Readings for Sunday April 26
• Acts 2:42-47
• Psalm 23
• 1 Peter 2:19-25
• John 10:1-10
Readings for Sunday May 3
• Acts 7: 55-60
• Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16
• 1 Peter 2:2-10
• John 14:1-14
The Easter season continues as we focus now on the Gospel of John, who quotes the words of Jesus. John and the disciples found these words comforting that night and into their future without Jesus’ physical presence.
At funerals I am often asked to quote Psalm 23 and John 10 and 14. As for the disciples and the early church, people are still comforted knowing that the creator is like a Good Shepherd who stays with the sheep, knows the landscape, searches for them. We still like sheep attune our ears to listen to the voice of abiding grace.
John 14 shares of the parting words of Jesus where he encourages his followers to care for one another and assures them that He will not abandon them. 
This week my son, Eric and his wife, Michelle traveled to Utah to be with her side of the family. They gathered to grieve the death of Michelle’s paternal grandfather. He lived to age 97, a long life, still his absence will be felt, especially by his wife of 70 years.
While they are away Connie and I are hosting Eric and Michelle’s dog, Keona. She is very expressive. Letting you know if the food given to her is appreciated or not. She will also let you know when she is ready for a walk and which way she would like to go. When she is ready she bounces along the paths around our house. She left her alone on Sunday and she let us know she was not happy. However, when we returned, she raced around the house in joy.
Connie and I will be on vacation with my brother and his wife in the Miami area and then on a cruise. We will return on the 3rd of May. Shane Frieberg will preach on April 26 and George Crisp on May 3. So, no message next week but we do anticipate members running around the sanctuary on happy feet when we return.
We have been remembering all the people in the Gospels who ran with Good News when they encounter the risen Lord. The women run from the tomb to tell the disciples. Peter and the beloved disciple ran to the tomb to see it empty. Thomas who was slow to start, runs perhaps all the way to India with Good News. Last Sunday, we remembered the two disciples trudging down the Road to Emmaus with disappointment in their heart, only to encounter Jesus, then come running back to the disciples to celebrate.
John’s Gospel was written after Jerusalem was overthrown and torched by the Romans. The early church was also met with persecution. The Roman authorities were cruel to the Jews and Christians. Roman governance depended on people knowing their place. People in power were called to impose their will on the weak.
The early church celebrated the love of God for all people. For the Christian church countered saw the foot of the cross is a level area. As Paul wrote to the Roman church: “All have sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God.” On that last evening with the disciples before his trial, Jesus knelt to wash the disciples’ feet. He urges them not to dominate others but be of service to them. Be like the Good Shepherd who freely loves all the sheep and searches for the lost. The disciples did not envision it on Good Friday, but Jesus assured them the Good Shepherd would not abandon them. His resurrection sealed the promise.
We remember these passages when we mourn the absence of loved ones. They remind us to anticipate the return of the Risen Lord who will embrace us all. Our hope can send our feet running and dancing for joy, even as we attend funerals. Note the many way we will celebrate this Easter season.
Prayer
Risen Lord, you have not abandoned us. You know our name. In the stillness, we can recognize your voice. Give us courage to trust in your care. Give us faith to believe that you will return to welcome us into your Father’s House. May we be a source of welcome and trust in our world.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
Also note the Church will be attached to an email.
Easter Season Celebrations
• May 10 Mom’s Day
• May 17 Confirmation of Logan, Courtney and Melody moved back from May 3.
• May 24 Pentecost
• May 31 Holy Trinity
• June 7 Bishop Nagler preaching; High School Graduates recognized: Elisha, Russell, Izzie and Gwen
Pastor Bunge will be back in the office May 4 and 5.
PANTRY – Next pantry is April 25 and May 9 and 23. We could use bags (paper or plastic) for distributing food.
QUILTING – Over 250 prayer quilts were made and blessed on Feb 15; they are in the Narthex
for you to distribute. 6 larger quilts so far this year for Lutheran World Relief. 7 for our San
Bernardino Wellness Center. Thanks to Holly for fabric donation from Family Assistance.
SPECIAL THANKS to LOGAN and JOSHUA for helping Pastor John set up the TV in front of the
the pulpit.
THANK YOU TO DEBI FOR TAKING PICTURES FOR THE DIRECTORY
An updated copy of the directory will be emailed; some copies will be available in the Narthex.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box was full and so was taken for its good use. The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations. Thanks to David Strack for coordinating. Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well
• Elaine Risso is back with us in worship.
• Tom Ziech was with us in worship. His hip surgery is scheduled for June 12.
• Bonnie Strack was with us on Sunday! and was encouraged by her doctor. Continue to pray
for her full recovery and for her son Brendan Simms, suffering years from strokes.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Scott Hemre lost his brother, Jim, pray for the family as they mourn his death.
• Heather Lewis’s mother Rosalind Lara’s recovery has been slow. She is still at Arrowhead
Springs Healthcare but has a smile on her face.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, who was fortunate to have his colon cancer discovered early
is working through radiation and chemotherapy. He is on medical leave.
• Lauren Shaffer’s surgery has not happened yet. They are still working on the swelling in her
right leg.
• Eloise still has some double vision, but it is getting better after surgery.
• Bonnie Hallberg’s clot in her hip was determined to be stable so they can move forward
with her shoulder surgery; She has a Dr. appointment this week.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns. They are checking on his heart function
with a new monitor. He was looking well.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her
father, their son, Kyle.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier; she was able to visit her daughter but is no longer
able to drive.
• Continued prayers for Bob Jensen for answers to his kidney issue.
• Pat Teeters as she regains strength.
PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS – to blanket and surround people in love, comfort and
prayers were blessed on Sunday, March 22.
These are being delivered to those who have encountered limited mobility or
received a challenging diagnosis.
Thanks to Karen for the idea.
Thanks to Steve & Sharon Cady for helping with an Action Team to purchase
some with bible verses on them.
Thanks to Carol, Karen, Paula and Pr. John for delivering them.
Thanks to Karen, Irm and Chris Ladd’s Mom for crocheting some beautiful ones.
They each have a label from Faith indicating that they are surrounded by this prayer
community.
SMALL PRAYER QUILTS – Thank you to Pastor John for blessing the prayer quilts. Thanks to
Barbara for the idea, and the quilting group: Emily, Dana & Dona; also, Linda D. & Connie B.
for helping to make them.
HANDMADE CARDS – We still mail about 37 BIRTHDAY CARDS AND ANNIVERSARY
CARDS AND CARDS TO THOSE ON THE PRAYER LIST monthly. And we will provide
CARDS IN THE NARTHEX for members to mail. There are Monthly Seasonal cards and
generic Thinking of You & Get-Well cards. Mother’s Day cards are available.
Great to have Elaine Rizzo join us for the watercolor class.
Thank you to our watercolor color class that meets on the 1st Sunday – Holly, Kim, Alec,
Sharon, Barbara, Pat T., Heather, Izzie, Jenny, Maria & Connie for their fabulous
creations. Thanks to Linda D. for her marvelous fabric creations.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS –
Karen, Sharon C., Carol Hamre & Connie B., continue to paint prayer/friendship rocks for you
to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put them in your garden, etc.
Rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for members, friends and
the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups.
DRIVE BY PRAYER – Paula and Nancy are working on this project which will start on May 10. Please give Paula a call if you are interested – 951-961-3104.
26 Thanks to Carol, Barbara and Paula – donuts and coffee will be available
in the Narthex (no potluck)
3 WELCA hosting
10 Mother’s Day Tea – Nancy, spaghetti, Connie, Salad, Karen, mini pies
Thanks to Bennie & Craig who will be serving tea. Thanks to Kim for
providing special plates and cups for the women.
17 Confirmation congratulations to Melody, Courtney and Logan! Thanks to Robyn for obtaining an Action Team
24 Pentecost Potluck –
June 7 Bishop Dave Nagler will be with us for Graduation celebration, Congratulations to Elisha, Russell, Izzie and Gwen.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY
Has anyone noticed the LOVE YUCAIPA signs that are beginning to show up on our city
sidewalks? This project is a community workday under the umbrella of “Love Our Cities.” The
event is scheduled for April 25 and offers us at Faith an opportunity to help others in the
community while increasing our visibility. It is also a great way for high school students to get
their community service hours.
Council endorsed our participation as a church, and so I am encouraging you to check out their
website – just type in Love Yucaipa. We did send out a list of all the projects hoping for
helpers. Holly Warner’s Yucaipa Family Assistance is on the list for help painting a shed. I think
it would be great if we could come up with several people to participate in that or other
projects. Most involve some kind of physical labor, so I know not everyone can participate, but
if you have an interest, please let me know – call or text (951-961-3104) or email me at
polly.winters@outlook.com. In His service, You Council President Paula Winters
