scroll down for reflection questions and prayer prompts on this week's passage
Dear Parents,
One of the surprising blessings of this very difficult season is the slower pace of life. With all of our activities cancelled and all of our neighbors activities cancelled, I have been running into neighbors who are out of the house for a quick walk in the neighborhood (with appropriate social distancing) and have found a sense of camaraderie with them that I have not felt before. I wonder what "hidden blessings" you are finding in the challenges of these anxious days? Would you take a moment and send me an e-mail to let me know how your family is experiencing grace in the midst of trouble. andrea@lfppc.org
We have an opportunity to worship together live this Sunday at 10am. Please tune in by going first to the LFPPC website and then following the prompts there. If you are not available Sunday at 10am you will be able to access it later as well. Please send us your suggestions and ideas of ways we can stay connected during this season of being apart. Prayer is one of the ways - again, please e-mail me if you have any specific prayer requests during this time. I will dedicate time each day to praying for these requests.
You will see a new section (starting Sunday at 10am) on our website under Children's Ministry called Family Activity of the Week. Each week I will provide one suggestion of an activity you could do with your kids (broken down by age group). I would also love to hear your suggestions and how you are spending time together as a family. I will be communicating with you weekly through these newsletters and reaching out via e-mail, text or phone to connect with you in the coming weeks.
with thanks for each one of you,
Andrea
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Thank God that even when it feels like the world is falling apart, Jesus doesn't let go. Listen here
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A Reflection on the Lectionary Text for Sunday March 22nd
The lectionary text this week is Psalm 23. You may want to read this alone or together as a family.
A shepherd's life was a hard life. I learned a lot about what it means to be a shepherd through this book. We tend to put this Psalm on greeting cards or framed pictures and forget that Psalm 23 is about God who is with us in the difficult terrain, in the blood, sweat and tears of "the valley of the shadow of death."
Read the Psalm together slowly. Perhaps try reading it in a few different translations.
Discuss 1. We do want things, we want sick people to be well, we want (maybe) to be able to go back to school, to see our friends, for the coronavirus to go away. What do you think the Psalmist means by "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"?
There are two instruments that the shepherd uses. One is a rod and the other is a staff. These two tools did not serve the same purpose. The rod was an weapon and the staff was used to guide and pull the sheep out of ditches and holes. If an animal attacked, the shepherd would use his rod to beat back the enemy. If the sheep feel into a pit or down a ravine, the staff would guide them back to the path.
Discuss 1. What enemies do you want to ask God to beat back right now, remember, a virus can be an enemy! What pits or ditches have you fallen into where God has pulled you out and gotten you back on the road (parents you may want to share appropriately with your children here).
The word "follow" in verse 6 is the Hebrew word radaph which can also be translated "pursue." For a moment read the verse with this translation "Surely goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life."
Discuss: How has Jesus been pursuing you this week? This month, this year? Have you heard God say anything to you this week?
Prayer prompt
Pray for those who are sick and for a cure to the coronavirus. Pray for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who are on the front lines. Pray for people you know using Psalm 23 as your guide.
The Lord is __________'s Shepherd....etc.
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Andrea Chaumont
Director of Ministries to Children and their Families
andrea@lfppc.org
E-News Archive
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