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Weekly Update - April 29
Jesus the Good Shepherd window at Trinity

The Lord is my shepherd

The fourth Sunday of Easter is, unofficially, "Good Shepherd Sunday". There is plenty of imagery throughout the Bible that describes God as a shepherd and God's people as the sheep. Like a good shepherd does for the sheep, God seeks us out when we are lost, protects us from danger, and provides for our needs.

Of all the passages about sheep, Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved. Its words have been set to music in many different hymn paraphrases, and accompany imagery of green pastures and fluffy sheep in artwork and stained glass. While Psalm 23 may be particularly linked in our memory to funerals, it is a passage that offers comfort and reassurance at all times of our lives.  

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want. 

The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures;
and leads me beside still waters.
3  You restore my soul, O Lord,
and guide me along right pathways
for your name’s sake.


What a comfort it is to know that it is God who is our shepherd, and God who calls us God's own! This is not a statement of our allegiance to anyone or anything, but a reminder that God has gathered and claimed us.

In this time of shortages and scarcity, both real and imagined, it is a comfort to be reminded that we follow a shepherd who knows our needs and provides for them. In this time of anxiety and uncertainty, it is a relief to hear that God restores our soul and leads us in the way we should go. In what ways is your soul restored?

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.


It can be tempting to think that being a Christian ought to give us the secret short-cut around, rather than through, the valley of the shadow of death. We know all too well that this is not the case. Hardships, grief, unmet expectations, loss of all kinds - the path we travel seems to wind through this valley again and again. Though this is a road we wish we could avoid, we give thanks that in the midst of our fear, God walks with us and we are not alone. How have you experienced God's presence in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death?

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil,
and my cup is overflowing.


God's provision is always rooted in abundance - a table is prepared, not somewhere hidden, but even in the presence of enemies; anointing oil is generously poured; cups are filled to overflowing. In what ways have you experienced God's abundance?

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.


While often it may seem that trouble and challenges are following us wherever we go, here we are reminded that God's goodness and mercy pursue us, too. Nothing can separate us from God, and God's promise is that we will dwell with God forever. 

What a fitting message for this time of fear and uncertainty! Through green pasture and darkest valley alike, God our shepherd is with us, leading and guiding us along the way. 

With hope, 
Pastor Kerri

Last Sunday's Sermon
Sunday Worship
 
Join us online, via Zoom or Facebook Live, or on the phone for worship on Sundays at 9am. Recordings of previous worship services are available on our Facebook page (no sign-in required).

Computer/Tablet/Smartphone - Click the link or copy/paste into your browser: https://zoom.us/j/666319181 or open the Zoom app and enter Meeting ID 666 319 181 and password 123456.

Phone - dial 929-205-6099. When prompted, dial in the Meeting ID: 666 319 181 and password: 123456.
This week's bulletin

Building Update

As we continue to monitor the risks associated with COVID-19, our building will remain closed for worship and other activities through May 31, 2020. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Council President Alan Sandusky or Pastor Kerri.

Cloth Masks

To care for our neighbors and ourselves, and limit the possible spread of COVID-19, all Pennsylvania residents over the age of 2 are required to wear a face mask while out in public, unless they have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are in need of a mask, please contact Sarah McGinley or Pastor Kerri.

Dial-a-Hymn with Valerie

Valerie Stipcak, our organist, has offered a "dial-a-hymn" service for anyone who would wish it! On Sundays between 11am and noon, you may call Valerie at 724-388-1038 to request a hymn, which she will play over the phone for you. If she doesn't answer, leave a message and she'll call back.

Offering

Thank you for your faithful and generous giving even in these uncertain times! Checks may be mailed to the church (please include your regular offering envelope if possible - it helps counting go more quickly), or you may wish to set up automatic bill pay through your bank.

Online giving is now available through Tithe.ly
. This platform is very convenient, but does include a small transaction fee (covered either by the giver or by Trinity). For this reason, mailed checks or bill pay options may be preferred for regular givers. 

Please contact Rod Gunderson (Treasurer) or Cindy Workman (Financial Secretary) if you have questions.

Bible Storytime

Join Pastor Kerri and Wade on Trinity's Facebook page on Thursdays at 10:30am for a story and songs together. Here's last week's video.

In Our Prayers
To add a name to the prayer list, contact Pastor Kerri or the office.

The family & friends of Alberta Everitt, the family & friends of Joanne (Linda Ruth's sister), MacKathy Richter-Harris, Carol Ritenour, Melva Roland, Dick Shawley

Daily Bible Readings

Thursday, April 30
     Psalm 23
     Exodus 2:15b-25
     1 Peter 2:9-12
Friday, May 1
     Psalm 23
     Exodus 3:16-22, 4:18-20
     1 Peter 2:13-17
Saturday, May 2
     Psalm 23
     Ezekiel 34:1-16
     Luke 15:1-7
Sunday, May 3 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
     Acts 2:42-47
     1 Peter 2:19-25
     John 10:1-10
Monday, May 4
     Psalm 100
     Ezekiel 34:17-23
     1 Peter 5:1-5
Tuesday, May 5
     Psalm 100
     Ezekiel 34:23-31
     Hebrews 13:20-21
Wednesday, May 6
     Psalm 100
     Jeremiah 23:1-8
     Mathew 20:17-28

To reach Pastor Kerri, call or text 724-603-5589, or email her at rev.kerri.clark@gmail.com
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