The Lessons for May 4 are:
Acts 9:1-6, 20
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-19
All deal with Reconciliation
The ability of people to come together seems elusive in our time. Joe Rogan, for example, said on his podcast that he will not be attending a UFC event in Montreal in May because he doesn’t “go to Canada anymore … I’d rather go to Russia.” Now in saying this, his goal is likely to increase interest in his podcast. Much of the focus of podcasts and social media are about getting noticed, like the irritating student in class who is always demanding attention.
I will not be going to that Ultimate Fighting Championship event in Montreal either. My reason differs. I do not enjoy paying to watch people “go after each other.” I would rather see people reconcile, often a more heroic act. I also imagine that reconciliation is easier to do with Canadians than Russians. Joe might check with those who were stuck in Russia for months and years before purchasing a ticket there.
We were in an Uber in Millbrae, talking to a young man from Brazil, who loves movies as does his family. Watching Home Alone one and two is their family’s Christmas tradition. Both movies end with families being reconciled.
Jesus reconciles with two of the greats of the early church in our lessons for Sunday, both Peter and Paul are brought near to Christ.
Paul, named Saul at the time, was there holding the coats as people brutalized and killed Stephan, the first Christian martyr. Evidently enjoying the bloody spectacle, Paul was on his way to persecute more Christians in Damascus.
As he rode along, he was knocked off his horse and was blinded. Days later he would regain his sight and find faith in a gracious God. A God who would bring people together not tear them apart.
Peter and Jesus reconcile in John 21. Strangely Peter decides that after the wondrous events of Easter, he will go fishing. Six other disciples join him.
Many people decide after Easter to do the same, go fishing or golfing or sleeping in. They do not perhaps feel that church is “for them”.
What Peter and the six other disciples find is that they do not catch anything, even working through the night. At daybreak, Jesus stands on the beach, by a fire and says, “You have no fish, have you?” (21:4) “Try casting the net on the right side of the boat.” (21:6) They did and now the nets were filled to overflowing. The beloved disciple recognizes that only Jesus could do such a miracle and speaks to Peter, who jumps in the water and swims to shore. The rest of the disciples arrive soon afterward with 153 fish, ready for a BBQ on the beach.
The specific number is interesting and perhaps reflects the 153 nations thought to exist in the world at that time. There is a worldwide mission awaiting them.
Jesus and Peter are reconciled when Jesus asks three times if he loves him, which indeed he did. Then “feed my sheep.”
In a world where people work through the night and catch nothing or whose joy is seeing people brutalize one another, Jesus is still on the shore urging us to cast our nets on the right side and find a life overflowing. He offers a world embracing vision of seeing all people as children of God.
Prayer: Lord, in a world that can be brutal and where many find their nets empty after working through the night, grant us eye to see your vision of the world. Empower Faith in its mission until our nets overflow.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
THANKS TO YOUR RESPONSE TO Special Appeals Thanks again for your support of Faith and our outreach ministries. Joy and Jenn from the Preschool were given gifts. The preschool will be acknowledged on May 18. Thanks also to those who gave to Easter Musicians or Lilies.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
Pastor Bunge is in the office on his regular schedule of Mondays and Tuesdays. Confirmation Classes will resume Sunday, May 4.
Time of Meditation back on Thursdays – As Nelson mentioned on Sunday the Mediation group is back meeting @ 12:30 for those new to meditation and @ 1 pm for those who have been through the introduction.
P
ANTRY –2nd & 4th Saturday; from 8 to 10:00. The pantry shelves are empty. Feeding America, our food provider, is short on food donations so it impacts our pantry. We have been having to go to regular grocery stores for food for distribution. We need rice, soup, canned fruit, canned meat (chicken or tuna) and, of course, always cereal. Any donations to the church designated “Pantry” are used to make food purchases for the pantry. Thanks for your support.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY – Seven of us began with a fun class Thursday, April 10 for 4 weeks; this Thursday May 1st will be the last in the Session. We’ve learned how to paint butterflies, birds, cupcakes, flowers. It’s been lots of fun and educational. Holly has donated the fee back to Faith for youth trips. Thank you. We are encouraging her to continue with Class 2. We will let you know.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has started anew and has completed 4 quilts for the San Bernardino Wellness Center and six for Lutheran World Relief. They are working on quilts for our graduating High School Seniors – Benet and Rachel. We will honor them on June 8. 
- Diane Watson fractured her foot but is back in a walking cast with daughter Amy.
- Michael Shea has been back with us.
- Kyle Hadley is making a solid though long recovery after eye surgery. • Jan Wheeler is doing better with the right diagnosis and was with us in worship.
- Pat Teeters was also back.
- Robyn Blue would appreciate prayers for her grandniece who has a tumor on her spine.
- St. Alban’s interim pastor, Mark who will be facing surgery after Easter.
- Judy Martin has several health issues and is not able to return to church. Thanks for your prayers, cards and visits by Carol.
- Cesar Guevara’s brother, Marco, and Kim’s mother, Carol, in Canada and their children.
- Eloise Johnson continues with her health issues but was with us with grandson, Benet, on Easter.
- Jeanne Koening’s seizures and her pancreas are concerns. Jessica’s leukemia is being treated at City of Hope. Joe was with us on Sunday. • Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
- Joy for her upcoming birth & Jennifer recovering from breast cancer.
PRAYER CARD MINISTRY. Easter Season cards (season is 50 weeks) are available in the Narthex for you to send. Other themed cards for May will also be there this Sunday. Thanks to Linda Drom, Holly, Connie.
APRIL
27 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK
THANKS MUCH TO NANCY, KIM & KAREN FOR HOSTING! AND TO ALL WHO BROUGHT FOOD!
Lots of Celebrations in MAY
3 WELCA Bible Study
4 WELCA serving
11 MOTHER’S DAY Celebration
18 PRESCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION – (Thanks to Robyn for providing an Action Team and for hosting with the committee)
25 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – signup in Narthex
JUNE
1 Celebration of Apr-May-Jun Birthdays & Anniversaries 7 WELCA Bible Study
8 WELCA – GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS FOR BENET AND RACHEL (Thanks to Eloise for providing an Action Team)
15 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – Root Beer Floats
22 GAME DAY RESUMES – For a fun change — We will alternate Bingo & Trivia Fun facts
Thanks for remembering us for your Bingo donations;
anything, also candy from the after-Easter sales.
29 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – sign up in Narthex
Thanks to all you have given shoes for Soles 4 Souls.
The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
