|  One week ago today was yet another one of those Dark Valleys that we as a nation had to walk through, as we experienced the senseless bombing of unsuspecting people in Boston. There's no doubt that Evil is a horrible reality at work in our world today. Following such a week, how good it was to gather for worship around words like the 23rd Psalm, and the images of Jesus as our Good Shepherd who walks with us through those dark valleys, whose rod and staff comforts us, and as the Lamb whose blood set us free to be people of God.
But there's more to those images. The Good Shepherd also protects and fights off evil. That was part of the function of the shepherd's staff, not just to nudge or rescue sheep who have fallen into a crevice, but also to protect. This past week we also saw God's saving, protecting hand at work in those who rushed to the site of the bombings and among those law enforcement people and others who worked to keep people safe and who so diligently sought out the perpetrators of such a horrible act. Yes, this past week we saw both God's right hand and left hand at work in some powerful ways: His right hand, nurturing, caring, offering peace and comfort; His left hand bringing justice, holding evil accountable and in check. May God give us eyes to see the Good Shepherd at work among us and give us the will and ability to be both God's right and left hands at work in God's beloved yet broken world... especially in the Dark Valleys. See you in church. Pastor Jack + ______________________________________________________ USHERS ARE NEEDED! Please visit our website to sign up for ushering at both 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sign up is simple and after signing up you will receive a friendly reminder. Please consider joining in this act of hospitality. You may also view the updated usher guide document. http://www.oursaviorelca.com/usher-sign-up/ | 
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