Join in Kemp Hall on April 9th, at 11:30 for Bread and Broth. Pastor Jonas Hayes will be leading a series: Discovering Our S.H.A.P.E: Living with Joy and Purpose.

March 31, 2025

Dear Lely Presbyterian Church Members –

The proclamation in worship yesterday asked: “Which character do you identify with in the Parable of the Prodigal Son?” and “Are there other characters in the Bible you connect with in particular?” In addition to God and our Lord Jesus Christ, I wonder who are some of the people in the Bible you connect with in particular. I encourage you to share your reflections with one another during times of Bible study and fellowship in the coming weeks.

The characters in the Parable of the Prodigal Son are not just characters written on a page; each character resides in each one of us. At certain times in our lives, we have played each character in this story.

Rembrandt’s depiction of this parable, The Return of the Prodigal Son, inspired Catholic priest and author, the late Henri J.M. Nouwen to reflect on the several movements of this parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder

son’s vengefulness, and the father’s compassion.

For more on Rembrandt’s painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, including images of the actual paining, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Return_of_the_Prodigal_Son_(Rembrandt)

Copies of Henri J.M. Nouwen’s book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, are available for purchase online and the church office has 1 copy of the book, which you can feel free to borrow.

God bless you as we continue to journey together in faith in this season of Lent,

Pastor Jonas