Reflections from your Co-Pastors
May 18, 2021

The Gospel of John 17: 1-11

In John's Gospel, Chapters 14-17 are known as the Farewell Discourse given by Jesus to his disciples. Jesus tells them that he will be going to the Father and he will send the Holy Spirit to guide them. He commands them to love one another as he has loved them. Then Jesus says that he is the True Vine, the source of life for the world, and his Father is the vine grower. The disciples are the branches of the vine. Jesus also warns the disciples of upcoming persecutions, gives them his peace, and reassures the disciples not to be fearful.

Now in today's Gospel reading, Jesus prays for his followers and the coming Church. This is the longest prayer of Jesus in any of the Gospels. In this farewell prayer, Jesus addresses God as he turns his eyes to heaven.

And even though Jesus has taught his disciples how to pray the well-known and memorized Lord's Prayer, He now models a more spontaneous,
more conversational way of praying directly to God. In His prayer, He asks that all the disciples have eternal life, defined by Christ as knowing God and knowing Jesus the Christ. He then asks that the disciples may be one, as Jesus and the father are one.

Since Jesus will no longer be in the world, His prayer connects God to the disciples by asking God to keep them in his name, to protect them, and to make them one just as Jesus and God are one.
The love of God is within us, as well as the Spirit of Christ. So, let us go out into the world clothed in the power of the Trinity. For this farewell prayer is for Jesus' first disciples as well as all those who will believe in Him through their word.

That's us! Praise be to God!
Amen
Bishop Francis Invites you to hear more about the Mary Magdalene Society
Join with Bishop Francis Krebs and other ECC members from across the US to hear an update on the Mary Magdalene Society. This will be held Tuesday, May 25th at 7:00 pm.

To register for this Zoom session click here. Registration will close 24 hours prior to the call.

If there are questions, or a need for assistance, email Erin at the Office of Presiding Bishop.
Extraordinary Catholics - May 2021

Read the article in the May issue of 'Extraordinary Catholics' by Father Michael Nicosia about the formation, the beliefs and practices of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion - Page 9

Schedule of Upcoming Services
Sunday May 23 - Outdoor mass at **11:00 am ** and via Zoom
The Hospitality Ministry Invites You to Stay
If you can stay afterwards, you are invited to bring a sack lunch and drink to enjoy after Mass. It should be a beautiful day. ( But in case of inclement weather, an email will go out the night before to advise everyone.)
 
Protocol
Masks are mandatory and social distancing observed. So please join us! Bring a mask, a chair (chairs will be provided for those who cannot carry one in) and a sack lunch if you wish for after Mass.
May 30 - 5:00 pm via Zoom - Most Holy Trinity 'I am—I am with you Always. Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier' - Presider: Mother Kae Madden.

**We are extraordinarily happy to announce the return to the sanctuary beginning in June.**

**Be sure to check back weekly on Friday's to see updates to schedules and special services**
June 6 - 5:00 pm Father Teri will preside at Mass in the sanctuary and the service will be open to all friends and members. (Up to 50) It will also be broadcasted live via Zoom.

June 13 - 5:00 pm Father Michael Nicosia will preside at Mass in the sanctuary and will be broadcasted live via Zoom
Service Recordings
View the recording celebrating The Ascension of the Christ, May 16 here. For the homily of Father Michael Nicosia, click here. Here is a printed version of the liturgy to assist with prayer.
For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com

Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal  
What are our partners in ministry up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin