Jesus the good shepherd
encourages us to stand beside the despised and miserable.
Jesus the good shepherd
reminds us of our ability to forgive and to start afresh.
Jesus the good shepherd
Shows us how much can be achieved if we work together with others.

God knows us and loves us, beyond all limits.
God sees different faiths and denominations worshipping and working together and God rejoices.
God sees violent acts and hatred spread in the name of the Holy One and God despairs and weeps.
Through sacrificial effort,
Tears will change to smiles.

~ David Sparks, Pastoral Prayers to Share, Year B: Prayers of the People for Each Sunday of the Church Year.

This week’s scripture uses the metaphor of Jesus as a shepherd, caring for the sheep. For each age-level there is an opportunity to explore this story from the vantage point of their experiences. The “Focus for [age-level]” section above the “Prepare” section has excellent insights that will help leaders consider experiences and feelings of their particular group. Pray that your group members will feel enfolded by the love of the Good Shepherd.

To access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage, visit www.seasonsonline.ca and click on Spirit Sightings.

Option: use the paraphrase “God Is Like a Shepherd” (p.107) based on Psalm 23 and “Sheep and Shepherds” (p.109) based on John 10: 11-18 from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; available as mp3 and projectable art downloads

Some of the many options for learning about Jesus as a friend and good shepherd:

• Ages 3-5: listening game and/or sheep-shaped reminders or shepherd pictures
• Ages 6-8: follow-the-leader game and sheep-shaped messages or welcoming collage
• Ages 9-11: poetry and/or sheep magnets or collage
• Multiage: poetry and/or sheep magnets or collage
• Ages 12-14: poetry, sheep magnet reminders or outreach poster
• Ages 15-18 shaped poems or shepherd poster
• Adult: writing personal psalm or prayer card

Listen to the songs “Somlandela/We Will Follow” (#22) and “Sing Alleluia” (#17) on the Seasons Music CD, Volume 7 or available as mp3 downloads from www.seasonsonline.ca.

May 6: Reach Out
(Focus: Acts 8: 26-40).

If we are ever tempted to think of God’s love as being available to only certain people in certain situations who have certain practices, this weeks readings help us see God’s love is for all of us, in any time and place. What faith practices do you have that most remind you of God’s universal love?

For SeasonsFUSION (which inspires worship in a setting for all ages) see the new SeasonsFUSION blog and sign up to receive the SeasonsFUSION Tip of the Week.