May 3, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for May 3rd: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10: 1-10; Theme: Good Shepherd Sunday Acts: It is time for us to start to think about what life will be like when we return to church. What will it mean to be the church. During the Easter season we look at the book of Acts in order for us to return to the purpose of the original church. Peter is giving a testimony of how the church grew, when they gave their testimony of who Jesus was and how Jesus encouraged them to live. Peter says that the church was a community that shared everything in common. They lived together, they ate together, they did activities together. When others saw their unity, they wanted to be a part of it and were willing to join the church. How do we how that unity when we return together? When all eyes are on the church what will they see? How will we reach out to encourage others to come. When we return, we will have to think how are we living out our mission to this community? And are people willing to become a part of our community? John: The 4th Sunday of Easter is always Good Shepherd Sunday. We look at how Jesus is a shepherd to us and takes care of us. But it also reminds us what it means to be shepherd who depend on Christ for things. Sheep cannot take care of themselves. They also recognize the voice of the shepherd when they hear it according to the scripture. When we see what Jesus is able to do for us, we do not need to listen to the voice of others. The shepherd has a hard but rewarding job in keeping everyone together. John says that our job is to listen, but it is also our job to stick together. To form community and to be willing to work together, to listen and to trust. What are the things that stand in the way of us doing this? Who are the sheep that are trying to steal our peace? Questions: How does our church promote community? What are the things that you really enjoy about church? What does it mean to obey God in this modern day? How should we treat other sheep? In the midst of so many other voices, how do we recognize the voice of Mary?