I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:16)
Gathering is one of two core values that address ways we help ourselves and others to grow in discipleship. The experience of being part of a community and how that community helps to form our faith are the questions on which we reflect. The image of the Good Shepherd shows us how the risen Christ brings us into a relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, one of mutual knowledge and love.
This Week’s Focus In The Core Values Sermon Series
Gathering
Our Hymn of the Day in traditional worship (The King of Love My Shepherd Is, ELW 502) picks up the theme of “shepherd” with a classic hymn rendering of the 23rd Psalm. God’s providence coupled with the abundance of the created world gifts us with a good life through all of our days. In New Day we sing Twila Paris’ amazing rendition of “Make Us One” where we will voice this hope for the world … “Make us one, make us one, Make us one, undivided body.”
Our Preaching Question for this week is
How Has God Shaped Your Life?
Reflection Questions For Your Home Devotions:
How does God shape and influence your life as a Christian?
Do the communities of which you are a part, help determine the kind of person you are?
What do you think is distinctive about the Christian community?