Prayers of the People for May 14, 2023 by Debbie Pallack.

Special music for May 14, 2023 by the chancel choir.

This is the time of year when many of our friends are in some kind of transition. Some of us are heading north for the summer, some are going on vacations for a while, and some of us are having to relocate. These can be difficult times, but they can be exciting as well. Those who go to a new location have adventures to look forward to, and friends who keep in touch get to be part of those changes and possibly have their own adventures when they visit.

In this week’s passage from the Gospel of John, Jesus offers a farewell speech to his friends, his disciples, before his arrest. Knowing that he will be executed, resurrected, and then return to abide with God until the end times, Jesus forewarned his followers that he will soon have to leave them and go to a place where they will not be able to see him. It is generally harder to be left than to leave, so they were troubled by his words. But Jesus explained that it would ultimately be good for everyone if he follows the path God had set before him. Join us next Sunday as we reflect on the gifts Christ made available to us as a result of the transitions that he was willing to experience.

Special music by the chancel choir.

Prayers of the People for May 7, 2023 by Dave Cridland.

I think it’s safe to say that knockoffs are never as good as the original. When you get a copy of something, whether it’s clothing or car parts, it usually doesn’t have the same quality, feel or performance as the original. Copies are usually cheaper, but sometimes price is not what’s most important.

This week, we will reflect on Jesus’s call to listen for his authentic voice. His voice, the voice of God, offers true wisdom, peace, and understanding, and there is nothing comparable to the Word of God. He warned his listeners to beware of the knockoffs in the world that try to get them to buy into alternative means of satisfaction – through things like wealth or prestige. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the importance of listening for God’s authentic voice.

Prayers of the People for April 30, 2023 by Fred Hancewicz.

Special music for April 30, 2023 by the chancel choir.

When we encounter difficult life situations, it’s natural and necessary to grieve our losses. We need time to process those events that result in changing circumstances or lost relationships. Despite an expectation that everything will be fine in the end, the moment of pain cannot be ignored, and having someone to sit with us and listen can be invaluable.

This is the kind of care Jesus offered a pair of disciples who were returning to Emmaus after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus. They had lost their teacher, and their hope for salvation from the Romans was dashed. But Jesus appeared to them as they walked home, and he listened as they explained why they were so sad. In response, Jesus told them that they had more to be thankful for than they realized, then he explained why he had to be crucified and resurrected. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on this interaction with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and hope a new hope for salvation was born.

Special music by the chancel choir for April 23, 2023.