Saturday, January 3, 2015

Saturday, January 3, 2015
John 10:7-17

The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (John 10:13-14)

This passage makes me stop and think for a moment about our church's role in our neighbourhood. Probably related to suburban expansion, many churches like ours became 'destination churches' that attract people from all over the community, often based on worship style or friendships that are formed. This can be a very good thing, but the challenge with this model is for the congregation to remain committed and connected to the immediate neighbourhood. 

Thankfully there are some good things happening at St. John's. A couple of years ago we decided to embrace, rather than loathe the annual race that passes by our church. While it has still been a challenge to navigate the various closed roads and delays, we have welcomed the thousands of runners who zoom by the church on this day. We've celebrated Morning Prayer in our memorial garden, shared refreshments with race participants, decorated our property with sidewalk chalk, and even entered a team into the race. I believe that this approach sent a positive message to the community. One race marshall came up to us after Morning Prayer and complimented Marilyn's homily. Another year a gentleman who used to attend St. John's as a youngster introduced himself and chatted with me. 

I could highlight other experiences, like our various shared events with local environmental groups REEP and CREW, which have brought many new people through our doors, and have shown the community that we care about environmental stability. There are also the many musical groups that use St. John's as a concert venue. For many people this might be their first time setting foot through the doors of a church in some time. 

As we seek to live out our ministry in Downtown Kitchener we would be wise to remember Jesus's words about the shortcomings of the mere hireling. Instead of fleeing at the first sign of danger, or acting like a locked gate, we are to welcome people into relationship with the Good Shepherd.

- Matthew Kieswetter