost."

Online worship is tomorrow at 10 am at www.wesleypark.org, with a Zoom Coffee Hour to follow.  The service will replay at 2 pm on Facebook.  You can watch the worship service anytime after 11 am on our website under Livestream/Worship Videos. We are celebrating a Love Feast, so make a meal for yourself, set a place for Jesus and your family and friends, and give God thanks for the grace that is present in these days.

Peace,
Dean