Avondale E-Worship
"I Am The Good Shepherd"

John 10: 7 - 12; 14 - 15  
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.  10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

11  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  12  The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.

14  I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,  15  just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.
Questions to stir thought and conversation...

  1. The gate (sometimes the shepherd’s body) protected the sheep from predators and kept them safe. In what ways is Christ “the gate” or “the door” in your life? 
  2. Is this protection physical, spiritual...or both? 
  3. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.” In what ways does the world seem to promise the same thing today? Do those worldly promises seem to hold up? How easy or hard do you find it to trust, in your day-to-day life, that Jesus' way truly offers you the fullest, most satisfying life?
Member Care Corner

"Show You Care - Task of the week"

Using the church directory, pick 3 members you will call and check on. Spend some time just chatting, catching up and find out if there are any needs. If there are needs, please email Jim or call the church office and leave a message with information and we will do our best to ensure all needs are met!

Online Directory Password: 1944A
Mission Corner

How is Avondale responding during this time of need?

Avondale is serving as host to the Bethlehem Center's Out of School and Teen leadership programs due to location changes caused by the closing of public schools. Thursday evening, the ABC Team quickly responded by shopping and assembling food bags for the 22 families participating in the Bethlehem Center program. Stay tuned for possible future opportunities to serve during this unexpected time of crisis
Ways to serve in our community...

Supporting Our Homeless Neighbors

Unfortunately, Room In The Inn was cancelled due to the potential threat of COVID-19. Urban Ministries has worked very hard over the last week to ensure our homeless community is still being served. They have set up tent housing and also partnered with city government to lease a hotel where many may be housed. However, there are many ways you can continue to support our homeless neighbors, including drop-off donations or placing an Amazon order from the Urban Ministries Wishlist. Click here for additional information on these opportunities.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is in desperate need of not only donations, but volunteers to help sort and distribute food to children, seniors, families, veterans, and pets. Due to many company policies during the virus outbreak, regular groups have had to cancel their shifts and the Food Bank is in desperate need of volunteers to help fill those shifts. At this time, they are asking volunteers and staff to stay home if they experience any symptoms of illness, or if they have traveled to high-risk locations within the last 30 days; however, volunteer sessions are planned to run as scheduled. The Food Bank is taking every safety precaution for volunteers and staff including increased cleaning/sanitizing of the facility after each volunteer shift, consistent hand washing, along with social distancing. (No hugs or handshakes allowed either.) The leadership of Avondale asks that you carefully consider the potential risks of volunteering; however, if you are interested in volunteering in the coming weeks with a small group of Avondalers, please email Amanda Shanks. You are also welcome to sign up to volunteer individually. Click here for additional information about volunteering or about making a donation to the Food Bank.
Offering
Your Avondale Pledge

For those of you who contribute to your pledge through the offering plate on Sunday, there are many opportunities to fulfill your commitment including, mailing a check, PayPal or a one-time or reoccurring bank draft . Drafts can be setup or changed at anytime. Please contact Jacqueline for more information.
Easter Gifts
Given to the Glory of God

Honor or remember a loved one this Easter by supporting a particular mission or project of the church!

You may use the links below or print a form and mail it to the church with a check attached.
Self Care and Prayer
The Labyrinth is a sacred place set aside for you to reflect, pray, and worship God. The rhythm of walking empties the mind, relaxes the body and refreshes the spirit. 

The Labyrinth can be walked in four stages, allowing you to walk with your body and rest your mind.

Remember: Before walking the labyrinth take time in gratitude to be thankful for your life. Bless the people in your life. If there is a specific event or situation troubling you (like the coronavirus) bring it to mind and form a healing question if possible (such as why am I anxious about …).

Release: Walking into the labyrinth quiet the mind, let go of the chatter and release any tension. Open your heart to feel whatever it might feel. Become aware of your breathing making sure you are taking slow deep breaths. Relax and move at your own pace. 

Receive: While standing or sitting in the center, use this space as a place of reflection. Pause and stay as long as you like. Open yourself to God. Listen to God’s small inner voice. Use this time to pray and be honest with God about the things you need to say. 

Return: While walking out of the labyrinth, take the same path you followed to go in. Walking out experience the sense of well-being, healing, energy, and peace.

Prayers You Might Choose to Offer

"I place myself in your presence O God."

"Thank you God for ______. I praise your name because you _______."

"Lord search me and know me for you have created me. Give me the strength to serve you and to _____."

While exiting, offer words of praise and thanksgiving!
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