This week we will relive the dark days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and the celebration of his resurrection.  We will pray together from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, and spend quiet time alone, pondering this story.  We may see or imagine the iconic images of Jesus on the colt heading towards Jerusalem, Jesus surrounded by his disciples at the Last Supper, or the two Marys at the empty tomb.  So much of our faith is based on this one week in history; the story is hard to hear and understand, but without the difficult times, we would not be able to celebrate the glorious end to this story.

Whenever we experience trying times, we need to have the same faith that Jesus had.  The good is yet to come.  This was a long winter - I think even the diehard winter athletes will agree.  In my house, the kids were even getting bored with the usually much anticipated snow days.  Our faith and optimism about good things to come was apparent as we watched for the new green growth peeking through the soil, and in some cases, patches of snow.  This deep faith got us through to the beautiful spring days we are beginning to experience.  It will do the same as we hope for cooler days when we experience the dog days of summer, which will be here before we know it.  

Good Shepherd has been through a difficult time during the past few months.  Some uncertainty was present, but our faith in God, our church, Rev. Roger and in Scottie has helped us truly know that good things await.  Prayers and contemplation of our future have abounded, and at this time I am happy to tell you that Scottie will be back soon. On the recommendation of the Diocese, your Vestry and I are meeting frequently and working with a consultant and Scottie to facilitate her return and address both her needs and ours.  It is our goal to have her return as soon as possible, and we are hopeful this will be in mid to late May.  Please continue to keep the Vestry, Scottie, Roger and our consultant in your prayers as we do this hard but important work. 

Jesus had the ultimate faith - and we can learn from him and apply that same faith to the minor distractions of our life.  As I pray this week, and remember his story, I will take that to heart and know that we await good things, such as Scottie's return!

With love to you all, and faith in each one of you,

Linda

• emptying wastebaskets (taking the trash home and disposing with your own trash if you can)
• removing cobwebs all around the church
• cleaning and refilling supplies in bathrooms as needed
• dusting baseboards, pews, & windowsills as needed

Christine Camper, Kevin Cellucci, Gerry Chagnon, Dick Ellis, Marie Field, Betty Fraser, Bernice Herrick, Linda Johnnene, Scott Johnnene, Thomas and Henrietta Kane, Debra Katt-Lloyd, Joe Lehman, Tony Lopes, Lynn McDonald, Rheta McKinley, Bishop Thomas Shaw, Kevin Smith, Hector Torres, Jake Torrisi, Scottie Wagner, Stephen Wagner, Michael Webb and Nickie Zitoli.