August 31

I am currently reading a book that has been on my shelf for a while – Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life, by Shauna Niequist.  It is a collection of 40 short essays about happenings from her own day-to-day life.  In each chapter she takes a simple life event, something that could have easily been overlooked or bypassed, and found something extraordinary in it.  Some of the chapter titles include: Puppies; Swimming; Eggs and Baskets; Brothers, Sisters, and Barbecues; and Needle and Thread.  At first glance, there seems to be nothing extraordinary there, yet, as she recounts the stories, in each one, she highlights the extraordinary found in the ordinary.   

Where does the title Cold Tangerines come from?  Hear her words: “I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes.  I want to eat cold tangerines and sing loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now.  I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift.”

What is she saying?  In John 10:10, we hear Jesus’ words, “I have come so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.”  During this season of Ordinary Time during worship, we are looking to Jesus to learn ways that we, too, can live these extraordinary lives that have been promised to us.  From moving through life without fear, to persistence in following the ways of Jesus, every day we can find the extraordinary, if we are attuned to God’s blessings.

How will you walk today?  Looking at life through the drudgery of the everyday, or looking with anticipation for that “life to the fullest” that Jesus has promised us.  May your eyes look up as you live your days.

August 30

We have all been overwhelmed by the unprecedented pictures coming from the ongoing presence of Hurricane Harvey.  We have seen images from Houston that seem impossible to fathom, all the while knowing that there are also untold stories from other smaller communities that are affected.  Recovery will take years and billions of dollars.  Do you feel a need to respond, but don’t know how?

I was a part of the recovery effort from Hurricane Katrina at my church in Alabama, miles and miles from the coast.  We received mounds of donations andhundreds and hundreds of refugees, as we were a Red Cross outpost.  Our church gym was overrun with stuffed animals and thousands of pounds of used clothes.  To be honest, everyone who donated was doing so with the purest of intention, but I quickly learned that “stuff” is not what was needed.  “Stuff” overwhelmed us as caregivers and didn’t speak to the bigger picture.  What was needed was money, on the ground, locally, where those who lived there and served there knew the specific needs of the people.

Week of Compassion is the Disciples ministry arm that works with people on the ground when there are natural disasters.  Every penny that is given to this offering goes to where it is needed most.  This Sunday, September 3 and next Sunday, September 10, wewill take up a special offering during worship for Week of Compassion and its ministry to those affected by Hurricane Harvey and will designate it solely for that.

I encourage you to join me in PRAYING continually for the affected communities, and if you would like, DONATING to relief and recovery efforts through Week of Compassion.

~Pastor Jane

August 23

On Monday, I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to view the 2017 solar eclipse in totality.  Even though I knew I could see it “almost total” from home, I had a great desire to view the full event, so off to South Carolina I went early on Monday morning. Since Monday, I have heard several comments about how for many people the event was underwhelming.  I know in some areas of the country the eclipse was obscured by cloud cover, but where I was, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The moment of totality took my breath away, and for me was a truly spiritual moment.  I took my glasses off and gazed at the sun – covered completely by the moon. But there was something about the totality that has stayed with me. You see, even in the darkness, there was the corona, the small ring of light, still visible in the darkness. 

We are living in a time that feels dark, but the eclipse was a picture for me that even in the total darkness, the light of Love still shines.  John 1:4 tells us, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”  Jesus, the Light of the World, still shines through the darkness. This promise was made real for me on Monday.

But, we must also remember that Jesus said to us, “You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  My prayer is that we can carry the light of Christ with us every day as we move into the world sharing the Good News.

~Pastor Jane

August 16

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning - of course, after you throw water on your face and have your first cup of coffee.  My “first thing” has always involved reading the news.  As a young girl, I would sit at the kitchen table and read the morning newspaper.  Even while on vacation, I always walk down to the corner store and buy several newspapers for the day.  As the reporting of news has morphed to a more on-line presence in recent days, I find myself pulling out my smart phone to read the daily paper, peruse everyone’s Facebook updates – all to find out what has happened overnight.

That is, until these past few days.  I find myself unable to take a peak, to see what has happened, because I don’t want to see a news feed this is overflowing with hate. What do we do with the hate that seems to surround us constantly?  Do we do like I am doing – just try to avoid it, or is there a better way?

On Sunday, I read from 1 John 4.  As you approach your day, may these words surround you…for this is the better way.

Let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  If we love one another, God lives in us and God’s love is made complete in us.  We love because he first loved us. Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

~Pastor Jane

August 9

Homecoming 2017 is in the books.  What a wonderful day – filled with both old and new friends, stories of the past, good food, wonderful worship, and a time of celebration.  Homecoming, by its very nature, calls us to look back, and that is how it should be.  We remembered the many ways God has worked through Union.  We remembered family members and friends who have left us. We celebrated the end of our loan responsibilities by the burning of the mortgage and by giving thanks for all those who led the church in this process.

Now what?  We have remembered well, and now it is time to move forward, to dream new dreams.  We have already begun – dreaming of new ways we can minister outside this building to those in our community who need our help.  My prayer is that we will continue to dream, and continue to explore new ways of sharing the gospel with those who need to hear it.

This Sunday, we will move back to Matthew, as we continue to tell the stories of Jesus.  We will delve intoMatthew 14:22-33, the story of Jesus walking on water.  Together we will be reminded of how Jesus is always with us, even when the storms of life surround us.  

Today, I am thankful for 165 years and looking forward with anticipation to many more.

~Pastor Jane

August 2

It is Homecoming Week.  On Sunday we will celebrate 165 years of faithful ministry on the corner of Whippoorwill and Union Church Road.  Have you ever wondered what the first saints of our church were thinking as they launched this fledgling congregation?  Were they just looking for a “meeting house” or were they committed to being a voice for Jesus in this part of the county?  Think about what that must have meant 165 years ago.  The community was scattered, the farms were large, travel to church was probably difficult, yet they had a vision about what God was calling them to do. 

We, who are here today, are the recipients of this vision and so, in their honor, and because we are compelled by God, we continue to be God’s representatives, both in our part of Oconee County and in our larger world.  That is why we have recently launched two new ministries – with Sparrow’s Nest and Interfaith Hospitality Network – ministries that call us to open our doors and our hearts to those in need.

On Sunday, besides welcoming old friends, we will also burn the mortgage for the new building, rejoicing and celebrating that through your faithful giving, it is now paid in full.  This new building gives us more and more opportunities for new ministries. 

God continues to bless Union Christian Church.  Thanks be to God!

~Pastor Jane

August 1

 Have you ever had someone in the community say to you, in referring to Union, “For a church your size, you do ____________.”    

This month, I would like to fill in the blank.  “For a church your size, you do an amazing amount of missions and ministries!” How true this is!!  This month, I would like to highlight some of the ministries provided by the Union family, outside the walls of our church, as well as share some new opportunities that have come our way. In this past year, as a church family:

August - We provided handmade, unique pillowcases for children who were patients at Eggleston Children’s Hospital.

September - We provided protein food items for ACTS, Area Churches Together Serving, as well as assisting in the center distributing food to those in need.

October - We packed and shipped 45 Operation Christmas Child boxes for children in other countries who would not receive a Christmas gift without our help.

November – We provided 50 boxes of food for families in need, identified through Oconee County schools.  These boxes contained a turkey and all the fixins’ for a Thanksgiving meal.  As they families came to pick up their boxes, they were met with smiles, assistance, and individual prayers.

January - We donated over $900 to Heifer International, specifically to provide fresh water (irrigation pumps) and new wells.

February – We donated personal care items for the women of the Safe House of Athens.

April – We collected kitchen supplies for ACTS.

June - We provided new school supplies for students in Oconee County schools.

July – We collected, packed, and began distributing Blessing Bags for needy men and women in our community.

In addition to our monthly mission projects, we also do a large Benevolence Ministry, funded by our 5th Sunday Special Offering, and we serve at ACTS every other month.

Now, we have two additional opportunities to share the love of Jesus. 

The first involves working with Sparrows Nest (sparrowsnestmission.org). Their mission statement describes what they do as a “Christ-centered ministry that seeks to change lives through the power of God and nurturing relationships.”  For some, that includes help with food and clothing.  For some, it is a listening ear, a place of calm.  We will be involved by bringing breakfast to their clients on every 5th Saturday morning during the year.  Cami Allen is the chair for this ministry.

The second is our affiliation with Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens (INHA).  This is a ministry that provides temporary housing for homeless families with children.  We will be joining with First Christian Watkinsville and Ashford Methodist Athens to offer one week a quarter where these families will be housed at our church.  There are many opportunities of service within this ministry and during the month of August there will be training sessions offered. Patti Clark and Kelly Hansford are the chairs for this ministry. 

Union Christian Church is a church family that steps outside the walls of the building, into our community, sharing the love of Jesus in many ways.  Thanks be to God.

~Pastor Jane

July 26

Today, many of our teachers and educators begin a new school year.  Just one week from today, our Oconee County children will begin their new year.  Is it possible that the summer is already over?  If you are like me, you are asking the same question.  Where did the time go?

Back-To-School is always an exciting time, even if it falls near the end of July.  If you have been shopping recently, you know that the stores have school supplies out in abundance, occupying the most prominent display in the store.  College students are shopping for dorm room supplies, while younger children are looking for the “coolest” backpack to accompany them on their first day.

As we have done the past two years, we will again pause during worship for a time of Blessing of the Backpacks this Sunday, July 30.  We know that we are not blessing just the actual backpacks and teacher bags; most importantly, we are blessing the children, teenagers, teachers, and other educators.  As we anticipate a new school year, let me offer a prayer adapted from Hamilton Mill United Methodist in Dacula, GA.

Holy God, as our children go out to face the world, please bless and protect them.  May they know and trust that even when they are away from their parents, that you are always with them. Whether our children are just starting kindergarten, entering high school, or leaving the nest for college, our hearts and hopes go with them. They are excited about new possibilities, while at the same time apprehension and the fear of the unknown may weigh heavily on their hearts.  We pray that you will fill them with your love and will give them confidence to face each challenge they may experience this year.

We pray that you would bless our children with lives filled with happiness and laughter.  Surround them with friends, teachers, and adults that will lovingly stay by their side, build them up when they are weak, and hold them accountable when they wander from your ways.  We know that you have an amazing plan for each and every one of your children.

Amen.

~Pastor Jane

July 19

Next week the Union family will begin serving in a new ministry, reaching out to those who are homeless in Athens through a partnership with an organization called Sparrows Nest.  Sparrows Nest is a Christian ministry that serves those in need - providing caring support such as clothing, food, laundry and shower facilities, and programs for at-risk youth. On Saturday, July 29, our church will provide breakfast, conversation, and support to those who gather. You can read more about their ministry at sparrowsnestmission.org.  We will step in by offering breakfast for the almost 70 people who gather each Saturday morning.  Union has agreed to do this every month that contains a 5th Saturday.

 I am so thankful for a church that looks beyond her walls to those who need to know the love of Jesus.  Serving at Sparrow’s Nest is a practical way we can embody Jesus’ teachings. Cami Allen is spearheading this ministry, and I urge you to talk with her about ways you can help.  We will serve again on September 30, so if you can’t help this month, plan on joining with us then.

 Over and over again in scripture, we are instructed to care for those in need.  The words of Jesus echo among us - For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35

 As we go to Sparrows Nest, we will go with food and drink.  My prayer is that we will also go with a welcoming heart and spirit.

~Pastor Jane

July 12

In the letters of Colossians and Ephesians, the apostle Paul speaks some important words to the new believers in each of those cities.  In Colossians 3, we read, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  The words in Ephesians are almost identical. “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.”

These verses speak clear words of instruction about the purpose of congregational singing in worship.  We are to sing, because it is in singing that God’s word can teach us.  We often think that this can happen only through scripture or the spoken word.  But Paul’s words are unmistakable – we are to sing. 

This is just what we have been doing this summer, singing psalms and hymns, and now this week we move to our first spiritual song.  I love to think of “gospel music” as spiritual songs.  Often the catchy melody and rhythm of a gospel song will help us better internalize the words and that is true of our song this week, an old favorite, Victory In Jesus.  The three verses of this song tell of a personal salvation experience from beginning to end.  Does it tell your story?  I hope that will be your question as we sing this Sunday – giving thanks to God for everything!

-Pastor Jane

July 5

This is July 4th week – the time we remember and celebrate the founding of our nation. As we pause to reflect and give thanks, I would like to share a prayer with you from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.  Even through the language is dated, the thoughts and prayers still ring true today.

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage:  We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.  Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners.  Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.  Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.  AMEN.

~Pastor Jane

June 28

Sunday will mark the half way point of Grace Notes – a sermon series based on your favorite hymn and praise songs.  This week we move from the hymns of the past three weeks, to a praise song, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord).  In 2013, it was a top-ranked Praise and Worship song based on sales and play time on Contemporary Christian stations.  What is it about this song that appeals to worshippers?

The text comes from Psalm 103. One of the things that makes this chapter unique is that the writer creates a list of the many reasons he has to praise God.  You will read things like God forgives all my sins, God heals my sickness, God saves me from the pit….there are many more.  In fact, as the writer of our song for Sunday says, there are 10,000 reasons for us to bless God.

What would your list look like?  Can you name the many reasons you have to praise or bless God? While our lists would be different, there would also be many similarities. I encourage you to read the entire chapter before Sunday and then come up with your own list.  We will gather for worship and Bless the Lord, with our 10,000 Reasons.  I look forward to worshipping together this Sunday.

~Pastor Jane

June 21

This Sunday will be a full day at Union.  Since the church year at Union runs from July-June, we find ourselves ending one year and embarking on a new one.  During worship on Sunday morning we will give thanks for those who have served in leadership roles – teachers, deacons, elders, and Church Council members and offer prayers for those who will begin a new year of service.  The worship service will include the installation of Church Council officers, deacons, and elders.  We will also have the privilege of ordaining two new elders – Patti Clark and Donald Hansford.  What a special morning.  I hope you can be with us.

Then, we will move into the Fellowship Hall for a covered dish meal, followed by our annual Church Family Meeting.  We will have the opportunity to approve the church budget for the new year, hear reports about continuing and new mission/ministry experiences, and hear updates regarding building and grounds.  Two new ministry possibilities will be presented.  One involves volunteering with Sparrows Nest – providing breakfast to those at that ministry once a quarter.  You can read about them at:  http://sparrowsnestmission.org/.

Another new ministry experience that will be presented is Union’s possible affiliation with Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens. At our Church Family Meeting, you will hear all about it and have the opportunity to approve the Church Council’s recommendation that we participate as a Host Church.  If you would like to read about it the web site is www.inhathens.org.  What an exciting ministry possibility for our church.

We share the Good News in so many different ways at Union – from Sunday morning Bible study and Worship, to ACTS, to weekday Bible studies, to VBS and other children and youth ministries, and through music.  This Sunday we will be talking about taking the Good News even further outside our walls and into our community.  I hope you can join us for these conversations.

And – one more thing – on Sunday, you’ll hear some GREAT, EXCITING NEWS!! 

-Pastor Jane

June 14

This Sunday is Father’s Day and in worship we will have a special time to honor all of the men in our lives who “father” us.  As we approach Father’s Day, I would like to share a prayer with you that speaks beautiful words of thanks – thanks for all the different kinds of fathers in our lives.

A Father’s Day Prayer

Holy God, whom we call Father,
we give you thanks for the people who have been
our earthly fathers in this life.

For fathers who strive to balance the demands
of work, marriage, and children
with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.

For fathers who, lacking a good model,
have worked to become a good father.

For fathers who, despite divorce,
have remained in their children's lives.

For fathers whose children are adopted,
and whose love and support has offered healing.

For fathers who, as stepfathers,
freely choose the obligation of fatherhood
and have earned their stepchildren's love and respect.

For fathers who have lost a child to death,
and continue to hold the child in their heart.

For those men who have no children,
but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

For those men who have fathered us in their role as mentors and guides.

For those men who are about to become fathers;
may they openly delight in their children.

And for those fathers who have died,
but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

All this we ask in the name of your beloved Son,
who is both father and mother to us all.

Amen.

—adapted from a mediation written by Kirk Loadman-Copeland

June 7

As you read this, we are in the middle of Vacation Bible School.  Each evening the building echoes with sounds of children laughing and learning, singing and worshipping, making “hero” crafts and learning new Bible stories.  I am so thankful for all the teachers who have put hours into preparation.  Each night they are bringing the love of God to the children who are here.  Please continue praying for them as we finish out this week!

The hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee will be our focus this Sunday.  What does it mean to be joyful?  Joy arises from our heart and soul as we give thanks for the many things God has given us – things that surround us every day.  As you anticipate worship on Sunday, be thinking about the things that bring you joy. Just open your eyes!  They are right in front of you.  Gifts from God.  I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

~Pastor Jane

May 31

This Sunday, I will begin a summer sermon series that will take us through some of your favorite hymns and praise songs.  I’ve often wondered, why does a particular song become a “favorite?”  For some of us, it is as simple as liking the melody or the rhythm - especially true of some favorite gospel hymns!  For others, a song may bring up precious memories of a special time or a special person.

We will begin this musical journey with the song that received the most votes, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). Interestingly, the hymn Amazing Grace is named in many surveys as the #1 favorite hymn. But, you picked the praise song version of it. What is it about this newer version that caught our attention?

In 2006, a film was produced that told the story of William Wilberforce, the abolitionist who helped end the slave trade in Britain. The film was called Amazing Grace, based on the John Newton poem by the same name. Newton wrote this poem as he was wrestling with his role as a slave ship captain. Convicted of the evil of the slave trade, he left that job and became a preacher. He often spoke of being rescued from his past. His epitaph says it best:

John Newton, clerk,
once an infidel and libertine,
a servant of slaves in Africa,
was by the rich mercy of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
preserved, restored, pardoned,
and appointed to preach the faith he had long
labored to destroy.

As a part of the soundtrack of the movie, composer and recording artist, Chris Tomlin was asked to write an “addition” to the beloved hymn Amazing Grace. The words to My Chains Are Gone was the result. He tells the story of wrestling with the image of slaves chained to the ship. But in his writing, he went beyond the chains of a slave ship to the chains of sin that bind us all.  The words of promise ring out….

My chains are gone.  I’ve been set free. 
My God, my Savior, has ransomed me.
And like a flood his mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we talk further about the Amazing Grace that is promised to us all.

~Pastor Jane

May 24

Vacation Bible School is almost here.  In a little over a week the church will be overrun by children and excitement will be at a fevered pitch.  Our mascot for the week will be superhero Flame, who will help us learn our theme for the week - Our strength comes from God.  We will learn about Bible heroes such as Samuel and David, Abigail, and Jesus.
 
How can you help make this an unforgettable week?  First, help share the word to your friends and family. There are several ways you can do this: take one of our publicity postcards and share them. Encourage everyone to pre-register on line. Though social media, Facebook and Instagram, Flame will be making appearances every day. Please share these posts on your personal pages and encourage your friends to go to our church website to look for Flame.
 
We also need some extra help with decorations this year. Next Wednesday, May 31, at 10:00, you are invited to come and help prepare some of the decorations. We will be painting some props, so wear your "grungy" clothes.
Then on Saturday morning, June 3, we will be setting up rooms and preparing for the beginning of a great week the next day. We will especially need some strong people who can help move furniture.
 
Why do we put all this effort into Vacation Bible School?  During this week of focused learning, our children receive more biblical teaching than they do in an entire year of Sunday School. It is a chance to teach our own children, but also to reach into our community with the good news of Jesus.
There is nothing better!

~Pastor Jane

May 17

Three years ago as I first began talking with the Union Pastor Search Committee, the question arose, “What will David do?”  For, with my calling as your pastor, he was not only leaving the church that he had pastored for 12 years, but was also retiring from full-time pastoral ministry.  Most of you know that in “retirement” he has continued to be very busy. Over the past three years, he has taught Leadership at McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, and he continues with his consulting work with The Center for Congregation Health.  Many of you also know that he has served year-long stints as the Interim Pastor for two different churches – one in Florida and one in Augusta, GA.  Now he is on to a new endeavor, and I’ve asked him to share about it with you.

***************

Many of you are aware of my previous places of ministry over the past two years, serving as Interim Pastor to churches in St. Petersburg, FL and Augusta, GA. These have been very rewarding experiences, but the negative for me has been that I have not been able to be with the Union Christian Church family very much on Sunday. I have now accepted a new ministry position which will allow me to live out my calling and give me more time to be in Union on some Sundays.

Beginning June 1, I will become the Associate Pastor of the Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta. This will be a permanent position, rather than an interim one. It will also be a part-time position of about 2/3 time. I will work in Atlanta fourteen days each month, with at least two of those being Sundays. That means I will still have Sundays free to preach, do my church consulting work, and to worship at Union. My responsibilities at this church will be to supervise the ministerial staff and to lead in the implementation of mission and ministry for the church. I will also give leadership to the pastoral care ministry of the church.

I am excited about this new ministry opportunity which allows me to use my gifts and experiences to serve a local congregation. I am also grateful that I will be able to participate more fully in the wonderful life of Union Christian Church.

May 10

Sunday will be a very special day in the life of our church with two special emphases.  First, we will join together in giving thanks for our mothers – the women who have loved us, nurtured us, taught us about life, and taught us about Jesus. Wherever we go, we know that our mother’s love always travels with us.  A well-known quote from Rudyard Kipling perhaps says it best:  God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.

 We will also have a special service to recognize this year’s High School Graduates.  This year, Union will celebrate with eight graduates and their families during worship.  Their pictures and future plans are elsewhere in the Midweek.  Last night, I had the great privilege of spending time with them as they rehearsed their parts for this Sunday’s worship service.  You do not want to miss this time together and the blessing you will receive from them.

 I look forward to seeing you as we honor both mothers and graduates this Sunday.

 -Pastor Jane

May 3

For my article this week, I would like to share with you some words from a website I read daily – RevGalBlogPals.org.  This week’s post comes fromCardelia Howell-Diamond, a Presbyterian pastor in Alabama. In the sermon this week, we will be looking at Jesus’ words from John 10; words that refer to shepherds, sheep, and a gate.  Hear her reflections on the purpose of a gate.  Many of you will understand this image:

“I grew up in West Texas, the Lubbock area, and there are miles and miles of fenced pastures and farms all along the countryside. They seem to be endless, stretching as far as the eye can see over the flat mesa. My aunt owned a small cattle ranch in New Mexico, and once I was old enough to drive, I went there every weekend to help out.

There were very few gates on her property, but there were a ton of cattle guards. These guards are depressions in the road covered with bars placed at just the right distance to let a car or truck drive over, but too far apart for a cow to walk through. In all of the time I spent on that ranch I never once saw a cow try to cross the guards.

In the Gospel lesson for this week, Jesus self-describes as the gate. The gate to the sheep pen which allows the sheep to leave the pen and go out into the world so that they can graze in those green pastures described in Psalm 23. Far too often, we think of a gate as something that shuts us in, keeps us safe from the outside, instead of a place of exit into a bigger world.

My mind wondered how often we not only think of Jesus as a way to protect us Christians from the mean outside world, but we have often let our identity of Christ-followers to act like a cattle guard. No one dares to step outside of the safety of the pen because we might break a leg trying! We let the church use Jesus as a cattle guard keeping us from stepping beyond our boundaries and fears, instead of letting Jesus be our way to access those in need of someone to follow to Christ.

Perhaps we need to be more like the Christians from Acts 2:42-47; they shared all that they had with each other, caring and giving, yes. But their giving and sharing was not limited to those who were already in the pen with them. God was constantly adding to their numbers because they constantly went through the gate of Jesus into the world.”
Amen

 -Pastor Jane