Good Shepherd Sunday
(Fourth Sunday of Easter)
11 May 2014
THIS MORNING'S SONG'S OF PRAISE:
55, (Choir - 'Saviour, like a shepherd lead us'), 236, 69.
FIRST BIBLE READING:
Acts 2: 42-47
'Life and worship in the apostolic church' (NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
SECOND BIBLE READING:
1 Peter 2: 19-25
'The shepherd and bishop of our souls'. (NIV)
It is commendable if you bear up under the pain of unjust suffering, because you are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example; that you should follow in his steps.
'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth'.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
For you were like sheep going astray; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
GOSPEL READING:
John 10:1-10
'Jesus, the gate for the sheep' (GNB)
Jesus said, 'I am telling you the truth: the man who does not enter the sheep yard by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who goes in through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 'The gatekeeper opens the gate for him; the sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out.
When he has brought them out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. They will not follow someone else; instead, they will run away from such a person, because they do not know his voice'.
Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand what he meant. So Jesus said again, 'I am telling you the truth: I am the gate for the sheep. All others who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate.
Whoever comes in by me will be saved; he will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness'.
NOTES ON THE READINGS:
ACTS 2: 42-47:
Being so close to the resurrection of the Lord and being so filled with the Spirit, the life of the infant church was observably and patently dynamic. It was devoted to sharing both physically and spiritually in fellowship, devoted to the proclaimed teachings of Christ, devoted to diligent reception of the Lord's supper, and devoted to vitality in joint prayers. The church flourished. Evidences of the Spirit's work and presence stood outsiders in awe. Sacrifice and sharing of material goods provided for the physical needs of all.
Their increase in numbers flowed from the spiritual life and witness of the church.
1 PETER 2: 19-25:
Many of the Christians whom Peter addressed were slaves without rights who were often treated harshly by their unbelieving owners. In the same way that Christ suffered with the purpose of setting people free from sin and its eternal curse, so Christians are to meet their sufferings.
If we have returned to him who tends and cares for the souls of his flock, then obedience to Christ's ownership calls for like conduct after his own example.
JOHN 10: 1-10:
The 'shepherds of Israel' were the religious leaders who had failed in their care of the people. Jesus here contrasts the work of false shepherds with his own care of the people.
His sheep will recognise the authentic voice of his mission and ministry and they will follow it. The voice of false shepherds does not convey the word of God and thus repels those who know the voice of the true shepherd.
False shepherds effectively dispense death and destruction.
The good Shepherd gives eternal life and salvation.
Announcements:
1. This week in the Lord's Service -11th - 18th May:
Wednesday - 11.00 am at the church - study continues on 'A Hearing Heart'.
Evening study will continue at the home of Phil and Dorothea Worpel on Wednesday, 21st April.
Friday - 7.30 pm - YPQ&A at the church.
Saturday - 10.00 am - 11.00 am - 'Sing - along' practice time. 11.00 am to 12 noon - Choir practice.
Next Sunday - 9.30 am - Public Divine service - (Non- Communion).
Parents please note: Sunday School resumes
next Sunday (18th May).
2. Araluen 500 Cards Camp 2014:
The Araluen 500 camp is on again from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th July. Please see notice
board near kitchen for details/application form.
3. Christian Life Weeks - Tandara:
Notice is given of upcoming CLW camps for youth 13 to 18 years at Tandara Lutheran Camp, Hall's Gap - 30th June to 4th July, 22nd to 26th September
and 29th September to 3rd October 2014.
For those interested, parents / campers letters and registration forms are available from the front foyer.
4. Family Camp - Tandara:
Notice is also given of a Family Camp at Tandara Lutheran Camp, Hall's Gap, theme 'Amazing Love'
for all ages, from 11th to 13th July, 2014.
Full details of what's on offer, cost together with registration forms are available from the front foyer.
Registration closes 30th June.
5. Grow Ministries Conference:
A further reminder of a conference designed around re-thinking child, Youth and family ministry in modern
Australia will take place at St Paul's Lutheran Church, Box Hill on 16 - 17th May. Presenters: Pastor Greg
Priebbenow and Jodi Brook. Please see notice board on how to register interest and for further information
6. A.L.C. - Grassroots Training 2014:
A further reminder that Grassroots Training, a ministry of Australian Lutheran College is offering the
following workshops at Tandara Lutheran Camp,H all's Gap, viz, 'Equipping for Leadership' and 'Home and Church in Partnership', on
23rd/24th June and 25th/26th June as indicated.
Please see notice board near kitchen and rear foyer.
Coming up for your diary:
Tuesday 20th May - 12.00 noon - Kaffeestunde.
Thursday 29th May - 2.30 pm - Worship service with H.C., followed by fellowship afternoon tea.
Friday 30th May - 9.30 am - Worship Team.
Tuesday 10th June - 7.00 pm - Church Council.