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The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
Revealing Christ's Love
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Last week as I reflected on the wonderful lections about our Good Shepherd as we approached once again our patronal feast day, and my last sermon (and reflection), I was reminded of the character of the one after whom we are called.
The Good Shepherd is the King of Love, whose goodness never fails. He never stops looking for his lost sheep. He’ll go through thicket and bramble up hill and down vale, he will get scratched and bloodied, but he will never give up searching out those who are lost, and when he finds them he gently lays them on his shoulders and brings them home rejoicing.
In the words of poet Elizabeth Clephane:
None of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed,
Or how dark the night that the Lord passed through
Ere he found the sheep that was lost.
He tenderly cares for all the sheep whom he knows individually, calling each one by their name. He leads them into green pastures, beside still waters, he restores their souls, leads them on paths of righteousness. His rod and staff provide protection in the face of their enemies. His goodness and mercy will follow them all their days.
I was also reminded of all the ways that this wonderful community has truly revealed Christ's love over the last eight and a half years that I have had the blessing to be the sous-shepherd of this, our Lord's flock. I think I knew early on that my ministry was one of preparation and foundation on which another would build. So, although I will not be physically here to see the full flower of what the Lord has begun, it will be known. And although we may not see each other face to face as we have, we are eternally connected. For as our readings emphasize today the Good Shepherd laid down his life so that he would be the gate through which we pass to receive eternal life. There will be a time, God-willing many years from now, when we will walk through the valley of the shadow of death with our Good Shepherd and have eternity to enjoy each other’s company. For, in the words of the 23rd Psalm, we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
In the peace, grace and hope of our Risen Lord, the Good Shepherd of the Sheep,
Rev'd Sarah+
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A huge thank you to those who organized the wonderful farewell luncheon for me yesterday! It was amazing! And for all the kind gifts and thoughtful cards. It was a wonderful celebration. Thank all for everything! Love, Rev'd Sarah+
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Volume 8 of Magnify the Living Lord is now available in the Parish Office, and Church and Chapel narthex.
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION CLASSES WILL RESUME ON MAY 6
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CLICK THIS LINK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS FUNDRAISING EVENT TO MAKE OUR PROPERTY MORE SECURE!
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ROOM CHANGE: YOUNG ADULTS NOW MEETING IN UPPER ROOM. MEN'S BIBLE STUDY NOW MEETING IN FR. CAMERON'S OFFICE
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Clergy
The Rt. Rev’d Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop of Central Florida
The Rt. Rev’d William Folwell, The Rt. Rev’d John Howe, and the Rt. Rev’d Hugo Pina-Lopez, retired Bishops
The Rev’d Cameron MacMillan, Rector
The Rev’d Dick Costin, Deacon
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
All Saints’ Church, Lakeland
Christ the King Church, Lakeland
The Nation and Those in Authority
The President, Governors, Representatives, Congressmen and women, and the Mayors of Sanford and Windermere
Prayers for Healing and Other Needs
Susie, Marie, Raewyn, Terri, Ava, Edword, Rennie, Jean, Lola, Courtney, Bobbi, Debra, Yula, Hannah, Tee, Karen, Michele, Tom, Nikki, George, Joan, Jose, Charlotte, Sammi
Military Personnel and Families
Kate Pierce, Brigit Kincaid, and Dennis Glasgow
Our College and Seminarian Students
Karissa Ashcraft, Laura Harris, Stephen Gant, Donny Lisle, Ray Lisle, Debora Lisle, Abbei Moye, Kyra Ashcraft, Rose Thatcher, Nicole Folsom, Jim Louttit, Gordon Sims
Our Diocesan Missionary
The Reverend Stephen and Mary Dass, and the street children of Brazil
Birthdays
Tee Fabio
Safe Travel
Rodney and Tee Fabio
If you have any prayer requests please visit our website and complete the Prayer Request Form.
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