Come unto me...
Dear Friends,
When most New Yorkers think of gates they think of exclusion. They think of keeping people out: particularly the poor, the intellectually disadvantaged, people who look different than us.
In this Sunday’s Gospel lesson, Jesus says that he is “the gate.” This might cause some of us to put up our defenses: “Is this one of those ‘Us vs. Them’ passages?”
Well, in a way, it is, but probably not the way you’re thinking. Right before this text, Jesus healed a blind person. Having received his sight, the man presented himself to the religious authorities. Learning that it was Jesus who healed him, the religious leaders reject the man and tell him that he is still lost in his sins. Returning to Jesus, he is received and welcomed into the community of faith.
It is in light of this event that Jesus presents himself as the gate. Not as a wall to keep out the less fortunate, but a fence to keep out “robbers and thieves”: false teachers who “steal, kill, and destroy.”
Who are the “robbers and thieves” of our own day? The first folks that come to mind are certain TV preachers. Those who, like the leaders of old, say that if you are not healthy you simply don’t have enough faith.
Whoever these folks who would exclude you from God’s kingdom may be, the Good Shepherd is not one of them. So no need to put up your defenses, the true high priest says “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
Thanks be to God,
Ben
Stay Connected.
Our clergy and staff have created ways for us all to stay connected during this season. Monday through Sunday we are here for you!
Pray with us.
Do you have a prayer or concern you would like to share. Monday through Friday a prayer meeting takes from at 6 PM with the intention to receive your prayers and concerns. Message info@calstg.org to receive a zoom invitation.
Worship with us.
Did you know this weekend is Good Shepherd Sunday? You’re not going to want to miss Morning Prayer as we are assured of God’s goodness to us.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11-18
Joining us for worship is easy. Simply log in HERE and download your bulletin to get your Sunday started. Morning Prayer goes live at 11am.
Sundays for kids.
We may not be together in one building, but we can still connect through our new Sunday offerings with Director of Youth and Family, Chelsy Haynes. Each week families can tune in, learn, and create together. This Sunday families are invited to dig into Genesis and the great account of Noah. Link in HERE to join the fun every Sunday at 10 am.
Devotion Groups
Are you looking for more ways to stay connected? Now is a great time to join one of our many devotion groups. If your looking to get plugged into our community reach out to Rev. Ben Dehart at ben.dehart@calstg.org for more ways to get started.
We are here for you…
And remember if you need pastoral care during this time we are just a phone call away. Call the church office 646-723-4178 or email us at info@calstg.org. We would love to hear from you.
