“ … you are with me …”
Psalm 23:4
A Prayer and a Reminder
There is probably no more familiar text in all of Hebrew Scripture than the 23rd Psalm. Simple, compact, concrete: these six verses display a connection of caring between the Psalmist and God.
Like many other psalms, this one is associated with David, the great shepherd-king whose reign is a defining moment in the history of Israel. The Psalm shows a working knowledge of the life of a shepherd whose days were filled seeking green pastures in the rocky Palestinian soil and finding still waters amid streams filled with spring torrents. The shepherd is guide from one path to the next. The tools of the trade: a staff and a rod were used for directing and defending the flock.
What caught my imagination this Good Shepherd Sunday is the turn that the Psalm makes in verse 4. The scene is set, referring to the Shepherd in the third person. But when death, fear, and evil are mentioned, the Psalmist says “you”.
I believe there is an important moment in our life of prayer when we turn from talking about God and begin to speak directly with God. It is the moment when God becomes not just a concept, but a person and a friend.
The four words which form the center of this Psalm could be a great place to start your prayer: “You are with me”. Breathing in “you are” affirms God’s presence. Breathing out “with me” establishes God aid.
The rest of the Psalm shows the flowering of this relationship. There’s a table spread, the oil of gladness, and a cup filled to overflowing. God’s giving (goodness) and forgiving (mercy) are abiding gifts. In the end, we get to be roommates with the creator!
“You are with me” is a prayer for all seasons. When it is beautiful outside and we are comfortable in our own skin, God is with us. When it is dark are terrifying and isolation presses us hard, God is with us. And the best part is … God want to be there with you. Prayer in not an incantation that brings God around. Prayer is a reminder that God has always been around. “You are with me.”
Peace,
Mark +
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
|
|
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE
Each SUNDAY at 9:30AM
|
|
This Sunday's Worship Service
|
|
Please pray for: Al Athey (RIP), Anne Barr, Bill, Louis Brutto, Chris, Mary & Chad Clapsaddle, Margie Conlin, James Cox, Jackie Dick (RIP), Bob & Laura Dean, Deny, Robert Doak (RIP), Brenda Faulkner & Family-Debby, Lorraine, Mike and JR, Susan Fralic, Eddie Garback (son of Ed & Bette), Molly Mays, Sharon McCain, Camilla Parrott, John Perkins, Geoff Price (RIP), Paul Ray, Lynne Wilkins, Bob Willis, Jack Wright
Prayer Requests can be sent to prayer@ccpki.org
|
|
Christian Formation
This week’s Lesson is one of my favorites. The main message is that we recognize that Jesus is our guide and protector. He loves us and we can trust and rely on Jesus. Just as a shepherd guards his flock of sheep, Jesus is our shepherd and guides and guards us.
In “Wednesdays with Winnie we continue to offer an Earth Day Challenge to all of our families. Each day this week we can focus on a different way to be good stewards of creation. We begin the week with Meatless Monday and continue through the week with, Transportation Tuesday, Water Wednesday, Earth Day Thursday, and Trash Day Friday. Check out “Wednesdays with Winnie for more information about how we can raise our awareness and appreciate the resources God has given to our planet.
Peace,
Miss Lisa and Winnie
|
|
Pause Ponder & Pray -- Easter Edition
Join with your friends as we meet the Resurrected Jesus who lives among us now. The Zoom format is simple to use and we can offer technical support. No prior knowledge or experience needed, just bring yourself. One hour, once a week, with friends.
All are welcome!
Topic: Pause Ponder Pray
Time: Apr 20, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (Weekly until May 25)
Join Zoom Meeting
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,85096572597#,,,,*024522# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 850 9657 2597
Passcode: 024522
|
|
Ways to Support Christ Church
-
Electronic Giving: Click Here
-
Text to Give by texting CCPKI to 73256
-
Bank: Have your bank send a check or make an ACH transfer
-
By Check: CCPKI 830 Romancoke Rd. Stevensville MD 21666
|
|
COVID Vaccine Clinics next week
Beginning on Tuesday, 4/27, and through Saturday, 5/1, the Queen Anne's County Department of Health will be hosting a Mobile Vaccination Unit through a partnership with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The MVU will be located at the Kent Narrows Center (the old outlets), 59 Piney Narrows Road, Chester, MD.
Links are available below for you and your staff to register for appointments to receive the 1st dose of a COVID vaccine. The unit will be administering the Moderna vaccine to anyone 18 years of age and older. The unit will return 28 days later to administer the 2nd dose of the vaccine. Links will be provided to register for those appointments as well.
These links should only be shared with residents of and/or workers in Queen Anne's County. Thank you! We are looking forward to this opportunity to get our residents and workforce vaccinated!
Tuesday, 4/27, 9a-1p
https://www.marylandvax.org//reg/6079129264
Wednesday, 4/28, 11a-3p
https://www.marylandvax.org//reg/9921640422
Thursday, 4/29, 8a-12p
https://www.marylandvax.org//reg/2694272109
Friday, 4/30, 2-6p
https://www.marylandvax.org//reg/9269193079
Saturday, 5/1, 9a-1p
https://www.marylandvax.org//reg/1629937970
|
|
Christ Church Parish Kent Island| 410-643-5921 | office@ccpki.org | ccpki.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
