Pastor's Notes

The Shepherd's Job (Psalm 23)
From Rev. Seefeld's Sermon , July 7, 2008

1. Providence
    1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want..
    2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures


2. Guidance
    2b he leadeth me beside the still waters
    3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
        righteousness for his name’s sake.

3. Safety
    4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
       death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod
       and thy staff they comfort me.

    5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
        mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my
        cup runneth over.

4. Assurance
    6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life

5. Shelter
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD f or ever.

David may have composed these words sitting on some serene hillside in Judea. Perhaps the grass was green and the breeze was gentle and the sky was blue.

Perhaps, but the shepherd has known the perils of life, the valley of the shadow of death, the presence of enemies,
times of need;

And he found his answers to be in God, in faith, in trust of the almighty.

Gentle Shepherd Midi

Quote from John Ed Mathison, Senior Minister, Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, Montgomery, Alabama

Live churches have lots of noisy youth and children.
Dead churches are relatively quiet.

Live churches are planning for the future.
Dead churches focus on programs.

Live churches present an unchanging Christ in forms of ministry that are changing.
Dead churches do things the way they have always been done.

Live churches are filled with tithers.
Dead churches are filled with tippers.

Live churches are friendly and receptive to newcomers.
Dead churches wonder why they have no visitors.

Live churches focus on "what is right with the church."
Dead churches look for what is wrong with the church.

Live churches design worship in which the worshipers are participants.
Dead churches have worshipers who are spectators.

Live churches have worship that celebrates.
Dead churches have worship that is endured.

Live churches support missions heavily.
Dead churches keep the money at home.

Live churches dream God's dream.
Dead churches relive nightmares.

Live churches focus on power.
Dead churches focus on problems.