Register today for VBS “Many Colors.” We will have lots of fun focusing on the Joseph story and his coat of “Many Colors.” We have been busy planning music, art, drama, storytelling, outdoor activities, and snacks. I am sure everyone will have a great time and learn a lot.

Of course “Many Colors” will not be possible without many volunteers. Please sign up on the Many Colors volunteer page.

Volunteers are any youth rising 7th grade and above.

Each week parishioners donate the altar flowers to the glory of God and in loving memory of a loved one. If you would like to donate the altar flowers for June 3rd contact Sallie Avery at 489-5330 or wavery8893@aol.com.

Mannamakers started at Good Shepherd a very long time ago – no one can say exactly – but as many as twenty five or more years. MANNA is described in the Bible as “food miraculously provided by the Israelites in the wilderness during their flight from Egypt.” Others describe manna as something of value that a person receives unexpectedly. I suspect Mannamakers is exactly like that. People gathering together for food, nourishment, fun, value – surprises and things they did not expect in an evening together……..

At Good Shepherd it started out as young adults gathering on Friday evenings – a family hosting and everyone bringing a little bounty to enjoy themselves and to share. As I hear the stories, sometimes there have been themes, sometimes music, but always fun, refreshment, a strong sense of community, and MANNA. While intended for young adults – it now includes all adults and we truly hope you will find yourself at the home of Lucy and Lang Williams Friday, May 4th at 6:30 p.m. Their address is 1015 Manchester Avenue. SEE YOU THERE!!!

Below are four summary questions used to structure the Feasting on the Word Curriculum each week. I hope you can find some time this week to review and reflect on the passage.

WHAT is important to know?
From “Exegetical Perspective,” Paul W. Walaskay

Luke tells us a great deal about these two men. Philip is one of seven Greek-speaking Jewish Christians appointed to tend to the needs of others (Acts 6:1-6). The Ethiopian is in charge of the treasury of the Candace, the official title of the queen mother, head of the government in Ethiopia. That he travels by chariot attests tohis status. That he possesses a scroll of the prophet Isaiah attests to his wealth. Moreover, we are told that he isa eunuch, a not unusual situation for one whose life is devoted to serving in the queen’s court. As a castratedmale, he would not have been granted access to the temple (see Deuteronomy 23:1).

WHERE is God in these words?
From “Theological Perspective,” Karen Baker-Fletcher

Notice the text’s description of how the Spirit of God moves Philip to act and teach. When the messengerof God says to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza”(v. 26), Philip immediately gets up and goes. Upon seeing the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip runs to the chariot

where the eunuch, in charge of the queen’s treasury, is sitting. He immediately asks the eunuch if heunderstands the passage from Isaiah (53:7-8) that the eunuch is reading aloud.

SO WHAT does this mean for our lives?
From “Pastoral Perspective,” Thomas G. Long

As the gospel moves into the world, it gathers under the wings of God’s mercy more and more of those whohave been lost, pushed away, and forgotten. “What is to prevent me from being baptized?” asked the eunuch.”Absolutely nothing,” whispered the Spirit. So the eunuch commanded the chariot to stop, and he was baptizedright on the spot. Walls of prejudice and prohibition that had stood for generations came tumbling down bythe breath of God’s Holy Spirit, and another man who felt lost and humiliated was found and restored in thewideness of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

NOW WHAT is God’s word calling us to do?
From “Homiletical Perspective,” Barbara Brown Taylor

It is Philip’s grounding in his tradition that enables him to recognize God’s leading-even when it leads himplaces no human authority has told him he may go-and to act in the power of the Spirit. If we were tosurrender control of our own travel plans for even an hour, where might the Spirit send us? How many of ouraccidental encounters with other people are really divine appointments? How can we learn to tell the differencebetween the two?

Elizabeth Hope
Director of Christian Education

Each committee, group, neighborhood, or ad-hoc creative council, is being invited to create an arrangement or exhibit for the 2012 Good Shepherd Recreate Garden Tour. Each item must be made from recycled goods. No craft store shopping for this one!

This is a friendly competition and there will be experienced judges and trophies awarded!

Don’t miss it!

1. Flexible spirit, good health and a sense of humor
2. Knowledge of basketball and a willingness to impart it
3. Openness to work with a Church group no matter one’s own faith persuasion
4. Ability to listen more than talk, learn more than teach, and make friends
5. Cost is the plane ticket- now around $2000 from Norfolk- and $600 additional fees. Some assistance is available.

This is a wonderful trip. Contact Robert Davenport robert@goodshepherdnorfolk.org 423-3230

• Holy Eucharist 8:00 a.m.
• Breakfast 9:00 a.m.
• Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist—Chapel
April 2nd-5th 7:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday Service
April 5th 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday Services
April 6th 7:00 a.m. and Noon