Scripture for April 30 and May 1

John 21:1-19 

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

Raphael, Christ's Charge to Peter, 1515.

21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus Reinstates Peter

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

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Daily Prayer April 29

 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to
everyone. The Lord is near.

Daily Readings for Friday, April 29, 2022

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading Exodus 16:23-36
• Second Reading 1 Peter 3:13-4:6
• Gospel Reading John 16:1-15
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

Jesus, Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold: Feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call. Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. In the beginning you separated light from darkness and placed all your works in our hands. You have given us the light of day that we might see your wonders in all we say and do; you give us the gentle darkness of the night that we might rest from our burdens and be refreshed in body and spirit. Break through the darkness of our sins with the splendor of your mercy and love. Send your light to dispel our fears and anxieties and fill us with hope and joy. Glory, praise, and honor are yours, O God. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

23rd Psalm: My Sherpa

The Lord is my Sherpa

I shall not fall.

He teaches me about what’s right.

And gives me time to think.

He shows me the pathway

And calls me back when I miss a turn.

He shows me how to honor nature,

For his child and all children.

Though I know the path is steep and dangerous,

I will go on boldly.

His safety-rope comforts me.

The freeze-dried rations are made warm and nourishing for me,

Even though others say I will never reach the summit.

I know I can do it with your help.

You bring water and oxygen, even more than I need,

And your support lifts me forward for the whole journey.

I will remember the summit and your protection

Always.

 Sue Kirkland

While studying the Psalms in Sunday School Class, Pastor Dave Burgess, encouraged us to think about other ways of stating the 23rd Psalm since most of us don't really have shepherds in our lives.   We are grateful for all who agreed to share their thoughts.

Order of Worship April 24

 CENTERING PRAYER

 God of the Resurrection, you open the tomb and invite us to sing and dance in the new life you give us. In Jesus Christ, whose wounds are not erased but glorified in resurrection, touch our wounds that they may be transformed into channels of healing for others. Holy Spirit, breathe into us the power to forgive so that all may have new life. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 

PRELUDE Grand Choeur Salome (1834-1896) 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

 CALL TO WORSHIP 

Christ is risen!

 Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! 

Celebrate God in this sacred space! Celebrate God in all places under heaven! 

Give praise for God’s mighty deeds! Give praise for God’s resurrecting power! 

Praise God with a fanfare of trumpets. 

Praise God with the harp and the cello! 

Praise God with tambourines and dancing! 

Praise God with flutes and guitars! 

Praise God with cymbals and drums! 

Let everything with life and breath praise God!

 † HYMN “In the Bulb There is a Flower” Hymnal #250 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God of the empty tomb and our empty hearts, when we are afraid to speak our faith in the world, forgive us and help us to find our voice. When we are afraid to forgive and to love again, forgive us and give us the power to forgive. When we are afraid to stand up to misguided authority, join with the weak to make us all strong. When we are confined by our hurts, touch us with your wounded hands and set us free. When we are locked behind our doubts and fears, pass through our barricades, open our hearts, and give us peace. (Silent confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORY TO GOD Hymnal #582 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE John 20:19-31 

SERMON “I Can Do What?” Rev. MP Panco

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism Question One 

Q. What is our chief end? A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING Morning Has Broken arr. Eithun Chancel Bells, Jee-Hye Lee - piano 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

† HYMN “Christ is Alive” Hymnal #246 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “He Lives” 

POSTLUDE LLANFAIR Robertson (2008) 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Scripture for April 24, 2022

John 20:19-31

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

By Caravaggio - http://www.christusrex.org/www2/art/images/carav10.jpg,
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6804893

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

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Daily Prayer April 22

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Daily Readings for Friday, April 22, 2022

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16
• Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
• Gospel Reading Luke 24:1-12
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

God, our creator, you have given us work to do and call us to use our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work, and teach us to live in the Spirit who made us your sons and daughters, in the love that made us sisters and brothers. Remember, O God, your church. Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, whom you have called from this life. We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN: Annual Report

 St. Mark Presbyterian Women is an organization for women within our church. We enjoy fellowship, Bible study and supporting local, national and international missions. Our challenge is to accept the gifts God has given us and to use those gifts to assist in the life and work of the Church. The Board of Presbyterian Women meets the first Wednesday of each month and is made up of women who serve as officers, Circle leaders, and project chairs. 

As 2021 comes to a close, our Presbyterian Women has 5 Circles and approximately 80+ active members. Martha Circle was disbanded due to declining numbers and the inability to meet either virtually or in person. Most Circles meet on the third Wednesday or Thursday of the month from September to May; Ruth Circle meets year-round. Three circles meet during the day and two meet in the evening. One circle meets monthly on dates determined by its members. Three circles are using the Horizon Bible Study and two circles use other materials. Most circles have returned to meeting in person. 

Presbyterian women continue to participate in the monthly book club. Members meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 9:30 am for discussion of a book selected by the group, with no meetings in July or November. The club has resumed meeting in person with Zoom available for those who prefer. 

The mission work of PW is funded through individual gifts and fund raising. As happened in 2020, the Christmas Boutique and candy sale were unfortunately cancelled due to Covid-19. However, in December PW sponsored a “Teddy Bear” fundraiser which has raised over $700 to date. The board will meet early in January of 2022 and determine how much money they can distribute and to which charities. We hope to resume our two major fundraising events in 2022. Additionally, PW continues to contribute to the work of the Presbyterian Church USA through our annual pledge and offerings.

PW was able to hold layette drives in the spring and fall. Many beautiful items were donated and gifted to Newborns in Need. 

Once again, programming during Covid-19 presented its own special challenges. Mary Beth Powell was more than up to the task and we were able to provide all our yearly programming events. A January Tea was held virtually on January 27, featuring Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on Rocky Ridge Far. All women of the church were invited to participate via Zoom and about 40 attended.

 PW hosted a virtual retreat Friday evening February 26 and Saturday morning February 27. Again, all women of the church were invited to attend via Zoom. On Friday we opened with worship, followed by announcements and an activity. Our special guest and speaker was Wendi Lou Lee, one of the actresses who portrayed Grace on the Little House on the Prairie series. On Saturday we broke into smaller groups for breakout sessions and a break activity. There was a craft activity which came in a packet that each participant picked up at church earlier in the week. There was no cost to participants but an opportunity was provided for a free will offering. Overall it was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to get “recharged” in the midst of COVID-19 and winter isolation. PW is planning to hold its 2022 retreat virtually again because of the new rise in Covid-19 numbers. 

Our very creative Mary Beth Powell and Pastor MP organized and presented the second annual virtual brunch on September 10: “Praying with Teddy”. It was pre-recorded and made available on YouTube so that women who missed the “premiere” could view it at a later time. 

Our November fall outing was to Kohn’s Kosher Deli and Bakery for lunch and a presentation on Kosher Food. Everyone agreed the food and presentation were both outstanding. In December the PW circles worked with the Mission Committee to provide 60 gifts for the Presbyterian Home and Children’s Services (PCHAS). 

The board was able to hold its December board meeting at The Hearth Room in Town and Country. Together we celebrated the close of another spiritually fulfilling year through devotion, fellowship, and of course good food! A very special thanks to Pastor MP who continues to be an invaluable resource in keeping our women connected and spiritually healthy. We are so very blessed to have her.

 Respectfully submitted, Sharon Tharp, Moderator

23rd Psalm: My Protector

 The Lord is my protector, I shall not worry

He helps me rest when I am weary

He leads me through stressful days

He restores my attitude.

He helps me to make decisions,

Ones that will be right and good

Even though I walk through some dark days of health

I fear no cancer or other illness

For my protector is always with me

Your love and guidance

Comforts me

I know you prepare a place for me in heaven

Where no worry or fear exists

I feel your loving and healing hand upon me

I feel so safe and unafraid

Surely your love and protection

Will continue to be with me the rest of my life

And someday I will dwell with you

Forever.

Sharon Cardwell

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Order of Worship April 17: Easter Sunday

 CENTERING PRAYER (The Gelasian Sacramentary, c. 500) 

“The moment we have longed for has come; the night of our desires is here. What greater occupation could there be than for us to proclaim the power of your resurrection! This was the night when you shattered the gates of hell, and you took up the victory banner of Heaven. This was the night when you set us among the stars. When your mother Mary gave birth to you, she was overwhelmed with joy at your beauty. Now we are overwhelmed with joy at your power. The blood which flowed from your side has washed away our sins. Your body rising from the tomb has promised us eternal life. Eternal are the blessings which in your love you have poured upon us.” 

PRELUDE     Thine is the Glory      Handel/Young 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

Rejoice and be glad: 

This is the day that the Lord has made! 

Rejoice and be glad: 

Heaven and earth will never be the same! 

Rejoice and be glad: 

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

 † HYMN      “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”      Hymnal #232 

Pastor MP, trumpet 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Gracious God, we have heard the good news: how on the third day, Christ rose again. Still we look for the living among the dead. You rolled away the stone from the tomb. Still we look for the living among the dead. You sent messengers to proclaim the gospel. Still we look for the living among the dead. You were faithful to your promise; you have done wonderful things! Still we look for the living among the dead. (silent confession] Forgive us, Lord, we pray. Teach us to trust your promise and to believe the good news of salvation: Christ is alive; Jesus is risen from the dead. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

 †GLORIA PATRI Hymnal #581 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

ANTHEM      Easter Song      Herring/Hart 

Chancel Choir & Amy Friedman, Nicole Lesh, Liz Sprague - handbells 

SCRIPTURE John 20:1-8 

SERMON     “I Have Seen the Lord” 

Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism Question One

 Q. What is our chief end? A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING      Glorious Risen Christ      Burke/Larson 

Chancel Choir 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

† HYMN “Thine Is the Glory” Hymnal #238

 † CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “He Lives”

 POSTLUDE     Village Easter Postlude      Pierce 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Scripture for April 17

 John 20:1-18

New International Version

Holy Women at Christ's Tomb (c. 1590s)
by Annibale Carracci

The Empty Tomb

20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

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Daily Prayer April 15

You, O Lord, are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.

Friday,April 15, 2022, Good Friday 

• First Reading Isaiah 52:13-53:12
• Psalm 22
• Second Reading Hebrews 10:16-25
• Second Reading (Alternate) Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 (Alternate)

God our creator, you made all things in your wisdom, and in your love you save us. We pray for the whole creation. Overthrow evil powers, right what is wrong, feed and satisfy those who thirst for justice, so that all your children may freely enjoy the earth you have made, and joyfully sing your praises. Take all our doubts and uncertainties, O God, and fill us with such faith that we may be confident of your love and loyal in the service of him who died and yet lives for us, Jesus Christ the Lord. Merciful God, you bear the pain of the world. Look with compassion on those who are sick; cheer them by your word, and bring healing as a sign of your grace. God of comfort, stand with those who sorrow; that they may be sure that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, shall separate them from your love. (Add your prayers,) Amen.

As God's own, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and patience, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

Pause

 

I remember the day it happened. I was a relatively new Buick car sales person. I had arrived at work that morning excited to see what the day had in store for me and ready to meet it with anticipation and perhaps a little anxiety about what unknown challenges awaited. I was headed off on my way to my desk by another employee who blurted out to me the horrific news. I

t was September 11th, 2001 the day the 911 attacks against the World Trade Center occurred. I went to the customer waiting room, which by this time was packed full of employees and customers alike who were staring in disbelief at the horrors they were seeing on the TV monitor. 

These past weeks, we have been witnessing the terrible attack on Ukraine. Civilian targets have been wiped out and many civilian lives have been lost. We might feel lost not knowing what to do or what to say. 

Psalm 46 holds hope: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 

Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”

The word Selah found in the Psalm means “Pause.” We are called to pause for contemplation. The season of Lent calls us to pause. It is our time of preparation as we walk the path toward Easter Sunday. As we journey forward, let us pause allowing ourselves time to acknowledge the current situations around the world, perhaps specifically the situation in Ukraine. As Christians, followers of a Loving God, we need to find time to pause open our hearts and pray for peace. Pause and pray for God’s peace, mercy and love to prevail. Pause and pray like the first followers of Jesus equipped with the knowledge of the resurrection to come on Easter morning. For now, God calls us to, “Be Still and Know that I am God” 

God bless you, 

Pastor MP

Good Friday

 

Join us on Good Friday April 15th between the hours of 11 am and 7 pm for a spiritual self-guided journey through an ecumenical version of the stations of the cross. 

Upon arrival you will be greeted by someone who will provide you with a map and instructions. As you travel throughout the church, you may find that you feel drawn to stop at every station. However, you may also feel drawn to mix them up and visit them out of order, or even skip a station. There are no rules for how you travel and each person’s journey will be different. There is no time limit for individual stations so you can take as much or as little time as you need at each stop along the way. 

This journey is a time for each one of us to connect with God in a special way as we contemplate the last hours of Jesus earthly life. We can then examine how those contemplations speak to our own spiritual life in Christ Jesus. 

For some, the stations of the cross can be an intense spiritual journey where our souls are laid bare before God. For others, we just want it to end because it’s too overwhelming. Knowing that God loves you, enter into the experience open to the Lord’s presence. 

If you have any questions feel free to contact Pastor MP. 

A note from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Theology and Worship 

“Early on in the Christian movement, Jesus’ followers remembered Jesus’ execution and the places where various parts occurred, recounting the details. By the Middle Ages, pilgrimages to Jerusalem for Holy Week were like the Muslim Haj—a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. When people couldn’t go to Jerusalem to walk the via Dolorosa with Christ, the ritual of the stations of the cross was born so that people could journey with Christ spiritually in their own parish devotion. We’re going to participate in the ancient tradition of remembering Christ’s death by doing an ecumenical version.”

23rd Psalm: My Safety Net

 

The Lord is my safety net under the trapeze.

I am safe if my flying does not happen as planned.

My anxiety is reduced knowing that I will not smash if I fall.

My Net allows me opportunities to practice, not needing to always succeed in flying.

Even as I climb higher and higher on the ladder toward the swing, I fear no danger because my Net understands the Net’s purpose – to protect me.

Net, you might welcome an audience to watch and cheer for me, even if some gawkers might secretly desire to see disaster. My heart beats with anticipation for the thrill of flying. I feel joy in the challenge to try. I will live with positivity that I am working on my skills. I will love myself because my Net encourages me, “Go for it. You can do this hard thing”. My Net will always be proud of my efforts to swing and float through the air. My Net will remind me that I took on a challenge to feel the joy of flying.

Victoria Sherman

Photo by Andrés Canchón on Unsplash

While studying the Psalms in Sunday School Class, Pastor Dave Burgess, encouraged us to think about other ways of stating the 23rd Psalm since most of us don't really have shepherds in our lives.   We are grateful for all who agreed to share their thoughts.