April 15

Beloved families of Good Shepherd,

Peace be with you! This Sunday our Gospel reading centers on the story of Jesus’ followers encountering the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus. Jesus opened the Scriptures to his friends and made himself known to them in the breaking of the bread. Jesus’ friends felt their hearts “burning within” when they spent time with the risen Lord. Jesus transformed their sadness into joy and ignited his friends for the mission of Love!

Like Jesus’ first followers on the road to Emmaus, the presence of the risen Christ has the power to heal us and and set us aflame with God’s love!  It is a gift to have so many young families who come to church to experience the risen Christ in the sacraments and the people of Good Shepherd. Engaging in the life of the church fosters our healing and transforms us into our essence, which is love. Deep in our core each of us is a living flame of God’s love.  Author Thomas Merton says we are made in the image of God and that love is the reason for our existence:  “Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name.” (New Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton, p. 60).

We hope you will consider registering your children for Vacation Bible School 2026:  ROOTED IN LOVE, June 8-12, 9 am-12 pm to grow in God’s love! We’ll explore five wonderful ways to take root and grow in Love: Listening, Praying, Baptism, Eucharist, and Service. Each day our children will engage with Scripture, music, art, and games to grow deeper in God’s love. Go HERE to register your child for Vacation Bible School 2026!

We hope to see your family this Sunday!

Many Blessings,

Patty