The Good Shepherd John Chapter 10 is such a comfort as is Psalm 23. They are often chosen for funerals to console those who mourn.
I am doing a committal service for Donna Esquer, a lifelong Lutheran who lived most recently at Golden Oaks. We will be at Riverside National in the beauty of that place, which looks like a place where sheep could graze. I will be reflecting on the Good Shepherd texts like John 10 and Psalm 23. She was blessed to live 92 years with few health issues until her last few days. Blessed also to hear the words of Jesus: “I know my own and my own know me.” These words are not just for funerals, so each year we acknowledge the Good Shepherd during the Easter Season.
Throughout much of human history, the god or gods who created the universe were seen as harsh and judgemental and capricious. There are even hints of this in the Old Testament. People throughout the world laid down sheep or other animals or even human lives on altars to placate the gods. Jesus’s words and those he has chosen from the Old Testament unveil a God not interested in appeasement but of Peace.
When God introduced God’s self to Moses in the burning bush, he gave him the name Yahweh (formally and inaccurately translated as Jehovah). The name was so sacred it was not pronounced when read. The best translation into English is I am _____. The blank is intended just as the blank area at the top ark of the covenant is intended to leave room for God to fill in the blank. Jesus fills it in over and over again in the Gospel of John.
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus among other things, is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. There are “hired hands” who run from danger. He lays down his life for those he knows. Because of that willingness, God loves him and allows him to not only lay down his life but pick it up again.
We call people who are willing to lay down their lives for us or others are heroes. First responders come to mind. Members of the military come to mind. Perhaps there are others who come to mind for you. Who are the people who truly love and care for you? We will be celebrating mothers, the second Sunday in May. They should be celebrated, for the physical and emotional challenges mothers
face in bringing life into the world.
Just now our dear daughter comes to mind. Connie and I care for her and want to be there for her in any way that can be helpful. In fact, we have purchased enough outfits for Lily, to take her into her toddler years. Our daughter Brie’s pregnancy is coming along marvelously. Still, she and her husband are entering a new phase in life filled with sacrifices and celebrations in raising up a new life in this world. We are called to respond to the heroes in our lives in two different ways:
First to appreciate our Good Shepherd who is close to us, who does not flee in difficult times, who rather than demanding sacrifices is willing to sacrifice for us. We also appreciate all those we can trust, who make our lives secure.
Second, this image challenges us to be Good Shepherds to those around us. The world can use people who can be trusted and can be sources of reassurance for vulnerable people.
Let us pray in the Words of Psalm 23, which is our psalm for Sunday.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
The LORD makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
You restore my soul, O LORD, and guide me along right pathways for your name’s
sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for
you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my
head with oil, and my cup is running over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell
in the house of the LORD forever.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
Next Pantry – Every 2nd & 4th Saturday. Next up is May 27. We are blessed that
Aldi is providing food through our connection there. We could especially use
Peanut Butter, Cereal, and Canned Soup.
Support Bless you for all the ways you support Faith Lutheran. Your financial
support has been amazing.
Time of Meditation –Nelson will be in rehab for some time, but the group will still
be meeting this week and on Thursdays @ 1 pm.
LAUREN SCHAFER our Office Assistant’s hours are: 12:30-3:00 M – Th.
The Pastor is in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Confirmation Classes We are back in action through April and May at 11:15 am.
Until Memorial Day, May 26.
CHOIR – We practice at 9:00 am before services.
BELLS – are coming back this summer. Let Irm know about your interest.
WELCA – The Next Women’s Bible Study will be postponed to June 1, they will be
assisting with the funeral for Lynda Buschauer May 4 at 10:30 a.m.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has completed 16 for Central
City Lutheran Mission and 6 for Lutheran World Relief. They also gave 23 lap
quilts to Smiles Seniors of Yucaipa, who sent a nice Thank you note.
PRAYERS
Pray for erwin as he mourns the death of Lynda who passed away on March
19. Great to see him in church. Her memorial service will be on May 4 at
10:30 am. Irm and a string quartet will play prior to the service. Erwin’s
email: Buschauererwin08@gmail.com.
Eloise appreciates your prayers.
Kyle and Dana’s son, Kevin’s, Mother-in-Law, Lisa, cancer was found even
after surgery.
Cesar and Kim would also appreciate prayers for their sons, Tim, and Kyle.
The Sheas would appreciate prayers for Rebecca and Chris Herandez in
need of housing for themselves and the twins.
Continued Godly journey for Brendan Simms, son of Bonnie Strack.
For our 2nd Sunday of the Month 75 th Anniversary Celebration, we had a fun Taco
Fiesta Celebration to honor the Worship & Church Resources Committee.
Wish to serve? — let Karen know. Thanks for sharing and thank you to all who
participated.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC – Irm Jennings
KAREN HALL, COUNCIL REP.
ASSISTING MINISTERS – Steve Cady Carol Jensen Dana Hadley Pat Motschall Yvette Mureaux
BELLS – Beals: Jennifer, Richard, Charlotte, Julian Mkanzas: Rachel, Elisha, Joshua, Paula Winters
READERS – Jenny Beal, Sharon Cady, Barbara Kuerzinger, Elisha Mkanza, Dave Strack, Paula Winters
ACOLYTES Reese Mureaux
SPECIAL MUSIC Rachel Mkanza, Piano, Organ; Elisha Mkanza, Piano; Ann Shea, Flute; Michael Shea, Timpani; Andrew Shea, Trombone; Aurnob Khan, Trumpet
ALTAR CARE – Robyn Blue, Karen Hall, Steve & Sharon Cady, Barbara Kuerzinger, Emily Smith
Seasonal Décor – Connie Bunge Julian Beal Elisha Mwanza, Bonnie & Dave Strack
MEN IN BACK” (AUDIO/VISUAL)
CARING SERVANTS – Nelson Hall
CHOIR – Carol Jensen, Connie & Pastor John Bunge, Courtney Koger Bonnie Mills
Rachel Mwanza Elisha Mkanza, Gwen Smith, Bonnie & Dave Strack
COUNTERS – Karen Hall, Carol Jensen, Caroline Manzo
JOIN US – FUN & FELLOWSHIP @ FAITH
April 21 Have a HAPPY DAY! – with sloppy joes, Michelle Moureaux’s great salad
and Jerry Mills always fantastic dessert.
28 BINGO! – Kim’s Famous Taco Soup, salad, and Karen’s impressive
dessert
11:00-11:20 Eat.
11:20-12:10 Bingo!
Thanks again to Pat Teeters for the Bingo prize donations! We are always
collecting bingo prizes. Please leave them in the office, and mark Bingo Prizes.
You are appreciated!
BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FIRESIDE ROOM
Stop by and find yourself among the ministries we do. Our aim is to include
a picture of everyone. If you have any pictures, please forward them to Debi
Hitter, debihitter@msn.com.
We will be taking follow-up pictures of friends and members to update the
directory and the bulletin board in the Narthex.