Reflections on shepherds and sheep from John 10, the scripture on which Rev Pojen Lee will reflect on Sun, April 25
| Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd. — Rumi God is not a celestial prison warden jangling the keys on a bunch of lifers–he’s a shepherd seeking for sheep, a woman searching for coins, a father waiting for his son. — Clarence Jordan Songs about Shepherds and Sheep Shepherds: • The Shepherds Song by Shanghai Quartet (instrumental) • Shepherd’s Hymn from Beethoven’s Symphony #6 • Good Shepherd by Jefferson Airplane (folk rock ballad) • The Shepherd Song by Mississippi Children’s Choir (gospel) • Shepherd’s Song by Coldcut (pop/world music) • The Shepherd’s Song by Katzenjammer (pop/dance) • The Lonely Shepherd by Andre Rieu featuring George Zamfir (instrumental) • Shepherd by Amanda Cook (Christian) • The Shepherd’s Song (God With Us) by Hearts of Saints (Christian seasonal-Christmas) • Shepherd’s Song by Josh Garrel (Christian acoustic/seasonal-Christmas) Sheep: • Sheep by the Housemartins (pop) • And Dream of Sheep by Kate Bush (ballad) • Sheep by Lay and Alan Walker (K-pop/latin?) • Sheep Song by Bad Luck (pop) • Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Set it Off (metal/rock) • Sheep by Pink Floyd (rock) • Counting Sheep by Safia (pop) • Sheep Song by Dresden Dolls (ballad/melancholy) • Baa Baa Black Sheep (children’s nursery rhyme music) |
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| Verse on Libyan Shepherds (excerpt) — Virgil Now, shall my verse pursue the Libyan nomads, Their pastures, huts, their scattered settlements? Their flocks will often, day and night for a month, Roam and graze the empty tracts and find No shelter in the vast expanse of land. This African shepherd takes his world along, His household, weapons, dog, his bow and arrows, Much like the Roman soldier fierce in arms Who marches forth, unfairly burdened down By all his field equipment, and arrives Ahead of time, to catch the foe off guard. VI — Wendell Berry The old shepherd comes to another lambing time, and he gives thanks. He has longed ever more strongly as the weeks and months went by for the new lives the ewes have carried in their bellies through the winter cold. Now in gray early mornings of barely spring he goes to see at last what the night has revealed. Through many of its generations he has husbanded his flock … he remembers from the time, as sucklings, they caught his eye. Lineages … having stayed unbroken through many years, his flock … |
Shepherd Reflections
Compassion is a Shepherd, Always tending his herd. — Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
It was shepherds who were the first to recognize a king that the rest of the world refused to acknowledge. — Paulo Coelho
… we’re lazy when it comes to doing things that are good for us; we also want someone to follow – someone to go first, for them to take the risks thereby smoothing our path; a sort of guarantee that we won’t stumble. Ironically, we also want to be followed in some way; we are both sheep and shepherd. ― Renée Paule
Man is not the lord of beings. Man is the shepherd of Being. — Martin Heidegger
The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of liberty. — Abraham Lincoln
Too many leaders act as if the sheep… their people… are there for the benefit of the shepherd, not that the shepherd has responsibility for the sheep. — Ken Blanchard
A true shepherd leads the way. He does not merely point the way. — Leonard Ravenhill
Shepherds know many mysterious languages; they speak the language of sheep and dogs, language of stars and skies, flowers and herbs.
— Mehmet Murat Ildan
And if the line between pasture and wilderness wasn’t clearly drawn, neither was it safely fenced, which meant that the shepherd not only had to worry about sheep wandering off but about wild animals snatching them in the dark—not to mention bandits. … had to be prepared to fight them off—that’s what that staff was for … the shepherd’s staff was a tool and a weapon. It could be used to block a sheep’s path into danger or to prod it to safety; and it could be used to beat off an attacking wolf—or an attacking human. A shepherd had to be continuously alert, always ready both to care kindly for his sheep and to do battle with enemies. “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me,” not because the shepherd looks so comfortable leaning on them, but because they show that he’s ready to defend us. — David Walbert
Christian Commentary on Shepherds
The Lord IS my shepherd. Not was, not may be, nor will be. . . is my shepherd on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year, is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and is in war; in abundance, and in penury. — Hudson Taylor
When we are fearful and worried all the time, we are living as if we don’t believe that we have a strong and able Shepherd who is tenderhearted toward us, who only leads us to good places, who protects us and lovingly watches over us. — Joseph Prince
You have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner and an anchor for every storm. You have everything you need. — Max Lucado
God has entrusted us with his most precious treasure – people. He asks us to shepherd and mold them into strong disciples, with brave faith and good character. — John Ortberg
Verses about Shepherds
Shepherds lift their heads,
not to gaze at a new light
but to hear angels.
― Richelle E. Goodrich
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb.
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
I give Him my heart.
— Christina Rossetti
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work … begins:
…To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
— Howard Thurman
The Lord my pasture shall prepare,
And feed me with a shepherd’s care;
His presence shall my wants supply,
And guard me with a watchful eye.
— Joseph Addison
Sheep Reflections
If sheep do not have the constant care of a shepherd, they will go the wrong way, unaware of the dangers at hand. They have been known to nibble themselves right off the side of a mountain….. And so, because sheep are sheep, they need shepherds to care for them. The welfare of sheep depends solely upon the care they get from their shepherd. Therefore, the better the shepherd, the healthier the sheep. — Kay Arthur
I am like the sick sheep that strays from the rest of the flock. Unless the Good Shepherd takes me on His shoulders and carries me back to His fold, my steps will falter, and in the very effort of rising, my feet will give way. — St. Jerome
The metaphor of the king as the shepherd of his people goes back to ancient Egypt. Perhaps the use of this particular convention is due to the fact that, being stupid, affectionate, gregarious, and easily stampeded, the societies formed by sheep are most like human ones. — Northrop Frye
Trust the Lord. He is the good shepherd. He knows His sheep. And His sheep know His voice. — M. Russell Ballard
Experience has taught me that the Shepherd is far more willing to show His sheep the path than the sheep are to follow. He is endlessly merciful, patient, tender, and loving. If we, His stupid and wayward sheep, really want to be led, we will without fail be led. Of that I am sure. — Elisabeth Elliot
This Week with JCC & around town: April 20-25
TUE, APRIL 20 – SUN, APRIL 25
TUE, April 20
- Community Event: CHAIR YOGA
10am • Zoom (pre-registration required: Pre-registration link.)
Free 6-week series/online class sponsored by the Friends of the Whitney Center. Exercise is a key component of a happy, healthy life at any age. If you are looking to create a stronger back or core, needing to stretch from head to toe, well grab a chair and a yoga strap and prepare to explore body strength, mobility and flexibility as this class/series will support you in healthy habits. Includes exercises for strengthening, mobility and flexibility to bring health to the whole body from head to toe. Anjali Rose will guide you virtually in your own home. Dress comfortably, bring a water bottle, chair and yoga strap and commit to a healthier you. Upon registration, any other specifics will be sent to you. - CLERGY LUNCH
12:30-2pm • Zoom.
Meeting of Clergy of the Eastern Slope for peer work and community networking. Rev Gail attends. - Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-6pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse.
Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/.
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Event: VIRTUAL YOGA
4:30pm • Zoom
The Friends of the Whitney welcome back yoga instructor, Anjali Rose to host virtual yoga. This yoga class is free to Jackson community residents and is designed for all levels to participate. Each person attending can register and upon registration will receive an email within 24 hours with the Zoom link for the class. It’s important to register as soon as you can and no later than 2pm on Tuesdays.- Register in advance for this meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZclceGgqzIpHdXzJDVEGz…
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- If you are new to yoga and have questions, please reach out to Anjali at: anjalirose15@gmail.com with questions.
- Community Event: SPRINGTIME TRIVIA (Starts 4/15 and runs for 10 days)
The Jackson Public Library and eight area libraries offer Springtime Trivia to make the competition extra interesting.- To compete, please register your team – no limit on team size.
WED, April 21
- FITNESS with LAURIE McALEER
9am • JCC Parish House (in-person)
Join us for a free, gentle fitness class. Please let Laurie McAleer know you will attend. Masking and social distancing required. - PARISH HOUSE/FIRST FLOOR CLEANUP
Stay after fitness class to help organize and clear away seasonal bins. - Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-5pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse.
Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/.
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Event: SPRINGTIME TRIVIA (Starts 4/15 and runs for 10 days)
The Jackson Public Library and eight area libraries offer Springtime Trivia to make the competition extra interesting.- To compete, please register your team – no limit on team size.
- COUNCIL MEETING
7pm • Zoom link and password required. Contact the church for this info: jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org
Meeting of staff and lay leaders of church regarding governance and finances, programs and projects to support the operations and ministry of the church.
THURS, April 22
- Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-6pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse. Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/.
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Service: WAY STATION SHIFT
1pm • Food pickup
2:30pm • Curbside package preparation
5pm • Shift at curbside with guests
@ 15 Grove St, North Conway, NH
Rev Gail and JCC volunteers serve this weekly outreach to local homeless and housing-insecure residents. - Community Event: SPRING BIRDS & WATER FOWL
7pm • Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91046407661
Join us for a discussion of birds that we can expect to see during our upcoming Ducks and Donuts field trip. Learn about common waterfowl species and their unique field identification markings, along with some facts about the ecology of these charismatic species. We’ll also take some time to talk about other early spring birds in the area. - Community Event: SPRINGTIME TRIVIA (Starts 4/15 and runs for 10 days)
The Jackson Public Library and eight area libraries offer Springtime Trivia to make the competition extra interesting.- To compete, please register your team – no limit on team size. Register anytime, all rounds will be posted and remain open throughout.
- Team name, library, and scores will be public.
- Your email address will be added to a trivia email group, this will allow teams to communicate directly.
- The first round will post to the group on 4/15 – you will get it in your email – and every night afterward for ten days.
- The team with the highest score at the end, will win a book for their library’s collection.
- The Library with the highest average score across times will also win a book of their choice.
FRI, April 23
- Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-5pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse.Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/. Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - C3: COCKTAILS & CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS
5pm • Zoom link and password required. Contact the church for this info: jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org
Conversation about this week’s scripture. - Community Event: SPRINGTIME TRIVIA (Starts 4/15 and runs for 10 days)
The Jackson Public Library and eight area libraries offer Springtime Trivia to make the competition extra interesting.- To compete, please register your team – no limit on team size.
SAT, April 24
- Community Event: DUCKS & DONUTS
8:30am until 11:30am • In-person/register for meeting location.
Space is limited; reservations required. Call 447-6991 or click here to register online.
Cost: $5/person
The streams and ponds are opening up and ducks are returning. We’ll explore the old course of the Saco River and other open water in search of wood ducks, hooded mergansers, common golden eyes, and other early migrants. Bring binoculars and we’ll bring the donuts! - Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
10am – 2pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse. Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/. Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Event: SPRINGTIME TRIVIA (Starts 4/15 and runs for 10 days)
The Jackson Public Library and eight area libraries offer Springtime Trivia to make the competition extra interesting.- To compete, please register your team – no limit on team size.
SUN, April 25
- INTERFAITH GATHERING
8am • Zoom link and password required. Contact the church for this info: jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org
Join us for poetry, prayer and conversation. Zoom-only. - CHOIR PRACTICE
9am • Zoom link and password required. Contact the church for this info: jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org - VIRTUAL WORSHIP (Zoom) & IN-PERSON with Rev Pojen Lee
10:30am • Zoom link and password required. Contact the church for this info: jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org- Join us for worship with music, scripture, prayer and reflection.
- Message by retired JCC pastor Rev Pojen Lee:
- RSVP to church attend in-person so we can maintain COVID safety
- Live music by Alan Labrie
- Stay for virtual coffee hour (via Zoom only).
- In-person attendance requires masks and social distancing.
- Service will also be live-streamed to website and Facebook (if technology supports this function on the day of event). Afterward, recordings of worship service will be posted to Facebook, Vimeo.com channel & Youtube.com channel.
- RECEPTION for REV POJEN LEE (in-person)
11:30-ish • Whitney Community Center’s Pavilion (in schoolyard)
Meet to socialize safely and greet Rev Pojen Lee.
April 18 Worship
Full Service
Reflection by Rev Gail Doktor
Beware: SCAM EMAIL REQUEST from gmail account pretending to be Rev Gail and asking you to buy gift cards (if you reply and exchange emails with the scammer)
Beware: the church has been alerted that a scammer is once again using Rev Gail’s name. He/she is texting or messaging from a fake gmail account (churchonline581@gmail.com) to contact people and ask them to quickly answer back and then buy gift cards: THIS IS FAKE, THEFT, FRAUD! The church will not ask you to ‘secretly’ or quickly buy anything like this.
They may also use other FAKE email accounts or numbers. DO NOT BUY GIFT CARDS.
CALL Rev Gail if you ever have a question, and don’t follow any email/text/message instructions like this without speaking to Rev Gail personally first at her cell number. You can find Rev Gail’s contact inside legitimate emails from the church (at the bottom).
The FAKE EMAIL message received by one of our members looked like this: ——– Original FAKE SCAMMING message ——– From: Church Online <churchonline581@gmail.com> Date: 4/13/21 3:33 PM (GMT-05:00) Subject: MANY BLESSINGS
Hi, How Are You?
I Need An Assistance From You?
Please Let Me Know If You Get This Thanks.
Peace & Blessings Rev. Gail Pomeroy Doktor
Jackson Community Church
127 Main Street • PO Box 381 • Jackson, NH