Tender, loving God. Today on this family Sunday as we remember our parents we thank you, Our Wondrous Parent, for the beauties of the world you have created around us- For the warm caressing sunshine, the scent of lilacs and lily of the valley, the songs of the birds as they create homes for their new families.

Similarly, we remember our Mothers and our Fathers who created homes for us, sheltered us from harm , provided food and love, and taught us by example to care for one another For these gifts, O God we give you thanks.

We remember the words from the prophet Ezekial of how you promised to give your people a Good Shepherd to care for us, the sheep, to gather the strays , leading all into a safe fold. Today we thank You, loving Parent for giving us your Son, Jesus the Risen Lord to lead us along the uncertain paths of our lives.

Help us to remember each day that your sheepfold has room for all – child, woman, Gentile, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, sinner or Christian. Remind us to be doers of the Word, to not turn aside from those who need our help and to treat with kindness the homeless teenager on Granville Street who along with perhaps 1,200 or more spend each night on a cold sidewalk. Help us to initiate ways to ameliorate these conditions. God in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Just as the good shepherd tends his flocks and pasture lands, using his hands or crook to rescue a fallen animal or to make room for the weakling lamb to share in the lush grass, help us to recognize the need for sharing our abundance with the poor and those in want. Teach us and our leaders to use our resources prudently to protect the lands, the forests, the waters, and the animals so that as this beautiful planet becomes more populated there will be room and sustenance for all creatures...Just as the wise shepherd does not allow the sheep to overgraze the meadows or foul the water, may we and our government leaders have the wisdom to renew, replenish and not destroy our heritage through greed for our often imagined needs for today. God, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We turn to you for compassion and help as we remember those among us who are lonely, or sick in heart or mind or body. We pray that your comforting healing presence will be with Nell St. Marie as she recovers from a fractured hip in hospital. Guide our tongues and hands as we extend your love and reassurance to comfort them. Just as the Good Shepherd will not be separated from his sheep, we know you are always there for us in life, in death, in life beyond death we are not alone. For this, O Loving God, we give our thanks.