November 7
Beloved of Good Shepherd church,
Grace to you and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord!
No matter whether you are devastated or delighted by the results of Tuesday’s contest there is a strange relief in being a Christian because our call remains the same. We are to “sell all our possessions, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow Jesus.” “Sell all our possessions” means to let go of all attachments and any allegiances that are less than or other than Love. “Give the proceeds to the poor” means really let go, that is, cut the ties that bind us to all idols that are decidedly not God. And “follow Jesus” means love whatever and whoever is right in front of you as God does which is unconditionally, gently, and without end. That’s a tall order! You may not be ready to dive into those waters today. That’s okay. Go easy on yourself. No matter how you’re feeling or what your next move is, this truth remains: the only place you ever are is in the arms of God. Isn’t that something?
This Saturday at Good Shepherd we are hosting an all day silent retreat. You can find out more and register HERE. If you’re feeling like you need to re-group for whatever reason please consider joining us for one or more of the 2-hour sessions. I don’t think you’ll regret it. My friend, The Reverend Tom Ward, will be our retreat teacher. Fr. Ward had a close spiritual friendship with Fr. Thomas Keating, the founder of Centering Prayer, and is a gifted retreat leader. He will also be with us on Sunday for all three worship services.
Join the Young at Heart small group on Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service in the undercroft. Bring your own lunch and join the group for fellowship and games. Who are the Young at Heart? We will let you answer that question for yourself, but I will tell you that many members of the group have had a lot of birthdays, but they don’t act or feel their age. They are young at heart!
I also want you to know that the Good Shepherd Music School is offering free group singing lessons. No skills or experience needed, and everybody is welcome to come whenever they are available. The lessons are held in the Choir Room after the 10:00 a.m. worship service every Sunday up until November 24.
Saturday is for silence, Sunday is for singing lessons and games; the momentum of our ministry is building at Good Shepherd where all are welcome and love is all!
Remember this always - God loves you, and I do too!
Love is all,
Hendree+