Hello to you once more! Welcome back for the second and final lesson of January. As in other months, you and your entire family are invited to read and listen and create and pray around our selected story.
     This month our story is “The Good Shepherd,” and it is found on pages 130-135 of The Jesus Storybook Bible written by Sally Lloyd-Jones.
     There follows a children’s section, an adult section, weekly prayer, and a wrap up.
Children
     Settle into a comfy spot and listen to the videotape above, or read the story yourself, or maybe oral read it aloud to a family member.
     In last week’s lesson we talked about the 23rd Psalm written by King David, who wrote almost half of all the psalms. This week our subject will be who wrote the rest.
     The book of Psalms is found in the Old Testament of the Bible, which means all the psalms were written before Jesus was born.
     Out of the 150 psalms in the Bible, 73 were written by King David. The others were written by various authors who lived at the time such as -

• Moses: One of the most important prophets wrote Psalm 90.
• Solomon: The son of King David wrote Psalms 72 and 127.
• Asaph: A singer and a musician who served in the temple during the time of King David and who wrote 12 psalms
• Heman: A minister of music in the temple during King David’s reign who wrote Psalm 88
• Ethan the Ezrahite: A boy at King David’s court well known for his wisdom. He wrote Psalm 89.
• The three faithful sons of Korah: Korah was a rebel who rose up against Moses. His sons wrote 11 psalms.

     About half of the psalms are anonymous, meaning there is no known author. Some of these anonymous psalms may have been written by David.  
     The book of Psalms was likely organized by a high priest named Ezra.  He may have also added titles to psalms with known authors.
     Please direct any questions or comments on this blog to Pastor Matt Short, our new pastor.
     Look below the Adult section for the weekly prayer and send-off.
Adults
     Biblical references are Psalm 51, 2 Samuel, and paraphrased Psalm 23.
     Psalm 23 is thought to be the most uplifting psalm, but Psalm 88 is often considered the saddest psalm in the Bible. It expresses a deep sense of despair, fear, and hopelessness. The psalm is about feeling crushed by life's challenges and struggling with the idea that God allows people to suffer. 
    What specifically makes Psalm 88 so sad? It is full of verses that express despair; it is about a cry to a silent and absent God; it ends with darkness and no obvious note of hope.
     Heman the Ezrahite wrote it. He was ill, depressed and felt worse at the end of the psalm than at the beginning. The writer prays, but God does not seem to listen. God seems only to send more trouble to him. He cannot see how things may get better.
     If we sometimes feel the same way, it is good to use this psalm to speak to God. It helps us to speak aloud what we feel. We need to remember to seek the Lord while we are in pain.
     It behooves us to remember Jesus also experienced anguish of the soul.
     Again, our new pastor, Pastor Matt, will entertain any comments or questions about this lesson.
For Children and Adults
     Next Sunday, January 19, 2025, our Sunday School will gather to enjoy a treat, oral read and discuss the story, do a fun craft, and end with a prayer. All are invited to attend. Hope to see you!
 
~ This Week’s Prayer ~
Dear Lord, I am blessed to know that I can
talk to You whenever I want and however I feel.
 
Brrr - Stay warm!
Margo Greer

​   Happy New Year to you and your whole family! Along with this new year greeting comes the very first Learning Together lesson of 2025. As before, you and your entire family are invited to read and listen and create and pray around one particular bible story.

   The book we are using is called The Jesus Storybook Bible and is written by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This book can be ordered online or a free copy can be found at our church. January’s story is called “The Good Shepherd” and is found on pages 130-135.
Children - We are continuing our study of King David. This time you will learn about special songs he wrote called psalms, which are poems put to music. Please curl up in a comfy spot, close your eyes, and listen to the poem being orally read to you. Imagine pictures in your head as you listen.

Yes, King David was a poet and harp player and loved to sing to his people of Israel about God and all of His blessings on them. King David knew that God would always love them like a shepherd loves his sheep.

Yes, King David was a poet and harp player and loved to sing to his people of Israel about God and all of His blessings on them. King David knew that God would always love them like a shepherd loves his sheep.
     Out of 150 psalms that are found in the book of Psalms in the bible, 73 were written by David. The 23rd psalm, which is THE most well-known psalm throughout the world, is also written by David and is called “The Song of the Shepherd.”  
Adults – Taken from Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 7, and paraphrased Psalm 23.
     David's kingship began over the tribe of Judah in 1000 BC and expanded to the whole of Israel in 993 BC. Many scholars believe that David wrote Psalm 23 toward the end of his reign because of its calm and nostalgic tone.  
     Psalm 23 is a poetic expression of deep trust in God, beautifully depicting Him as a shepherd who lovingly cares for his sheep, providing them with rest, nourishment, guidance, protection even in the darkest valleys, and ultimately leading them to a place of abundance and peace; essentially conveying that no matter what challenges life throws, God is always present, providing comfort and security throughout one's journey. 
     Key elements of the imagery are:
"The Lord is my shepherd": This opening line establishes God as the ultimate provider and protector, like a shepherd caring for his flock. 
"Green pastures": Represents a place of rest and plentiful provision, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and contentment. 
 "Still waters": A picture of tranquility and serenity, signifying a sense of peace amidst life's turmoil. 
 "Valley of the shadow of death": Represents difficult times or moments of fear, but the reassurance that even in darkness, God is present. 
 "Rod and staff": Tools used by a shepherd to guide and protect his sheep, signifying God's guidance and strength. 
 "Table before me": Represents God's abundant provision and blessings, a feast laid out for his faithful. 
 "Oil on my head": A symbol of joy and anointing, signifying God's favor and blessing. 
     What does Psalm 23 mean for us today? It demonstrates God's wonderful care and provision, fulfilled for us in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. As God was David's shepherd in the Old Testament, He is ours today through Jesus Christ.
For Children and Adults
This Week’s Prayer –
                 Heavenly Father, thank you for being my shepherd who provides for me, leads me, and comforts me.
There will be only 2 (rather than three) Learning Together lessons this month, and Sunday School will gather on 1/19/25 at 11am for story reading, discussion, and a fun craft. Mark the date on your calendar!
Have a safe week,
Margo Greer