Minister’s Message 20 September
Dear Friends
What have you heard? As we have made space within worship last Sunday,
as different teams shared about their work, as you have gone about your
daily life; what have you heard? For me, it was the linking of belonging that
resonated from last week's reading. We, the sheep, know and are known by
the Shepherd; the Shepherd knows and is known by the Father. We are
invited into this divine relationship. As we had communion last week in
Orwell, the line "I lay down my life for the sheep" was particularly resonant.
As is the line "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen" as we go
through this month of listening in mission. What did you hear?
I was shown this fantastic illustration of last week's reading, “I am the good
shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14), have a
watch https://share.google/ZElbOgorkUzBE6X5q. The shepherd in the
video is clearly thrilled that the trick worked and he has that smile at the
end that is just so joyful.
As we make space for God over this month, we are sometimes culturally
conditioned to imagine that God is at best chivvying us along and at worst
chastising us. Given this tendency in our understanding of God, I wonder in
what tone you have heard God speak?
Far be it from me to limit God to one angle, I trust that God will share with
you what needs to be said, but perhaps this video is a reminder that the
Good Shepherd is capable of speaking to you with a smile. He is as likely to
be brimming with joy, as anything else. Therefore, as we listen in mission
this month, we are as much looking for a sense of fun as we are a sense of
duty; for both can take us onwards in our discipleship.
As we continue to make space for God, let me remind you that you are
welcome to come and speak to one of the ministry team this week to talk
things through. Monica will be in the Kinross office on Wednesday
afternoon, Alan in the Fossoway vestry on Thursday afternoon, and I will be
in Orwell church on Friday afternoon. Come and have a chat.
Every blessing
Alex Johnson
Rev Alex Johnson