[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Friends in Christ,
There has been a heaviness to the appointed readings over last few weeks:
Jesus described himself as 11“… the good shepherd. Laying down his life for the sheep. There was the 23rd Psalm usually associated with funerals.: “walking through the valley of the shadow of death” Last week from 1st John: 21The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
And this Sunday:. Jesus speaks of love as a command – “I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”
We don’t normally associate “love” with “command” or even use the two words in the same sentence! It is Spring, however, and this Sunday is Mother’s Days, so some lighter fare.
As always you are encouraged to read the appointed readings before worship:
MAY 9
Acts 10:44-48: The Spirit poured out on the Gentiles Psalm 98: Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands. (Ps. 98:4) 1 John 5:1-6: The victory of faith John 15:9-17: Christ the friend and lover
MAY 16
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26: Matthias added to the apostles Psalm 1: The Lord knows the way of the righteous. (Ps. 1:6) 1 John 5:9-13: Life in the Son of God John 17:6-19: Christ’s prayer for his disciples
In Christ,
Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]