Monthly Archives: May 2017

25 May

Newsletter, May 24

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week

Rogation days are set aside in our church calendar to remind us of the four seasons of the year. They hearken back to a time when we were more in tune with agricultural seasons and the gift and blessing of our Creator God. Rogation Sunday in rural parishes is filled with meanings we have forgotten. Many hold a procession into the fields, to sprinkle Holy water and bless the crops and the coming harvest of wheat, corn or tomatoes.

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17 May

Newsletter, May 17

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
“If you love me…” Is the question we are asked this week.  We should not be too quick to answer.  This is deep stuff, and reluctant as we are to have a silence that might suggest wavering commitment, we should weigh our answer carefully.
What does it mean to love Christ and how does it change our behavior?
“Love one another as I have loved you,” comes to mind, but then we are not Jesus, and we have neither the depth of love nor the sacrificial resolve to do as Jesus does.  We are all just a pale imitation.  A bit like fish sticks compared to real crab!
For me loving God, has always been about an intention to try to follow Christ’s way.  It is to be loving, forgiving, accepting of others even when we disagree.  Being right is a lonely place.  If you love me, is about relationships where respect, dignity and self sacrificial love are the foundations.  And, because none of us is perfect, I am always grateful for the chance to realize my failures and know that I am loved enough to try again.  So how does “If you love me”… affect the way you are?

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03 May

Newsletter, May 3

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Good shepherd Sunday is always the fourth Sunday after Easter, reminding us that God cares for us and seeks us out.  This year we have our family friendly service and we will listen to a children’s version of the gospel read from a chair this week, like story time.  If you have a toy lamb or sheep, bring it.
Sheep farmers know that sheep learn specific clicks and whistles, and will faithfully follow the shepherd they know.  The Gospel of John tells us we come to know God’s voice when we hear it, and follow what we hear.  I wonder when and how you have been aware of God’s “voice”?  I also wonder what our children will make of it?  We’ll see.  Don’t miss it!

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