Monthly Archives: April 2024

Mary’s Corner

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Greetings Easter People,

Some folks call us that — Easter People. We believe in the events at Calvary, at the tomb, in the upper room, and on the beach. I have been thinking about the scene at the beach since Sunday. I can imagine a place of peacefulness, with the sound of the waves in the background and a full belly. And also, more than enough fish for everyone. Isn’t that always God’s way in our lives? Walking into our failures and giving us abundance when we are obedient. Obedience is part of the scenario. They could have easily told Jesus that they had already tried and failed at catching any fish. But they did not. They listened and followed their instructions. While you are thinking about things this week, remember to pray for God to show you where you need to be obedient. Also, ask God to strengthen your own “body of Christ” as well as the St. Matthew body of Christ. There are fish to be caught folks, and we hold the net.

Remember our special prayer requests this week. We have folks in our congregation with new things happening in their lives that are going to be difficult. Prayer, love, and support are imperative.

Blessings to all of you, Mary

Kids’ News

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In our story this week, Jesus gathered his eleven disciples around him on a mountaintop in Galilee. Jesus commissioned his disciples with the task of forming a community of believers. This community was to embody Jesus’ presence in the world to strengthen and guide God’s children.

Some of the disciples, however, expressed doubt. They were still having trouble grasping the mystery of the resurrection. While some worshiped Jesus immediately, others had questions.

There are many times in the Gospels when the disciples expressed doubt even though they were devoted to Jesus. It’s natural that we, Jesus’ modern-day disciples, also experience some doubt. Just like the disciples before us, we need to accept a little mystery with our faith. Like them, we must accept that there are some answers that we do not have and some things that can’t be explained.

Jesus knew this was a lot for the disciples to take in, and promised to be with them always as they spread the gospel.

We call Jesus’ instructions to form a community of believers The Great Commission. A commission is a call for something God wants us to do. God commissions us all to share Jesus with the world.

We can do this in many ways such as ministry, showing kindness, love, and respect. We are called to teach and serve others. This is what we do in Sunday school each week. See you in church on Sunday.

Blessings

2417 – The Body of Christ

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John 21:1-11 New International Version

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

Friday’s Word

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God Hears Us

Elaine had been a member of a church youth group I worked with. I had not heard from her in 18 years. Then I got her letter.

She said she felt “compelled” by God to share her experience with me. Here’s a brief excerpt.

I wanted a closer walk with God. I prayed every day for that. And one day, driving home from church, I demanded to know why I was unworthy to know Him better.

And God came, very literally, right into my car. I was suddenly viewing specific moments of my life replayed in my mind with every tiny detail.

God replayed all my prayers of recent weeks, word for word. I was hearing them and knowing them instantly.

Then I saw and felt this overwhelming light, the most amazing light I had ever seen—a mixture of amber and rose and gold.

And it was alive. I felt an awesome power and love.

God let Elaine know her prayers were heard.

All of them.

Elaine called—and God responded.

God is accessible.

God is forthcoming.

I have known this since my own prayer experience at fourteen. I prayed and received an audible reply.

I said to myself after my prayer, “Nobody heard me.” A voice replied clearly, “I heard you.”

No, prayer does not work this way most of the time. But these events tell us that all prayers are heard.

And God will always respond in some way.

These events also tell us that God is real, God is personal, and God cares about us.

How often have I said this to you? God is an experienced reality.

A recommendation:

Worship somewhere this Sunday. For the joy of it.