“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the Worship Link for Sunday, April 19, 2026: https://youtu.be/FESzaq3UW74
Worship: Sunday, April 26, 2026 10:45 AM; Baptism
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
Week of April 20, 2026
Texts This Week:
Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23,1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10
To Ponder: Psalm 23 & 1 Peter 2:19–25
Psalm 23 is a passage many of us carry deep within our hearts. It is often spoken at times of loss, especially in funeral services, because it offers such profound assurance: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In moments when words fail, this psalm speaks—of presence, of guidance, of a God who walks with us even through “the valley of the shadow of death.”
And yet, this beloved psalm is not only for the end of life. It is for the middle of life too—for the ordinary days, the uncertain seasons, and the quiet struggles we carry unseen.
The Shepherd leads not just one, but a flock. There is a deep sense of community woven into this image. We are guided together. We are restored together. Even when the path feels lonely, we are not alone—God’s presence surrounds us, and we are held within a community of care.
This theme continues in 1 Peter, where we are reminded of Christ, the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls. Here, the focus shifts to the lived reality of following this Shepherd—not always in ease, but often in endurance. The passage speaks of bearing suffering with patience, of responding to hardship not with harm, but with grace.
This is not a call to silent suffering, but a call to faithful living—to embody Christ’s way of love even when it is difficult. And we do not do this alone.
We sustain one another.
In community, we carry each other’s burdens. When one is weary, another offers strength. When one feels lost, another reminds them of the Shepherd’s voice. When one stumbles, others walk beside them until they can stand again.
The early church understood this deeply: faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. It is shared—like bread at the table, like stories told in trust, like prayers whispered for one another.
And so, these scriptures invite us to ask:
In what ways can we, as a community, become a living reflection of the Shepherd’s love?
We are not only guided—we are also called to guide.
We are not only restored—we are also called to restore.
In Christ, the Shepherd who walks with us, we become companions for one another on the journey.
Let us pray,
Loving Shepherd,
You walk with us through every valley and lead us into places of rest.
In times of weariness, remind us that we are not alone.
In times of struggle, surround us with those who will walk beside us.
And in all things, shape us to be a community that reflects your love—
gentle, sustaining, and faithful.
Through Christ, our Shepherd and Guide. Amen.
Trinity United Church 