Sunday's Gospel about the Good Shepherd lends itself to thinking about parenting from the shepherd's perspective. Shepherds live with their sheep and so being together gives parents the opportunity to know their children very well. Each person in a family has a unique disposition and temperament.  As parents are "shepherding" their children through the uncertain time of social distancing due to Covid 19, we become like the shepherd to our children in attending to their needs and concerns with a new intentionality.  In the parable, we realize that Jesus wants us to know that He shepherd's us with God's loving care. Parents are that loving Shepherd to their children. Parenting  is a very holy work  that parents are involved in daily. Jesus is with us to nurture, guide, and protect. The voice that we "hear" manifests itself as the caring voice inside us. It may come through others with whom we share our concerns or through those we rely on for sound

Praying With The Gospel of Spring May 1 always makes me think of spring even more than the spring equinox.  It is when the birds are singing, the grass is greener, and the plants begin to really flower.  Our prayer today starts with an adult prayer, using gospel readings, meditations, and reflections. Then a children’s prayer and activity follow. Below are 3 texts from the gospel of John that portray the return of spring. 1.  Read and meditate on John 11:1-44 Lazarus, like an opening bud, comes out of the tomb.  He is still bound but is received back into the hands of the artists in the assembly.  Gently they unbind him and set him free.  Leaving death behind, he steps back into life. Spend time reflecting on a moment when you stepped out of the tomb of death and into the womb of life. 2. Read and meditate on John 20:10-18 Mary, weeping at the tomb, is experiencing the terrible darkness of the death of Jesus.  She has not yet seen the hope that stands waiting

"The heaven's declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1 Whether your family includes you and your spouse, young or young adult children, or just you and a fur child, getting outside to enjoy creation is a wonderful activity to do as a family! You may never have noticed this, but the Psalms are filled with verses that give praise and thanks for creation! Next time you are out for a walk, hike, bike ride or run try using the Psalms to make it a holy experience! You can use these steps! 1.  Find a Psalm, or pick from the below list: 2. During your walk or other activity, reflect upon the following: Amen!

Prayer Doodles     How to Pray:                                               1. Write a name for God, the name of someone you             are praying for, or words from a scripture verse.                                 2.  Draw a shape around it and begin to doodle.                                3.     Pray as you draw.  Ask God to be part of this                 prayer time.                                4.   Keep drawing as you release these prayers to God.           Prayer & Possibilities/ Kathryne Shirey

Prayer of Gratitude for the Earth Canticle of the Sun , by Marty Haugen Call to Prayer God of all creation we gather together to praise you and all of your creation. May we be aware of the gifts that you have given us in the world and in each other. We pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen + Reading and Response Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34  Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! How manifold are your works, O Lord! the earth is full of your creature’s R. L ​ ord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD be glad in his works! Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the LORD.  R. L ​ ord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.  If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you rene