SOTP-Newsletter Archives - Shepherd of the Prairie

A Note

From Pastor Mark

In this Easter season, we encounter again the powerful witness of Stephen—the first Christian martyr—through the lens of resurrection hope. His story draws us into our Easter theme… The Courage to Stay Close—(Acts 7) to remain near to Christ even when fear, suffering, or uncertainty press in. And as we celebrate Mother’s Day, we recognize this same courage reflected in the quiet, steadfast love of mothers and those who nurture us.

Jesus’ final words on the cross still echo: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” In that moment of deep pain, Jesus chose closeness—close to the Father’s will, close to humanity in compassion, close to a love that remains even in suffering. The resurrection proclaims that this love endures. It is stronger than fear, stronger than loss, stronger than death itself.

Stephen lived in that same love. Shaped by the story of Jesus, he stood with courage before those who accused him. He did not pull away in fear but stayed close—to the truth, to the Spirit, and to the love he had received. Even as stones were raised, Stephen saw Christ standing with him. And in his final breath, he offered forgiveness.

This kind of love—steady, sacrificial, enduring—often mirrors the love we see in mothers. A mother’s love stays close in the long nights, in moments of worry, in sacrifices unseen. It forgives, it hopes, it remains. It reflects the heart of Christ—a love that does not walk away, even when it is hard.

This is the gift of Easter: love that remains becomes love that sustains. We are invited into that same courage—to stay close to God, to one another, and even to those who are difficult to love.

As we once again celebrate Mother’s Day, we give thanks to those who have shown us this kind of love. And we are reminded that, in Christ, we are held in a love that never let’s go.

Where is God calling you to stay close today?

Thankful to be part of the ministry we share at Shepherd of the Prairie!

Pastor Mark

Contact Pastor Mark at: pastormark@sotpmail.com

Ministry Musing

By Donna Kelly

This morning as I was experiencing my quiet time, I was reading from a book by Barbara Brown Taylor, “An Altar in the World.” In it, she reminds us that the entire world is a cathedral where we can worship and experience God.

She talked about a walk she took on the island of Hawaii where she encountered the power of the crashing ocean waves and the still quietness of a tide pool, and how she felt the presence of God in both.

I began to think of the times I have experienced the beauty, majesty, and nearness of God in nature. I remember how I feel when in spring, the buds on the trees begin to open and the trees and bushes are filled with ‘baby’ leaves. They are such a reminder that God is near and renewing the world as promised. Or standing at the edge of the Pacific ocean and watching the waves roll in and out, time after time and recalling how as my life ebbs and flows, God is always near, walking with me.

Moving quietly as the snow swirls around me reminds me that God surrounds me with love and grace always. Seeing a magnificent sunrise or sunset, fills my heart to overflowing and all I can do is whisper “thank you Lord.” Sitting quietly outside and witnessing the beauty of the night sky filled with stars puts me in awe of God’s creation, and brings me a peace that fills me to overflowing.

So often we tend to think that we meet God at the church building or in a Bible study, or other gathering inside our buildings. Just as the Jewish people in Jesus’ time believed that the place to find God was at the Temple, we tend to expect to meet God at “church.”

But I encourage you as well to step out into God’s world and be awestruck by the beauty of creation. Get lost in God’s handiwork and sense God’s presence as you are surrounded by beauty, love, and grace. Then worship this God of love, with all of you heart and soul. You may find a renewal of faith, intimacy, and joy that only connecting with God can bring.