"One flock with one shepherd…"
This phrase leapt off the page during my devotional time this morning.
In John 10, Jesus tells us that He is our Good Shepherd. He calls us by name. He knows us deeply. He goes before us, leading us to places of nourishment. And in the greatest act of love, He laid down His life so that we might have life—and live it to the fullest.
But then, Jesus continues: He has other sheep outside the pen—ones who still need to be gathered. They, too, must be led, and there will be “one flock with one shepherd.”
This truth convicted me. How often do I focus only on those already in my church, my family—those safely within the pen? Ouch. While I am called to faithfully minister to the flock in our three churches, my greater calling is to lift my eyes beyond familiar walls, to care for those still outside.
That’s why I believe our Pulpit Exchange Sunday is a beautiful first step toward this vision. It is a reminder that we are part of something bigger than our individual congregations—we are united as the body of Christ within the United Methodist Church. But my prayer goes even further: that our unity in Christ will not stop within our denomination, but will extend beyond, drawing us closer to brothers and sisters from all backgrounds as one flock under one Shepherd.
I encourage you to warmly welcome our special guest preachers this Sunday:
Pastor Sue Brown at Hodgdon,
Pastor John DeFelice at Houlton, and
Pastor Tracy Reeves at Mars Hill.
Invite your family and friends. Come with expectant hearts. Let’s celebrate our unity in Christ and be mutually encouraged!
I am the church. You are the church. We are the church—together.
Have a blessed weekend, and please pray for Joyce and me—that we may preach the good news of Jesus Christ joyfully and boldly, as we ought.
I love you all deeply.
Pastor Victor
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