Feed my sheep

Dear Faith Fellowship friends, unless the weather man is playing a trick on us, it looks like a huge snowfall is expected for Sunday morning (3/15/26). Please stay home and worship God by reading Scripture and singing your favorite Christian songs. Call your friends and have some fellowship.

If the weather man is wrong, call and we might get together.

Though we may be staying home on Sunday, don't neglect the family of God!

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” -John 21:17

Just before Jesus died, Simon Peter told Jesus that he had reached the place where he would never deny Him. Hours later Peter denied knowing Him with a curse. Could Peter ever be trusted again? After Jesus resurrection He asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" When Peter said, "Yes, you know I love you," Jesus gave Peter instruction to feed His sheep, or, care for those who followed the Great Shepherd.

Seven observations:

1. Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved His sheep, but if he loved Him. Only love for God will sustain us. Caring for people’s souls is hard work. His sheep can be unappreciative and critical. Our efforts to love and to serve them may make us defeated and discouraged. Our love for God will sustain us. Jesus is really saying to us, "Keep serving, with your eyes on ME."

2. Jesus reinstated Peter. Despite his massive failure, Jesus still believed in Peter. That's good news. I have to apply this story to my own life. So do you. David, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Mary, Zacchaeus and many, many others have been reinstated, and you can be, too. Jesus gives even more than a second chance.

3. Jesus did not say, "Feed yourself and forget about others." Sometimes it appears that is what a vast group of Christians are doing. They nourish themselves to the neglect of others.

4. Jesus did not say, "Feed your giraffes." Sometimes we make the gospel out of reach for the average person by using theological jargon that only a select few may understand. We try to impress people with our vast knowledge. That isn't feeding the sheep.

5. How could anyone care for them as Jesus cares? Only out of love for Him. There is no other way. Jesus was saying, "I want you to forget about your past failure, you've come back to me now, and I've forgiven and restored you. You may have days ahead when you have doubts but go to work and feed my sheep out of your new love and commitment to me. I'm trusting you."

6. The Great Shepherd fed His sheep and He loved His sheep so much that He laid down His life for them. Now, He transfers that responsibility to us. You and I need to be found faithful to our duty to be a helper of sheep.

7. Jesus says to you and me today, “Do you love Me? Take really good care of the people I place in your path.”

Tender Shepherd, thank You for being the God of more than second chances. Help us to embrace the calling you give us to care for the people you place in our path. In Jesus' name. Amen.

May we love our Lord so much that we let Him lead us to people we can take really good care of today.

Pastor Ken Mettler

This week:

9 am SS and 10 AM Worship: cancelled

Wednesday 7 PM: Prayer Meeting / Fri  7  pm prayer for the nation

Sat 7 AM Men's breakfast & Bible / 9:30 AM helping Nolte's move

Faith Fellowship, 2497 State Hwy 35, Box 265, Luck, WI 54853

Ken Mettler, Pastor 715-475-7666

10 meaningful things to do if you miss church this Sunday, each one helping you stay rooted in Christ and connected to your community.

🌅 1. Begin the Morning With reading Psalm 100 and 103

Read these Psalms aloud and let it set the tone for the day.

📖 2. Read  or our Church’s Scripture for next week: I Corinthians 6

Also choose one Gospel story.

🙏 3. Pray for Your Pastor and Congregation

Missing church doesn’t mean missing the ministry. Lift up your pastor, worship leaders, volunteers, and those who you can remember (check the new church directory).

🎶 4. Worship With a Song or Two

Pick a hymn or worship song you love. Sing along, or simply listen with intention. (You’re great at curating worship sets — this is right in your wheelhouse.)

📝 5. Reflect in a Journal

Write a few lines:

• What am I grateful for today?

• Where do I need God’s help?

• Who can I encourage this week?

🤝 6. Reach Out to Someone From Church

Send a quick text or message: “Praying for you today — hope worship is meaningful.” It keeps the fellowship alive even when you’re absent.

📺 7. Watch or Listen to a Sermon

Choose a trusted pastor or teacher for a 20–30 minute message.

🍞 8. Practice a Small Act of Service

Do something simple and Christlike:

• Encourage a neighbor

• Help a family member

• Get ready for your next opportunity to give.

🕊️ 9. Rest Intentionally

Sometimes missing church is God’s invitation to slow down. Rest with purpose, not guilt.

✉️ 10. Prepare Your Heart for Next Sunday

Pray: “Lord, draw me back with joy next week. Make me ready to worship with Your people at Faith Fellowship. Amen."

Next week's sermon will be Assisted Suicide, caring for the elderly and infirm!  

Kindness Counts

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." — Matthew 6:3-4 

We live in a world that applauds the loud, the visible, and the grand gesture. We are often tempted to measure a "good life" by career accolades, financial success, or public recognition. However, William Wordsworth directs our attention elsewhere:

   "The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."

Wordsworth suggests that the true legacy of a person is not found in history books, but in the hearts they touched through small, spontaneous gestures.

"Little" means they are not immense sacrifices, but simple, daily gestures—a smile, a kind word, listening to someone who is hurting, or giving your seat to another.

"Nameless & Unremembered" means these acts are performed without seeking credit, applause, or reward. They are done out of a genuine heart.

From a spiritual perspective, these "nameless" acts are never truly forgotten. Wordsworth describes them as leaving a lingering warmth in someone's memory, a "soft footprint" on the heart. When done in love, these simple actions mirror the quiet, profound love of Christ, who often served the marginalized and unseen without fanfare.

The "best portion" of your life isn't the highlight reel on social media; it is the accumulated, quiet moments of grace you have brought to others.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live a life that flows from the heart rather than a desire for recognition. Give me eyes to see the little opportunities for kindness today—a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a patient smile. May my life be characterized by these quiet acts, which are not meant to be noticed by the world, but to be a reflection of Your love. Amen.

May we all show the kindness of Christ today by simple act of love,

Pastor Ken

Thought for the Day:

You do not have to announce your goodness for it to be valuable. Your quiet kindness is your best glory.