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Deans' Note May 8, 2022

Mothers day, this Sunday, is often a day many women celebrate with their families and children. And yet, many women feel invisible in Mothers Day celebrations. Many years ago, a woman at St. john's said she avoided coming to church on Mothers Day because it was too painful. She didn't have children and wished she had. So this day she experienced loss not joy. At the same time, this same woman had nurtured many young people during her life.

Because of stories like this, we have an expansive definition of motherhood at St. John's. This Sunday, any woman who is the biological mother of children, a parent of adopted or foster children, a teacher or mentor of young people, or has cared for or nurtured children in any way will be acknowledged and blessed. We end our service this Sunday at 10:00 with a special devotion to Mary, the mother of our lord and mother of all Christians.

On our liturgical calendar, the Fourth Sunday in Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday. We focus on Jesus as the one who tends and shepherds us, leads and cares for us as a mother cares for her children.