There are printed songbooks available for those who have difficulty reading the overhead projection screen and there is also an induction loop for those with hearing aids. Ladies’ toilets are located in the back hall on the left and gentleman’s toilets are through the doorway in the church on the right as you enter. Please ask if you need any help. After the morning service, tea, coffee and other refreshments are available in the back hall, please join us.

Today we are taking a pastoral theme for our service, that of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The two previous “I am’s” that we have already looked at really used language and imagery that were most unfamiliar to Jewish ears, but this time no-one could fail to understand the Lord’s metaphors. Keeping flocks and herds was a very common occupation in an agricultural economy such as that of Israel, and God had been thought of as a Shepherd since the days of Jacob. David had drawn on this concept of God frequently in the Psalms, it occurs in the prophetic writings, and in the New Testament letters. Again, the Jews wanted to stone Jesus (John 10:31), not because He claimed to be the good shepherd, but because He was making Himself equal with God in His manner of speaking. The Lord speaks of laying down His life for the sheep. So must all those who follow on from Him in exercising pastoral leadership at any level. Jesus gave the perfect example. His under-shepherds are required to follow that example (see 1 Peter 5:2&3).

Two things I would ask you to remember in your prayers:

A team of four of us are out on the doors again this afternoon, working in Salmons Lane. We’ll also be out again next week, God willing, in Church Road and Portley Wood Road. Secondly, the Council meet this Tuesday, 8:00pm in the Hall, the final one before the August break. Do uphold us before the Lord as we meet on this occasion.

Note from Jenny regarding Women’s Fellowship, July 05 (this Thursday): Helen Reed is coming to speak at the Fellowship on this occasion. Helen has, of course, been worshipping with us for over six months now, having come to Whyteleafe to care for her mother. She has been a great blessing to us, and shared some testimony very effectively on one Sunday morning, so we have got to know her a little. If any of you are able to join the Thursday regulars to hear Helen, Betty would be delighted!

Next RUSH dinner is Saturday July 14 at 7pm for 7:30pm. Ensemble will sing, Phoebe will play and Grannie will have a sale, may even be a cake sale. All welcome, suggested donation: £8.

See Joan Hadlow for tickets, half gone already or leave message on phone. Anyone who wants to help will be very welcome. Proceeds this time will be to education and maybe medical if necessary. Thanks, Joan.

Brian reported that payments on the general fund had exceeded receipts in the year to date by £4,034 leaving a balance on general fund of £16,942. A further gift of £500 for the rewiring had also been received. Other balances were £173.45 on the extension fund, £259.82 on the bible fund and £507.33 and £384.65 on the mission and local communion funds respectively. (From Brian C.)