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On a recent vacation, I was walking down a city sidewalk when I noticed that my journey was causing some consternation. Each restaurant or shop had a huge TV in the window, and I was blocking the view for patrons sitting at sidewalk tables. Patrons of all ages were sitting in cafes, enthralled by the World Cup matches being played. Rooting for different countries, they were united by their enthusiasm for the sport. 

Contents
“Why We Need Shepherds” by Frank Rairez
“Away for Awhile” by Peter Andrew Smith


Why We Need Shepherds
by Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 23

I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:4)

“...all who touched it were healed...” (v. 56b)

Good morning dear children,

Can you remember a time when you were mad? (children respond) Can you remember a time when you were sad? (children respond) Can you recall a time when you were glad? (children respond) It's okay to have mad, sad, and glad feelings from time to time.

Today I want to tell you about a sad time and a glad time in the Bible.

2 Samuel 7:1-14a & Psalm 89:20-37
In this passage of Samuel, it appears David is feeling guilty for the gifts he has received. A palace has been provided for him, but the Ark of the Covenant, the casket for the stone tablets of the Law, the presence of the Holy amid the people is still in a tent. David wants to build a temple to the Lord, a great palace of worship where the people can worship God. But that is not God’s plan. David’s offspring may build the Temple but for now God is pleased to be amid the people; no temple or palace is needed.

This is a Sunday for celebrating that All are One.

2 Samuel 7:1-4a

I recently watched a documentary of Prince William's life, made to celebrate his twenty-first birthday, his final coming of age. Soon after their mother died, both the princes went with their father to Canada, where the young Prince William had a rapturous reception from thousands of screaming teenage girls.

Although the young prince was very pleasant and polite to all the onlookers, as soon as he escaped the public gaze by going indoors, according to the documentary he said, "Phew! Thank goodness that's over!"

The Superintendent of Schools was having a bad year. Some contentious issues were being dealt with by the school board. One Sunday, during the coffee hour after church, I heard the Superintendent say in a particularly loud voice, "For crying out loud, it's my day of rest, too!" Someone had approached him about a concern in the school district, and he felt that there was no place he could go to get away from it. I learned right then not to approach people about business matters when they are not on duty.