Today, we gathered as one family to worship, to seek God’s truth, and to remember our calling as followers of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. In the heart of our community, we find belonging, not because of our backgrounds or our achievements, but because of the love and grace of Christ that unites us. Our journey as a church is rooted in the mission statement: “One family following one shepherd. Welcome to the journey.” This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life that shapes how we see ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Drawing from Psalm 23 and John 10, we are reminded that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads, protects, and lays down his life for us. He is the only one truly worth following, and his Word is our guide—not something to be cherry-picked or treated like a buffet, but embraced in its fullness. In a world that often encourages us to follow celebrities or fleeting trends, we are called to follow Christ alone, letting his voice shape our identity and direction.

Being “one family” means we do not walk this journey alone. The church is not a collection of individuals, but a community—a family—where everyone belongs, regardless of their past, status, or struggles. We are made whole in Christ, and together we experience healing, forgiveness, and restoration. Sin breaks and divides, but Jesus makes us whole, and in this family, we confess, forgive, and reconcile with one another, embodying the grace we have received.

Our wholeness is both a gift and a calling. We are made whole by Christ, but we are also sent to invite others into this family, knowing that God’s desire is for all to belong. The journey is ongoing; we are continually being shaped, challenged, and called to grow together. As ambassadors of reconciliation, we care for each other, call each other back when we stray, and go out to share the good news with a world in need. No matter where you come from or what you’ve done, you belong here. Together, we follow the one Shepherd, and together, we welcome all to the journey.