#goodshepherd — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #goodshepherd, aggregated by home.social.
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The True Shepherd and the Thieves — Silvio José Báez, ocd
In the world of Israel and throughout the Bible, everyone understood the work of shepherds—men who carefully fed, protected, and led their flocks. That’s why Scripture so often uses the image of the shepherd and the flock to describe God’s loving relationship with his people. The psalms pray this way: “Shepherd of Israel, hear us—you who lead Joseph like a flock” (Ps 80:1). And with deep trust, the believer can say: “The Lord is my shepherd; there’s nothing I shall want. He makes me rest in green pastures and leads me beside still waters” (Ps 23:1–3).
In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents himself as the shepherd who brings God’s work to fulfillment—feeding us, caring for us, and leading us into life. Between Jesus the shepherd and us, his flock, there unfolds a relationship of deep intimacy and loving knowledge. He calls his sheep “one by one” (Jn 10:3). Each of us is unique and unrepeatable, known by name and by our personal history. He loves us personally, just as we are. To him, we’re not an anonymous crowd. Turning people into a faceless crowd stands in direct opposition to love, and depersonalization only fosters despotic domination.
After calling his sheep, Jesus “leads them out” (Jn 10:3)—like a new exodus—and once he has brought them out, he “goes ahead of them” (Jn 10:4). He does not leave his sheep confined to closed spaces; he does not want them to live as captives, burdened by fear, sadness, or despair. Jesus calls us to set out from the refuges that suffocate us, from the little nooks of habits that have gone stale and moldy, and he leads us toward new and surprising pastures. He doesn’t allow his sheep to be trapped by any human power either—any power that would threaten their dignity or strip them of their freedom. He brings us out of the enclosures that enslave us and leads us into new lands of abundant life.
Jesus is the shepherd of a “flock that goes forth,” and he goes ahead of them, showing the way. He’s a shepherd of freedom, not of fear. He invites us to trust what lies beyond; he knows that along the journey there are many misleading paths, yet he helps us remain on his path by guiding us with his unmistakable voice. Jesus, “the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11), is followed by his sheep “because they know his voice” (Jn 10:4). His voice is unlike any other. He knows us, and when he speaks, he understands the deepest longings of our hearts and leads us to their fulfillment.
His voice is unlike any other. Jesus doesn’t impose rigid commands; he says nothing that instills fear and speaks no words of deception. His voice sets us free, awakens hope within us, and helps us walk through life with joy and dignity. We can trust him and trust in his love. He isn’t a thief who steals our happiness or a tyrant who tramples our freedom. Jesus has come so that we may have life—“life in abundance” (Jn 10:10). The best thing we can do in life is to listen to his voice and follow him.
Jesus shows us the true shepherd, who enters through the door of the sheepfold with respect, in contrast to “thieves and bandits” who climb over the fence, hide themselves, and resort to violence (Jn 10:1). They “come only to steal, kill, and do harm.” Jesus knows that the enclosure that safeguards our dignity and our life is threatened by such thieves and bandits and remains fragile. We must learn to recognize them and remain on guard against them.
The first enclosure we must care for is the enclosure of our own heart. It’s the most intimate and the most important. If we’re not attentive, our heart can be invaded by relationships, ideas, and feelings that do us great harm. There are relationships that rob us of the joy of living and suffocate our freedom; there are ways of life that trap us in mediocrity; there are distorted ideas that breed prejudice against others or stir up false fears that keep us from living with freedom and joy. There are negative thoughts that enter the heart and erode our sense of self-worth, create deep divisions between ourselves and others, and imprison us in the sadness of selfishness or isolation. We must care for the enclosure of our heart.
We must also care for the social enclosure in which we live, because as a people we too are threatened by “thieves and bandits” who come only to steal, kill, and do harm. In Jesus’ day, the “thieves and bandits” he speaks of were, first of all, the religious leaders of Israel—meticulous in observing the law of Moses, yet treating the people with contempt, even though they were largely simple and poor, often without access to education or led astray morally. “Thieves and bandits” are those religious leaders who become authoritarian, who enrich themselves in the name of God, and who neither care for the people nor stand up for them. We must also be on guard against them.
In Jesus’ day, “thieves and bandits” also included messianic leaders who deceived the people, filling them with false hopes through empty promises of liberation. Today, the “thieves and bandits” are the powerful who seize control of the freedom and the future of entire peoples; dictators and their accomplices who present themselves as politicians but who, in reality, are crooks and criminals. They’re especially dangerous today because, in a blasphemous way, they portray their abuses, corruption, and injustices as if they were a blessing from God. They’re also deeply cynical, constantly speaking of peace while maintaining oppressive systems that leave people without initiative or freedom.
All of these are “thieves and bandits.” Jesus says, “they don’t care for the sheep at all,” because when they “see the wolf coming, they abandon the sheep and flee” (Jn 10:12–13). Jesus, “the good shepherd,” stands in contrast to these “thieves and bandits.” He doesn’t come to take away our freedom, but to free us from all that holds us back and weighs us down; he doesn’t cloud our conscience, but enlightens it; he doesn’t take away our true joys, but multiplies them.
Jesus, the good shepherd, has come so that we may have life—and have it in abundance (Jn 10:10). Life is everything we long for in the depths of our hearts: breath, strength, health, beauty, love, relationships, joy, freedom, and peace. Jesus has come so that we may have not just the bare minimum, without which life isn’t life at all, but life that’s abundant and overflowing—one that reaches others and will one day open into life without end beyond death. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (…). Even though I walk through dark valleys, I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Ps 23:1, 4).
Bishop Silvio José Báez, o.c.d.
Auxiliary Bishop of Managua
Homily, 26 April 2026Translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.
Featured image: A contemplative depiction of Christ as the Good Shepherd standing beneath a star-filled night sky. Image credit: sticker2you / Adobe Stock.
#BishopSilvioJoséBáez #discernment #freedom #goodShepherd #spiritualWarfare -
Quote of the day, 26 April: St. John of the Cross
1. A lone young shepherd lived in pain
withdrawn from pleasure and contentment,
his thoughts fixed on a shepherd-girl
his heart an open wound with love.2. He weeps, but not from the wound of love,
there is no pain in such affliction,
even though the heart is pierced;
he weeps in knowing he’s been forgotten.3. That one thought: his shining one
has forgotten him, is such great pain
that he bows to brutal handling in a foreign land,
his heart an open wound with love.4. The shepherd says: I pity the one
who draws herself back from my love,
and does not seek the joy of my presence,
though my heart is an open wound with love for her.5. After a long time, he climbed a tree,
and spread his shining arms,
and hung by them, and died,
his heart an open wound with love.Saint John of the Cross
Poem 7, Stanzas applied spiritually to Christ and the soul
John of the Cross, St 1991, The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, rev. edn, Kavanaugh, K & Rodriguez, O (trans.), ICS Publications, Washington DC.
Featured image: The Good Shepherd is an oil on canvas painting by American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, dated 1902. This image comes from the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University. Image credit: Zimmerli Art Museum / Google Art Project (Public domain).
#goodShepherd #poetry #sadness #StJohnOfTheCross #woundOfLove -
Jesus is the gate who keeps us safe.
This Good Shepherd lesson helps youth reflect on the voices they trust and the choices they make. It shows how following Jesus leads to peace, protection, and a life that grows in faith. ✝️🐑🚪
https://young-catholics.com/94948/the-gate-that-keeps-us-safe-lesson-plan-john-101-10/
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Jesus is the gate who keeps us safe.
This Good Shepherd lesson helps youth reflect on the voices they trust and the choices they make. It shows how following Jesus leads to peace, protection, and a life that grows in faith. ✝️🐑🚪
https://young-catholics.com/94948/the-gate-that-keeps-us-safe-lesson-plan-john-101-10/
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Jesus is the gate who keeps us safe.
This Good Shepherd lesson helps youth reflect on the voices they trust and the choices they make. It shows how following Jesus leads to peace, protection, and a life that grows in faith. ✝️🐑🚪
https://young-catholics.com/94948/the-gate-that-keeps-us-safe-lesson-plan-john-101-10/
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The 4th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that Jesus is our Shepherd. He leads, protects, and calls us by name. When we listen to His voice and follow Him, we find peace, safety, and new life. ✝️🐑🌿
https://young-catholics.com/5503/4th-sunday-of-easter-year-a/
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The 4th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that Jesus is our Shepherd. He leads, protects, and calls us by name. When we listen to His voice and follow Him, we find peace, safety, and new life. ✝️🐑🌿
https://young-catholics.com/5503/4th-sunday-of-easter-year-a/
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The 4th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that Jesus is our Shepherd. He leads, protects, and calls us by name. When we listen to His voice and follow Him, we find peace, safety, and new life. ✝️🐑🌿
https://young-catholics.com/5503/4th-sunday-of-easter-year-a/
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You are never alone—the Lord is your Shepherd, leading and restoring your soul. Share this promise of comfort today. #Psalm23 #GoodShepherd #Comfort #BibleVerse
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#WMPGFM's #CommunityVoicesForChange has #Podcasts! Each episode is 30 minutes.
Some of the topics covered...
- Evangelical Lutheran Church lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (#DHS)
- #GoodShepherd #FoodBank - Maine's #FoodInsecurity
- How the Rich and Powerful Do Not Pay Taxes
- Healthcare Changes to Affordable Care Act in Maine [#ACA]
- Raising the #MinimumWage in Portland (ME)
- #PortlandMaine's #RentControl Success
- #Union Pathways of Maine
- Press Reporters and Being Unionized
- Pumped Storage #Hydropower
- Grassroots Resistance to #ICE in Maine
- Efforts in Maine to add #PFAS to the list of contaminants at the Dept of HHS
- #Trans Equality Issues Facing the #LGBTQ+ Community in MaineListen in!
https://www.wmpg.org/wmpg-podcasts/community-voices-for-change/#WMPG #CommunityRadio #CollegeRadio #Maine #USPol #Resistance #CommunityIssues #TaxTheRich #WaterIsLife #ResistICE #MaineResists #ResistanceRadio #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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#WMPGFM's #CommunityVoicesForChange has #Podcasts! Each episode is 30 minutes.
Some of the topics covered...
- Evangelical Lutheran Church lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (#DHS)
- #GoodShepherd #FoodBank - Maine's #FoodInsecurity
- How the Rich and Powerful Do Not Pay Taxes
- Healthcare Changes to Affordable Care Act in Maine [#ACA]
- Raising the #MinimumWage in Portland (ME)
- #PortlandMaine's #RentControl Success
- #Union Pathways of Maine
- Press Reporters and Being Unionized
- Pumped Storage #Hydropower
- Grassroots Resistance to #ICE in Maine
- Efforts in Maine to add #PFAS to the list of contaminants at the Dept of HHS
- #Trans Equality Issues Facing the #LGBTQ+ Community in MaineListen in!
https://www.wmpg.org/wmpg-podcasts/community-voices-for-change/#WMPG #CommunityRadio #CollegeRadio #Maine #USPol #Resistance #CommunityIssues #TaxTheRich #WaterIsLife #ResistICE #MaineResists #ResistanceRadio #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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#WMPGFM's #CommunityVoicesForChange has #Podcasts! Each episode is 30 minutes.
Some of the topics covered...
- Evangelical Lutheran Church lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (#DHS)
- #GoodShepherd #FoodBank - Maine's #FoodInsecurity
- How the Rich and Powerful Do Not Pay Taxes
- Healthcare Changes to Affordable Care Act in Maine [#ACA]
- Raising the #MinimumWage in Portland (ME)
- #PortlandMaine's #RentControl Success
- #Union Pathways of Maine
- Press Reporters and Being Unionized
- Pumped Storage #Hydropower
- Grassroots Resistance to #ICE in Maine
- Efforts in Maine to add #PFAS to the list of contaminants at the Dept of HHS
- #Trans Equality Issues Facing the #LGBTQ+ Community in MaineListen in!
https://www.wmpg.org/wmpg-podcasts/community-voices-for-change/#WMPG #CommunityRadio #CollegeRadio #Maine #USPol #Resistance #CommunityIssues #TaxTheRich #WaterIsLife #ResistICE #MaineResists #ResistanceRadio #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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#WMPGFM's #CommunityVoicesForChange has #Podcasts! Each episode is 30 minutes.
Some of the topics covered...
- Evangelical Lutheran Church lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (#DHS)
- #GoodShepherd #FoodBank - Maine's #FoodInsecurity
- How the Rich and Powerful Do Not Pay Taxes
- Healthcare Changes to Affordable Care Act in Maine [#ACA]
- Raising the #MinimumWage in Portland (ME)
- #PortlandMaine's #RentControl Success
- #Union Pathways of Maine
- Press Reporters and Being Unionized
- Pumped Storage #Hydropower
- Grassroots Resistance to #ICE in Maine
- Efforts in Maine to add #PFAS to the list of contaminants at the Dept of HHS
- #Trans Equality Issues Facing the #LGBTQ+ Community in MaineListen in!
https://www.wmpg.org/wmpg-podcasts/community-voices-for-change/#WMPG #CommunityRadio #CollegeRadio #Maine #USPol #Resistance #CommunityIssues #TaxTheRich #WaterIsLife #ResistICE #MaineResists #ResistanceRadio #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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#WMPGFM's #CommunityVoicesForChange has #Podcasts! Each episode is 30 minutes.
Some of the topics covered...
- Evangelical Lutheran Church lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (#DHS)
- #GoodShepherd #FoodBank - Maine's #FoodInsecurity
- How the Rich and Powerful Do Not Pay Taxes
- Healthcare Changes to Affordable Care Act in Maine [#ACA]
- Raising the #MinimumWage in Portland (ME)
- #PortlandMaine's #RentControl Success
- #Union Pathways of Maine
- Press Reporters and Being Unionized
- Pumped Storage #Hydropower
- Grassroots Resistance to #ICE in Maine
- Efforts in Maine to add #PFAS to the list of contaminants at the Dept of HHS
- #Trans Equality Issues Facing the #LGBTQ+ Community in MaineListen in!
https://www.wmpg.org/wmpg-podcasts/community-voices-for-change/#WMPG #CommunityRadio #CollegeRadio #Maine #USPol #Resistance #CommunityIssues #TaxTheRich #WaterIsLife #ResistICE #MaineResists #ResistanceRadio #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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A stone church built in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd is one of New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 most photographed landmarks—especially during lupine season when the lakeside bursts into a riot of purples and pinks. All set against the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
#oceania #newzealand #southisland #laketekapo #goodshepherd #church #lupines #scenery #travel #nature #landscape #photography #meadow #flowers #outdoors #panorama #architecture #wilderness #highcountry
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A stone church built in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd is one of New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 most photographed landmarks—especially during lupine season when the lakeside bursts into a riot of purples and pinks. All set against the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
#oceania #newzealand #southisland #laketekapo #goodshepherd #church #lupines #scenery #travel #nature #landscape #photography #meadow #flowers #outdoors #panorama #architecture #wilderness #highcountry
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A stone church built in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd is one of New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 most photographed landmarks—especially during lupine season when the lakeside bursts into a riot of purples and pinks. All set against the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
#oceania #newzealand #southisland #laketekapo #goodshepherd #church #lupines #scenery #travel #nature #landscape #photography #meadow #flowers #outdoors #panorama #architecture #wilderness #highcountry
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A stone church built in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd is one of New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 most photographed landmarks—especially during lupine season when the lakeside bursts into a riot of purples and pinks. All set against the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
#oceania #newzealand #southisland #laketekapo #goodshepherd #church #lupines #scenery #travel #nature #landscape #photography #meadow #flowers #outdoors #panorama #architecture #wilderness #highcountry
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A stone church built in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd is one of New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 most photographed landmarks—especially during lupine season when the lakeside bursts into a riot of purples and pinks. All set against the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
#oceania #newzealand #southisland #laketekapo #goodshepherd #church #lupines #scenery #travel #nature #landscape #photography #meadow #flowers #outdoors #panorama #architecture #wilderness #highcountry
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Bookworm Vending Machine arrives at Good Shepherd YMCA
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Children at the Good Shepherd YMCA receive a new vending machine, and it’s not…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Books #BookwormVendingMachine #Entertainment #goodshepherd #ilnews #JuniorLeagueofRockford #Literacy #LiteracyLeadersProject #localnews #new #rockford #rockfordil #rockfordliteracy #rockfordnews #vendingmachine #wifr #wifrnews #ymca
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/19014/ -
Bookworm Vending Machine arrives at Good Shepherd YMCA
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Children at the Good Shepherd YMCA receive a new vending machine, and it’s not…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Books #BookwormVendingMachine #Entertainment #goodshepherd #ilnews #JuniorLeagueofRockford #Literacy #LiteracyLeadersProject #localnews #new #rockford #rockfordil #rockfordliteracy #rockfordnews #vendingmachine #wifr #wifrnews #ymca
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/19014/ -
Bookworm Vending Machine arrives at Good Shepherd YMCA
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Children at the Good Shepherd YMCA receive a new vending machine, and it’s not…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Books #BookwormVendingMachine #Entertainment #goodshepherd #ilnews #JuniorLeagueofRockford #Literacy #LiteracyLeadersProject #localnews #new #rockford #rockfordil #rockfordliteracy #rockfordnews #vendingmachine #wifr #wifrnews #ymca
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/19014/ -
Bookworm Vending Machine arrives at Good Shepherd YMCA
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Children at the Good Shepherd YMCA receive a new vending machine, and it’s not…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Books #BookwormVendingMachine #Entertainment #goodshepherd #ilnews #JuniorLeagueofRockford #Literacy #LiteracyLeadersProject #localnews #new #rockford #rockfordil #rockfordliteracy #rockfordnews #vendingmachine #wifr #wifrnews #ymca
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/19014/ -
#GoodShepherd pushes for increase in #MainersFeedingMainers program at state house
By Sierra Whaley
Published: May 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM EDTAUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - "Federal cuts have impacted funding for #HungerRelief programs across the state.
"That’s why state representatives gathered at the state house to push for the passage of a bill that could strengthen a 15-year-partnership between the state and Good Shepherd to keep reliable sources alive in this uncertain time.
" 'As our costs are going up and as our funding is going down as we’ve experienced funding cancellations federally, we are looking for a more cost share model with the state and asking for increased state support,' said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank.
"The Good Shepherd Food Bank is Maine’s only #FeedingAmerica food bank distributing food from Fort Kent to Kittery.
"They’re urging lawmakers to pass #LD415 sponsored by North Yarmouth Rep. Annie Graham.
"It’s a bill to increase the state’s support for the Mainers feeding Mainers program through Good Shepherd.
"Here’s how it works.
" 'We purchase fresh local produce from 93 farmers throughout the state of Maine from Fort Kent to Kittery and those farmers deliver that fresh produce directly to our pantry partners which serve them to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in the state of Maine,' said Paquette.
"According to Feeding America nearly 200-thousand Mainers are experiencing hunger.
"That includes over 50,000 children.
"Which is why the increase would provide more security for state sources, such as #farmers, to keep those community partnerships active.
"If passed the bill would increase the funding from one million to two million dollars."
#Maine #FoodSecurity #TrumpHatesThePoor #USPol #MaineFarms #LocalGrownFood #SupportMaineFarms
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#GoodShepherd pushes for increase in #MainersFeedingMainers program at state house
By Sierra Whaley
Published: May 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM EDTAUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - "Federal cuts have impacted funding for #HungerRelief programs across the state.
"That’s why state representatives gathered at the state house to push for the passage of a bill that could strengthen a 15-year-partnership between the state and Good Shepherd to keep reliable sources alive in this uncertain time.
" 'As our costs are going up and as our funding is going down as we’ve experienced funding cancellations federally, we are looking for a more cost share model with the state and asking for increased state support,' said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank.
"The Good Shepherd Food Bank is Maine’s only #FeedingAmerica food bank distributing food from Fort Kent to Kittery.
"They’re urging lawmakers to pass #LD415 sponsored by North Yarmouth Rep. Annie Graham.
"It’s a bill to increase the state’s support for the Mainers feeding Mainers program through Good Shepherd.
"Here’s how it works.
" 'We purchase fresh local produce from 93 farmers throughout the state of Maine from Fort Kent to Kittery and those farmers deliver that fresh produce directly to our pantry partners which serve them to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in the state of Maine,' said Paquette.
"According to Feeding America nearly 200-thousand Mainers are experiencing hunger.
"That includes over 50,000 children.
"Which is why the increase would provide more security for state sources, such as #farmers, to keep those community partnerships active.
"If passed the bill would increase the funding from one million to two million dollars."
#Maine #FoodSecurity #TrumpHatesThePoor #USPol #MaineFarms #LocalGrownFood #SupportMaineFarms
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#GoodShepherd pushes for increase in #MainersFeedingMainers program at state house
By Sierra Whaley
Published: May 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM EDTAUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - "Federal cuts have impacted funding for #HungerRelief programs across the state.
"That’s why state representatives gathered at the state house to push for the passage of a bill that could strengthen a 15-year-partnership between the state and Good Shepherd to keep reliable sources alive in this uncertain time.
" 'As our costs are going up and as our funding is going down as we’ve experienced funding cancellations federally, we are looking for a more cost share model with the state and asking for increased state support,' said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank.
"The Good Shepherd Food Bank is Maine’s only #FeedingAmerica food bank distributing food from Fort Kent to Kittery.
"They’re urging lawmakers to pass #LD415 sponsored by North Yarmouth Rep. Annie Graham.
"It’s a bill to increase the state’s support for the Mainers feeding Mainers program through Good Shepherd.
"Here’s how it works.
" 'We purchase fresh local produce from 93 farmers throughout the state of Maine from Fort Kent to Kittery and those farmers deliver that fresh produce directly to our pantry partners which serve them to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in the state of Maine,' said Paquette.
"According to Feeding America nearly 200-thousand Mainers are experiencing hunger.
"That includes over 50,000 children.
"Which is why the increase would provide more security for state sources, such as #farmers, to keep those community partnerships active.
"If passed the bill would increase the funding from one million to two million dollars."
#Maine #FoodSecurity #TrumpHatesThePoor #USPol #MaineFarms #LocalGrownFood #SupportMaineFarms
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#GoodShepherd pushes for increase in #MainersFeedingMainers program at state house
By Sierra Whaley
Published: May 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM EDTAUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - "Federal cuts have impacted funding for #HungerRelief programs across the state.
"That’s why state representatives gathered at the state house to push for the passage of a bill that could strengthen a 15-year-partnership between the state and Good Shepherd to keep reliable sources alive in this uncertain time.
" 'As our costs are going up and as our funding is going down as we’ve experienced funding cancellations federally, we are looking for a more cost share model with the state and asking for increased state support,' said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank.
"The Good Shepherd Food Bank is Maine’s only #FeedingAmerica food bank distributing food from Fort Kent to Kittery.
"They’re urging lawmakers to pass #LD415 sponsored by North Yarmouth Rep. Annie Graham.
"It’s a bill to increase the state’s support for the Mainers feeding Mainers program through Good Shepherd.
"Here’s how it works.
" 'We purchase fresh local produce from 93 farmers throughout the state of Maine from Fort Kent to Kittery and those farmers deliver that fresh produce directly to our pantry partners which serve them to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in the state of Maine,' said Paquette.
"According to Feeding America nearly 200-thousand Mainers are experiencing hunger.
"That includes over 50,000 children.
"Which is why the increase would provide more security for state sources, such as #farmers, to keep those community partnerships active.
"If passed the bill would increase the funding from one million to two million dollars."
#Maine #FoodSecurity #TrumpHatesThePoor #USPol #MaineFarms #LocalGrownFood #SupportMaineFarms
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#GoodShepherd pushes for increase in #MainersFeedingMainers program at state house
By Sierra Whaley
Published: May 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM EDTAUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - "Federal cuts have impacted funding for #HungerRelief programs across the state.
"That’s why state representatives gathered at the state house to push for the passage of a bill that could strengthen a 15-year-partnership between the state and Good Shepherd to keep reliable sources alive in this uncertain time.
" 'As our costs are going up and as our funding is going down as we’ve experienced funding cancellations federally, we are looking for a more cost share model with the state and asking for increased state support,' said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank.
"The Good Shepherd Food Bank is Maine’s only #FeedingAmerica food bank distributing food from Fort Kent to Kittery.
"They’re urging lawmakers to pass #LD415 sponsored by North Yarmouth Rep. Annie Graham.
"It’s a bill to increase the state’s support for the Mainers feeding Mainers program through Good Shepherd.
"Here’s how it works.
" 'We purchase fresh local produce from 93 farmers throughout the state of Maine from Fort Kent to Kittery and those farmers deliver that fresh produce directly to our pantry partners which serve them to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in the state of Maine,' said Paquette.
"According to Feeding America nearly 200-thousand Mainers are experiencing hunger.
"That includes over 50,000 children.
"Which is why the increase would provide more security for state sources, such as #farmers, to keep those community partnerships active.
"If passed the bill would increase the funding from one million to two million dollars."
#Maine #FoodSecurity #TrumpHatesThePoor #USPol #MaineFarms #LocalGrownFood #SupportMaineFarms
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Opening Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C (May 11 2025)
These opening prayers for Sunday worship take their inspiration from the Scripture readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Worship leaders are welcome to use them for worship, but if you print or display any part of them, please credit the author. Comments welcome. The following prayers are for based on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter.
Call to Worship
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne
and to the Lamb!”
Revelation 7.9
Let us worship God.
Prayer of Approach and Confession
Let us pray.
God our good shepherd,
as we come to worship you
we acknowledge your presence with us.
Yet you, creator God,
have been with us all the days of our lives.
You are the source of all our blessings.
You give us all that we need
for your power, and love, and care
always surround us.
Even if we have walked
through death’s dark vale,
you have been with us,
your rod and staff
have guided and comforted us.
And now we to come to your house;
you welcome and bless us
and your love for us overflows
and you invite us to dwell with you forever.
God our good shepherd,
you alone are worthy of our praise and worship.
21 April 2013 alt
Restore our souls
God of grace;
for we have failed too often
to be true disciples of Jesus.
We have followed the voice of others
in our journey through life
and failed to find the green pastures you promise your people.
Forgive us our sins
and for the sake of Christ,
the Lamb who died for our sins.
silence
Christ the Good Shepherd
will lead us to the springs of the water of life
where God will wipe the tears from our eyes.
Know that in Christ you are forgiven.
Collect
Lord Jesus Christ
like a caring shepherd you call us
to follow your voice.
Grant that we would truly know you and follow you
by obeying your command of love in all things.
And so may we be counted among your people
so that we may know eternal life in you.
Doxology
Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving
and honour and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 7.12
Featured image: Shepherd in Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Wikipedia commons
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Discover the Shepherd’s Voice game—a fun activity teaching youth about listening and trust. Players form groups with a shepherd and blindfolded sheep, following only the shepherd's voice to reach the finish line. This builds listening skills, teamwork, and trust. It connects to faith by illustrating how we listen to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, inspired by John 10:27 and Psalm 23. Perfect for youth groups, retreats, and church camps. #GoodShepherd #YouthActivities https://young-catholics.com/3225/shepherds-voice-game/
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NOT JUST MAINE! #USDA ending local purchasing programs for #Maine #FoodBanks and #schools
#MainePublic | By Nicole Ogrysko
Published March 12, 2025"The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending two national programs that help food banks and schools in Maine — and around the country — purchase produce from local farmers.
"USDA told Maine officials and partners late last week that it has terminated the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. It helped #GoodShepherd Food Bank buy produce from about 100 Maine farmers, which is then distributed to local food banks around the state.
"'That program is incredibly important to the state of Maine, both in food today — food that we source and distribute today — and in food tomorrow, which is the economic viability for those 100 #farmers and for our partner agencies to experience fresh, nutritious produce," said Good Shepherd President Heather Paquette.
"At the same time, Paquette said the food bank recently learned that USDA will stop delivering about 1 million pounds of food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program to Maine. Those deliveries are on hold for Good Shepherd — and food banks around the country — through at least June.
"Paquette said the USDA delivery represented about 20% of food that Good Shepherd moves around the state.
"The cuts — both to government food deliveries and to funds that Good Shepherd used to buy local produce — are concerning, Paquette said, because more Mainers are experiencing #FoodInsecurity.
"Our need is up every year," she said. 'This year we distributed 10% more food cases than we distributed the year before that, and that year was 10% over the [prior] year. So we're experiencing double-digit need increase in the state of Maine.'
"A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the state received about $1.3 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
"USDA has also terminated the Local Food for Schools program, which provided more than $720,000 last year to Maine schools. Schools used those funds to buy food directly from local farmers to serve in their cafeterias.
"The program provided a big boost to the state's farmers, because more than 100,000 students eat at Maine schools every day, said Anna Korsen of the food security non-profit Full Plates Full Potential.
"'That has a huge impact on local economies, on #SmallFarms, and it's just better for kids," she said. 'The food's healthier, they're getting fresh, local foods in the school cafeteria.'
"A spokesperson for Maine's Department of Education said the state was expected to receive nearly $2.8 million for the Local #FoodForSchools program over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be disbursed later this spring.
"Maine still has a statewide local food purchasing program for schools. But Korsen said the federal program provided more purchasing power for Maine schools. In 2023 before Maine received federal #LFS funding, schools in the Pine Tree State spent just more than $168,000 on local food, Korsen said.
"These USDA programmatic cuts are separate from those that the department is making at the University of Maine System [which were just reversed]. And unlike those impacting UMaine, the termination of USDA's local purchasing programs affects food banks and schools around the country."
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-03-12/usda-ending-local-purchasing-programs-for-maine-food-banks-and-schools
#KillThePoor #USPol #MadKingTrump #RESIST! #FoodIsLife #WorkingPoor #SNAP #SaveTheFarms -
NOT JUST MAINE! #USDA ending local purchasing programs for #Maine #FoodBanks and #schools
#MainePublic | By Nicole Ogrysko
Published March 12, 2025"The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending two national programs that help food banks and schools in Maine — and around the country — purchase produce from local farmers.
"USDA told Maine officials and partners late last week that it has terminated the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. It helped #GoodShepherd Food Bank buy produce from about 100 Maine farmers, which is then distributed to local food banks around the state.
"'That program is incredibly important to the state of Maine, both in food today — food that we source and distribute today — and in food tomorrow, which is the economic viability for those 100 #farmers and for our partner agencies to experience fresh, nutritious produce," said Good Shepherd President Heather Paquette.
"At the same time, Paquette said the food bank recently learned that USDA will stop delivering about 1 million pounds of food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program to Maine. Those deliveries are on hold for Good Shepherd — and food banks around the country — through at least June.
"Paquette said the USDA delivery represented about 20% of food that Good Shepherd moves around the state.
"The cuts — both to government food deliveries and to funds that Good Shepherd used to buy local produce — are concerning, Paquette said, because more Mainers are experiencing #FoodInsecurity.
"Our need is up every year," she said. 'This year we distributed 10% more food cases than we distributed the year before that, and that year was 10% over the [prior] year. So we're experiencing double-digit need increase in the state of Maine.'
"A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the state received about $1.3 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
"USDA has also terminated the Local Food for Schools program, which provided more than $720,000 last year to Maine schools. Schools used those funds to buy food directly from local farmers to serve in their cafeterias.
"The program provided a big boost to the state's farmers, because more than 100,000 students eat at Maine schools every day, said Anna Korsen of the food security non-profit Full Plates Full Potential.
"'That has a huge impact on local economies, on #SmallFarms, and it's just better for kids," she said. 'The food's healthier, they're getting fresh, local foods in the school cafeteria.'
"A spokesperson for Maine's Department of Education said the state was expected to receive nearly $2.8 million for the Local #FoodForSchools program over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be disbursed later this spring.
"Maine still has a statewide local food purchasing program for schools. But Korsen said the federal program provided more purchasing power for Maine schools. In 2023 before Maine received federal #LFS funding, schools in the Pine Tree State spent just more than $168,000 on local food, Korsen said.
"These USDA programmatic cuts are separate from those that the department is making at the University of Maine System [which were just reversed]. And unlike those impacting UMaine, the termination of USDA's local purchasing programs affects food banks and schools around the country."
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-03-12/usda-ending-local-purchasing-programs-for-maine-food-banks-and-schools
#KillThePoor #USPol #MadKingTrump #RESIST! #FoodIsLife #WorkingPoor #SNAP #SaveTheFarms -
NOT JUST MAINE! #USDA ending local purchasing programs for #Maine #FoodBanks and #schools
#MainePublic | By Nicole Ogrysko
Published March 12, 2025"The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending two national programs that help food banks and schools in Maine — and around the country — purchase produce from local farmers.
"USDA told Maine officials and partners late last week that it has terminated the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. It helped #GoodShepherd Food Bank buy produce from about 100 Maine farmers, which is then distributed to local food banks around the state.
"'That program is incredibly important to the state of Maine, both in food today — food that we source and distribute today — and in food tomorrow, which is the economic viability for those 100 #farmers and for our partner agencies to experience fresh, nutritious produce," said Good Shepherd President Heather Paquette.
"At the same time, Paquette said the food bank recently learned that USDA will stop delivering about 1 million pounds of food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program to Maine. Those deliveries are on hold for Good Shepherd — and food banks around the country — through at least June.
"Paquette said the USDA delivery represented about 20% of food that Good Shepherd moves around the state.
"The cuts — both to government food deliveries and to funds that Good Shepherd used to buy local produce — are concerning, Paquette said, because more Mainers are experiencing #FoodInsecurity.
"Our need is up every year," she said. 'This year we distributed 10% more food cases than we distributed the year before that, and that year was 10% over the [prior] year. So we're experiencing double-digit need increase in the state of Maine.'
"A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the state received about $1.3 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
"USDA has also terminated the Local Food for Schools program, which provided more than $720,000 last year to Maine schools. Schools used those funds to buy food directly from local farmers to serve in their cafeterias.
"The program provided a big boost to the state's farmers, because more than 100,000 students eat at Maine schools every day, said Anna Korsen of the food security non-profit Full Plates Full Potential.
"'That has a huge impact on local economies, on #SmallFarms, and it's just better for kids," she said. 'The food's healthier, they're getting fresh, local foods in the school cafeteria.'
"A spokesperson for Maine's Department of Education said the state was expected to receive nearly $2.8 million for the Local #FoodForSchools program over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be disbursed later this spring.
"Maine still has a statewide local food purchasing program for schools. But Korsen said the federal program provided more purchasing power for Maine schools. In 2023 before Maine received federal #LFS funding, schools in the Pine Tree State spent just more than $168,000 on local food, Korsen said.
"These USDA programmatic cuts are separate from those that the department is making at the University of Maine System [which were just reversed]. And unlike those impacting UMaine, the termination of USDA's local purchasing programs affects food banks and schools around the country."
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-03-12/usda-ending-local-purchasing-programs-for-maine-food-banks-and-schools
#KillThePoor #USPol #MadKingTrump #RESIST! #FoodIsLife #WorkingPoor #SNAP #SaveTheFarms -
NOT JUST MAINE! #USDA ending local purchasing programs for #Maine #FoodBanks and #schools
#MainePublic | By Nicole Ogrysko
Published March 12, 2025"The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending two national programs that help food banks and schools in Maine — and around the country — purchase produce from local farmers.
"USDA told Maine officials and partners late last week that it has terminated the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. It helped #GoodShepherd Food Bank buy produce from about 100 Maine farmers, which is then distributed to local food banks around the state.
"'That program is incredibly important to the state of Maine, both in food today — food that we source and distribute today — and in food tomorrow, which is the economic viability for those 100 #farmers and for our partner agencies to experience fresh, nutritious produce," said Good Shepherd President Heather Paquette.
"At the same time, Paquette said the food bank recently learned that USDA will stop delivering about 1 million pounds of food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program to Maine. Those deliveries are on hold for Good Shepherd — and food banks around the country — through at least June.
"Paquette said the USDA delivery represented about 20% of food that Good Shepherd moves around the state.
"The cuts — both to government food deliveries and to funds that Good Shepherd used to buy local produce — are concerning, Paquette said, because more Mainers are experiencing #FoodInsecurity.
"Our need is up every year," she said. 'This year we distributed 10% more food cases than we distributed the year before that, and that year was 10% over the [prior] year. So we're experiencing double-digit need increase in the state of Maine.'
"A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the state received about $1.3 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
"USDA has also terminated the Local Food for Schools program, which provided more than $720,000 last year to Maine schools. Schools used those funds to buy food directly from local farmers to serve in their cafeterias.
"The program provided a big boost to the state's farmers, because more than 100,000 students eat at Maine schools every day, said Anna Korsen of the food security non-profit Full Plates Full Potential.
"'That has a huge impact on local economies, on #SmallFarms, and it's just better for kids," she said. 'The food's healthier, they're getting fresh, local foods in the school cafeteria.'
"A spokesperson for Maine's Department of Education said the state was expected to receive nearly $2.8 million for the Local #FoodForSchools program over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be disbursed later this spring.
"Maine still has a statewide local food purchasing program for schools. But Korsen said the federal program provided more purchasing power for Maine schools. In 2023 before Maine received federal #LFS funding, schools in the Pine Tree State spent just more than $168,000 on local food, Korsen said.
"These USDA programmatic cuts are separate from those that the department is making at the University of Maine System [which were just reversed]. And unlike those impacting UMaine, the termination of USDA's local purchasing programs affects food banks and schools around the country."
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-03-12/usda-ending-local-purchasing-programs-for-maine-food-banks-and-schools
#KillThePoor #USPol #MadKingTrump #RESIST! #FoodIsLife #WorkingPoor #SNAP #SaveTheFarms -
NOT JUST MAINE! #USDA ending local purchasing programs for #Maine #FoodBanks and #schools
#MainePublic | By Nicole Ogrysko
Published March 12, 2025"The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending two national programs that help food banks and schools in Maine — and around the country — purchase produce from local farmers.
"USDA told Maine officials and partners late last week that it has terminated the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. It helped #GoodShepherd Food Bank buy produce from about 100 Maine farmers, which is then distributed to local food banks around the state.
"'That program is incredibly important to the state of Maine, both in food today — food that we source and distribute today — and in food tomorrow, which is the economic viability for those 100 #farmers and for our partner agencies to experience fresh, nutritious produce," said Good Shepherd President Heather Paquette.
"At the same time, Paquette said the food bank recently learned that USDA will stop delivering about 1 million pounds of food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program to Maine. Those deliveries are on hold for Good Shepherd — and food banks around the country — through at least June.
"Paquette said the USDA delivery represented about 20% of food that Good Shepherd moves around the state.
"The cuts — both to government food deliveries and to funds that Good Shepherd used to buy local produce — are concerning, Paquette said, because more Mainers are experiencing #FoodInsecurity.
"Our need is up every year," she said. 'This year we distributed 10% more food cases than we distributed the year before that, and that year was 10% over the [prior] year. So we're experiencing double-digit need increase in the state of Maine.'
"A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the state received about $1.3 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
"USDA has also terminated the Local Food for Schools program, which provided more than $720,000 last year to Maine schools. Schools used those funds to buy food directly from local farmers to serve in their cafeterias.
"The program provided a big boost to the state's farmers, because more than 100,000 students eat at Maine schools every day, said Anna Korsen of the food security non-profit Full Plates Full Potential.
"'That has a huge impact on local economies, on #SmallFarms, and it's just better for kids," she said. 'The food's healthier, they're getting fresh, local foods in the school cafeteria.'
"A spokesperson for Maine's Department of Education said the state was expected to receive nearly $2.8 million for the Local #FoodForSchools program over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be disbursed later this spring.
"Maine still has a statewide local food purchasing program for schools. But Korsen said the federal program provided more purchasing power for Maine schools. In 2023 before Maine received federal #LFS funding, schools in the Pine Tree State spent just more than $168,000 on local food, Korsen said.
"These USDA programmatic cuts are separate from those that the department is making at the University of Maine System [which were just reversed]. And unlike those impacting UMaine, the termination of USDA's local purchasing programs affects food banks and schools around the country."
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-03-12/usda-ending-local-purchasing-programs-for-maine-food-banks-and-schools
#KillThePoor #USPol #MadKingTrump #RESIST! #FoodIsLife #WorkingPoor #SNAP #SaveTheFarms -
Hello, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine!
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Mortimer, a jackass to the end!
#AllStarTrek #StarTrekVoyager #StarTrekVOY #GoodShepherd @allstartrek
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I think that’s the same slug in TNG’s Conspiracy that made Remmick’s head explode.
#AllStarTrek #StarTrekVoyager #StarTrekVOY #GoodShepherd @allstartrek
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Of all the people to get infected by an alien slug, it’s the hypochondriac.
#AllStarTrek #StarTrekVoyager #StarTrekVOY #GoodShepherd @allstartrek
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Don’t bother Billy, Mortimer is a lost cause.
#AllStarTrek #StarTrekVoyager #StarTrekVOY #GoodShepherd @allstartrek
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Janeway is second guessing her decision to lead this away mission.
#AllStarTrek #StarTrekVoyager #StarTrekVOY #GoodShepherd @allstartrek
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It’s a little sad that it took 6-7 years for Janeway to notice these three.
#AllStarTrek #StarTrekVoyager #StarTrekVOY #GoodShepherd @allstartrek
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We used to have mandatory office picnics. As Seven would say, “fun will now commence!”
#AllStarTrek #StarTrekVoyager #StarTrekVOY #GoodShepherd @allstartrek