SEASONS OF THE CHURCH YEAR
“The Mercies of the Lord Are Everlasting”
The Latin name for this Sunday is Misericordias Domini, taken from the opening words of the Introit: “Misericordia Domini plena est terra” — “The earth is full of the steadfast mercy of the Lord” (Psalm 33:5).
In the historic lectionary this Sunday is “Good Shepherd Sunday.”
Christ is the Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
TEXT:
John 10:11-16
New King James Version
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.
13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
REFLECTION
The risen Lord is not only victorious—He is near. His mercy is not a past event but a present gift. The world is filled with noise, confusion, and fear. The soul is easily led astray. But the voice of the Good Shepherd cuts through the din, summoning His sheep to the safety of His fold. He does not abandon them. He knows them. He calls them by name. His hands, once pierced, now lead them into peace.
If you feel lost or scattered, if fear has drowned out the sound of His voice, come again to the Word. Be fed at His Table. The Shepherd is not far. His mercy endures forever.
Matthew W. Bowers
HYMN
“The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.”
Hear the Sermon on YouTube
(posted shortly after the Service but not live streamed)
youtube.com/@oslcchatham6321
BECOME A PART OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY
We welcome you to worship with us.
Services follow the liturgical order of worship which Christians have used historically.
Our music is traditional style, using Lutheran Worship and other sources.
The Gospel is central to our worship, and God comes to us through His Word and Sacraments for forgiveness of sins, life and eternal salvation.
HOURS
SUNDAY SERVICES
to the end of June at 1:00 pm
COMMUNION
The first and third Sundays of the month