This Sunday is known as Good Shepherd Sunday, when we reflect on Jesus as our good shepherd … a widely used metaphor for pastoral care in the church. Today’s Gospel reading also includes Jesus’ statement that he came to guide us towards the abundant life.

How do we envisage the abundant life that Jesus speaks of? Two companion texts for today – Psalm 23 and Acts 2:42-47 – provide some insights, along with other texts from the Gospel of John (1:4, 5:24, 11:25, 14:6, 17:3).

It is a life lived in communion with God and in communion with God’s people. All we need will be provided (pasture, still waters) … yet the way will not always be easy (walking in the valley of the shadow of death). We are promised blessing (provision, joy peace) … and called upon to be a blessing to others in turn (as demonstrated by members of the early church and their attitude towards any in need).

How can we help point others towards this abundant life, which is available here and now?

This Sunday we will not be meeting by Zoom for worship. Instead we encourage people to watch and participate in the collaborative service prepared by Heathmont, Ringwood, Ringwood North and our two Croydon congregations. You will see and hear from several familiar faces from Croydon and Croydon North. To log in to the service go to the following website https://nruc.online.church/ before 10 am.

If you are unable to join us to participate online click here for worship@home resources Good Shepherd Sunday - 3 May 2020

After the streamed service we will be having a virtual morning tea of Croydon and Croydon North people by Zoom using the same log in details as previously. We can send you a link to the meeting if you sign up by emailing the Croydon UC church office on office@croydon.unitingchurch.org.au.