Welcome to my seventh reflection in this series. This week I talk briefly about returning to church and what that may look like while we maintain physical distancing.

Thank you for your continued financial support for the churches of West Missouri by your continued pledging and giving. It is very much appreciated will enable us to serve you and minister to our communities as we plan to reopen your churches.

Finally, in this week’s reading, I talk about the Good Shepherd and God’s love for us no matter what.

Gospel – Fourth Sunday of Easter

10 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. ² The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

⁷ So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸ All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹ I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 10:1-10

Useful links:

• Online Worship and Prayer Resources – Links to all the diocesan churches providing online worship and prayers.
• Home Worship Resources – a selection of suggestions and materials to help you in prayer, worship, and play at home.
• Diocesan COVID-19 Webpage – providing links to all the key resources and news.

The Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field (Bishop Marty) is the eighth bishop of The Diocese of West Missouri.