The Chapel of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

06/06/2026

Trinity Sunday: A Divine Love Story Revealed!

Trinity Sunday reminds us that God has always been reaching toward humanity in love.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in the story of salvation, inviting us into relationship, Baptism, discipleship, and mission. The love we receive from God is not meant to be hidden away. It is meant to be shared. Our calling is to help others encounter the same love we have found in Christ and invite them into the life of the Trinity.

God's love is meant to be shared, not hidden. Our calling is to help others encounter that same love through Christ.
The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church in Arkansas Trinity Episcopal Church, Van Buren, Arkansas
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06/05/2026

God's Epic Love Story Revealed!

The story of God and humanity has always been a love story.

Before creation, before nations, before any of us were born, God desired relationship with His people. He created us, pursued us, sent Jesus to show us how to love God and love our neighbor, and gave us the Holy Spirit so that relationship could continue. The heart of the Gospel is not obligation but relationship; God's love reaches toward us again and again, inviting us into deeper communion with Him and with one another.

God has always pursued a relationship with His people. The heart of that relationship is loving God and loving one another.
The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church in Arkansas Trinity Episcopal Church, Van Buren, Arkansas
The Episcopal Church .vanburen

06/05/2026

World Environment Day

The world around us is not an accident. It is a gift.

Scripture begins with God creating the heavens and the earth and declaring His creation good. Humanity was placed in the garden “to till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15); not as owners, but as stewards.

World Environment Day reminds us that stewardship is not merely a political or social issue it is a spiritual responsibility. Whether through reducing waste, planting something that grows, caring for local habitats, or simply appreciating the beauty of God’s creation, small acts of faithfulness matter.

As the Psalmist declares:
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” — Psalm 24:1

May we receive God’s creation with gratitude, use it wisely, and leave it better for those who come after us.

Prayer
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, give us grateful hearts for the gifts of Your creation. Teach us to be faithful stewards of the world You have entrusted to our care, that future generations may also rejoice in its beauty and abundance; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

06/05/2026

National Donut Day 🍩

Today we give thanks for one of life’s simplest joys—a good donut and good company.

While donuts may not be mentioned in Scripture, sharing food with others certainly is. Throughout the Bible, meals bring people together in fellowship, celebration, and community.

So whether your favorite is glazed, chocolate-covered, filled, sprinkled, or plain, take a moment today to enjoy a sweet treat and perhaps share one with a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member.

After all, kindness, like donuts, is often best when shared.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” — Psalm 34:8

Happy National Donut Day!

06/04/2026

Jesus Hands Over Church Ministry: Holy Spirit, Your Comforter!

Jesus entrusted His mission to the Church, but He never expected us to carry it alone. Just as God entrusted creation to humanity, Jesus entrusted ministry to His followers and then gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Comforter comes alongside us with peace, guidance, strength, and hope, especially when life feels uncertain. We believe the Holy Spirit is still at work today, leading God's people forward and reminding us that Christ remains with us.

The Comforter reminds us that we never serve alone.
The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church in Arkansas Trinity Episcopal Church, Van Buren, Arkansas
.vanburen

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

God Created Us for Relationship

From the very beginning, God created us for relationship. God didn't need us. God wanted us.

Throughout Scripture, we see the same story unfolding again and again: God drawing His people into deeper relationship with Him and with one another. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into that relationship and into the community of faith through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is more than a ceremony. It is an invitation into belonging, discipleship, and life with God. God created us because He wanted relationship with us. Baptism is an invitation into the life of God and the community of faith.
The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church in Arkansas Trinity Episcopal Church, Van Buren, Arkansas .vanburen

06/03/2026

World Bicycle Day 🚲

Today we celebrate a simple invention that has connected people, promoted health, and provided transportation for generations.

Whether you ride for exercise, recreation, commuting, or adventure, a bicycle is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things can take us the farthest.

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the bodies God has given us and to enjoy the blessings of His creation. A bike ride can be a wonderful way to do both; moving through God’s world with gratitude and wonder.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

Wherever the road, trail, or path leads today, may you travel safely and enjoy the journey.

06/02/2026

God Knew You Before You Were Born. Before you took your first breath, God knew you.

Before your parents, grandparents, and generations before them, God was already at work. The story of Genesis reminds us that everything begins with the Creator. No matter how we understand the details of creation, the foundation remains the same: God made it, God intended it, and we are apart of it.

At Good Shepherd and throughout the Episcopal Church, we proclaim that creation is not an accident. You are not an accident. God knew you, formed you, and called you into being. The foundation of faith begins with recognizing God as Creator of all things. And if God created all things, then every life carries value, purpose, and dignity in His sight.

God knew you before you ever took a breath.
The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church in Arkansas Trinity Episcopal Church, Van Buren, Arkansas .vanburen