Week of 04/18/21 - 04/24/21
Jesus Knows Me

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me" -John 10:14

I've been thinking a lot this week about what it means to be known by Jesus. It's simultaneously a comforting and intimidating thing. Comforting because no matter what happens or how I am feeling Jesus knows about it and is with me through it. He cares for me and you and knows us even when we may not fully know ourselves. It's also intimidating because it can be quite scary to be known that fully. I'm not sure if anyone knows me that fully...even me sometimes. What I am reminded of is that is a good thing. To be fully known in this was makes it easier for me to trust in Jesus, even when things are unknown. Have a good weekend!
Children

Resources for Sunday, April 25th

Start by viewing the Sunday School video together on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZnbEVRacboPgksA1RpKr8BFRQuFFu-4

Here are additional activities to continue your learning:

Simon Says (with a twist!)- Play some rounds of "Simon says" taking turns so that everyone gets to be Simon. The twist is that no one gets out! Instead, keep count of how many directions you successfully follow before you mess up. Luckily, the voice of our good shepherd Jesus speaks so we can hear and understand and follow. He also doesn't leave anyone out!

Hide and Go Sheep- Hide a sheep stuffed animal (or another kind of stuffed animal) for someone to find. As they get closer to the hidden location, make the animal sound so they know they are close and have a hint. Remember that Jesus the good shepherd will always come to seek after the sheep (us) and take care of them.

Question to continue the conversation: Who is someone who takes care of you?

Next Sunday: Check next week's Family Connect e-mail or the Facebook group for resources!
Family

-Family Sunday School Video is now available on the Youtube Channel

-Join us for the Drive-in Service at 10:00 am on Sunday for a Family Moment! Be sure and bring your crayons or favorite coloring utensils for the Children's Bulletin and activity

-You can also join us at the 11:00 am blended service for a Children's Message and a Children's Church time during the sermon

-Recharge for Junior High and High School will be on Zoom at 2:00 pm tomorrow. Meeting access details are below! This will be our last Zoom time before we take a break. We'll pick back up in the early Summer with some type of in-person time.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2986540262

Meeting ID: 298 654 0262
Junior High

-Share your Blessings, Bummers, and where you have seen Jesus for the week
-Read John 10:11-18
-What is one word or phrase that stood out to you? What image came to mind?
-Read the story again
-What is a story or experience that you have had recently that connects with this story? What is a question you have of this story? What is God trying to tell us in this story?
-Read the passage one more time
-Write and pray a prayer that speaks to what you have shared

One phrase that is repeated a lot through this passage is "lay down"

The sense that I get from this passage is that Jesus is totally in control. Not in a way that makes me feel particularly uncomfortable but in a comforting way. What feels the most difficult is that I am the sheep. My shepherd has it under control. This is nice because that means that I can not worry about it, but also it's a bit unnerving because it's not something that I can influence. Jesus is separate, which makes his laying down of his life all the more powerful. It's a choice he makes to show his love for us. To be connected to us and to connect us to God.

God who is in control, thank you for our good shepherd to lead us. Help us to remember that we are the sheep and that is an okay place to be. Strengthen our trust in you as we know that you are in control. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Question to continue the conversation: Who is someone who takes care of you?

Next Sunday: Check next week's Family Connect e-mail or the Facebook group for resources!
High School

-Share your Blessings, Bummers, and where you have seen Jesus for the week
-Read John 10:11-18
-What is one word or phrase that stood out to you? What image came to mind?
-Read the story again
-What is a story or experience that you have had recently that connects with this story? What is a question you have of this story? What is God trying to tell us in this story?
-Read the passage one more time
-Write and pray a prayer that speaks to what you have shared

One phrase that is repeated a lot through this passage is "lay down"

The sense that I get from this passage is that Jesus is totally in control. Not in a way that makes me feel particularly uncomfortable but in a comforting way. What feels the most difficult is that I am the sheep. My shepherd has it under control. This is nice because that means that I can not worry about it, but also it's a bit unnerving because it's not something that I can influence. Jesus is separate, which makes his laying down of his life all the more powerful. It's a choice he makes to show his love for us. To be connected to us and to connect us to God.

God who is in control, thank you for our good shepherd to lead us. Help us to remember that we are the sheep and that is an okay place to be. Strengthen our trust in you as we know that you are in control. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Question to continue the conversation: Who is someone who takes care of you?

Next Sunday: Check next week's Family Connect e-mail or the Facebook group for resources!
Upcoming Events

April 25th- Indoor worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am. Drive-in worship at 9:45 am. Worship Video comes out. Family Sunday School video comes out (Everyone)

April 25th- Recharge via Zoom at 2:00 pm. Last one until early Summer (Junior High and High School)

April 28th- Confirmation Quiz Bowl! Last Confirmation via Zoom for the Spring. 7:00 pm (Junior High)

May 2nd- Indoor worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am. Drive-in worship at 9:45 am. Worship Video comes out. Family Sunday School video comes out (Everyone)