26-Apr-26 (John 10:1-10)

Recognizing and hearing the voice of our Shepherd is very important for we who want to be followers of Christ but hearing, recognizing, and doing what the Shepherd says is also important for those not yet in the fold.
People see who we are and how we act and they judge the Church and our Lord as a result. A few are able to draw a distinction. Like Mohandas Gandhi who said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Our goal, both for our sakes and for the sake of others who will see Jesus through us is to actually be more like Christ.
How? By listening to his voice when he says, "In so much as you have done it for the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you have done it for me." By caring for the lost, the lonely, the forgotten, the sick, the dying. By working to bring real justice in our world. By helping those in need.
Here's an opportunity to do just that. Our offerings go to do this vital work in Jesus' name.
The deacons will not come and collect our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me in a spirit of prayer.
God of us all,
We thank you that you reached out and called to us and led us to find you and this community. We pray that we would be good representatives of who you are and what you want the world to be.
We pray for these offerings, that they would be put to use to do your will in the world. To speak and act in your name.
We pray in the name of the Shepherd you sent to us.
AMEN.