Shepherds play a prominent role in the gathered stories of our faith that we’ve inherited. Yet, what do we contemporary folks — especially we contemporary city-dwelling folks — know about shepherds and shepherding really? 

Fortunately for us, we don’t need too detailed an answer to that question in order to be deeply moved by this week’s readings: the incomparable Psalm 23 and the parable of lost sheep from the gospel of Matthew. 

Who are the lost sheep in our world today? Fortunately we also don’t need to be experts in best practices of shepherding to answer that question either. We know who is in trouble: 

Malnutrition is the world’s leading cause of poor health, affecting 1 in 3 persons globally. Based on current trends, that is expected to increase to 1 in 2 people by 2030. That’s just 7 years from now! 

That bleak picture does not have to be our future. That’s why our ongoing Offering of Letters is asking our Congressional leaders to support Farm Bill legislation that builds healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems. 

Keep reading this eNews for more details on our Offering of Letters and other ways to help our neighbors in need. 

As we are comforted by familiar words from scripture, we wonder if Psalm 23 is meant to be thanksgiving or aspirational?
As we look around, who is missing from our tables?
If we don’t find them, who will?
Even after we’ve found those who are missing, are there seats for them at our tables? 

Pastor Dave will bring all his shepherding knowledge—and some more thoughts as well—to those questions this Sunday, March 26th, in his sermon, “Tripped, Waylaid, Stumbling.” 

Worship with us Sunday at 10:00am in person or online via our Woodridge UMC YouTube Channel. All are welcome!