Dear Hearts,

Anticipation is building for Frank Dodd’s Degree Recital in Woolsey Hall tomorrow (Thursday) evening at 8p.m.  While we get to hear Frank play every Sunday, and have come to appreciate how carefully he chooses from the resources of the very fine Christ Church instrument, in his recital we will get to hear Frank choose from the massive resources of The Newberry Memorial Organ.  Although we may recognize some works from Frank’s growing repertoire, they may sound quite different in Woolsey Hall!

A Sarum bow to the Middle School Youth, their parents, mentors and supporters for a superb Spaghetti Supper!  Last Sunday, a full Parish Hall enjoyed Chef Antonio Greco’s spaghetti and famous sauce with meat balls (the latter formed by the youth) and the amazing array of desserts the youth had made on Saturday in Sue Shackford’s kitchen.  Page Pelphrey and Sue kept their charges focused through two days of work and fun.  Diana Stovall returned as mistress of the salad course, and parents helped at every step of the event.

This Sunday is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.”  Every year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter we pray the comforting words of the 23^rd Psalm, The Lord is my shepherd…, and we hear Jesus say about himself, I am the good shepherd from the Gospel according to John.  Far from being a bucolic image of some sheep and their shepherd, this identity describes God’s relationship with us: Even at life’s extremes, our shepherd is with us.  The psalmist says about God: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death … thou art with me; and Jesus says about himself:  I know my own, and my own know me.  We are not alone.  Not now; not ever.

Our life together — in worship and fellowship, education and service, at spaghetti suppers and in the concert hall — gives witness to God’s abiding presence.

In faith and hope,

Harrison+

YFNR