According to Matthew . . .

Christianity is a "story faith." It is the story of God’s calling all creation into being and declaring it very good. It is the story of God’s relentless, gracious love affair with humanity. The story is one in which God has continually wooed and invited us into relationship with him in spite of our tragic attempts to go our own way. Ultimately, it is the story of the Gospel—the Good Story—of God’s coming in person in Jesus to be God with us and God for us.

Learning and being shaped by the Good Story and all the shorter stories that are part of it is what we are about each Sunday as we gather for worship. We hear the Story read in Scripture and proclaimed in preaching. We celebrate and participate in the Story in the Eucharist. Learning and being shaped by the Good Story is also what our various Christian formation efforts—the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, junior high and senior high classes, and adult mid-hour—are about. This goes for the youth groups and various other small groups as well. Serving others is another way of participating in and being shaped by the Good Story.

As fall has begun and things have returned to some semblance of routine, I hope we will all avail ourselves of these opportunities. Make it a priority to join in worship every Sunday. Come to the adult mid-hour. Join a small group. Gathering in community for worship and formation is not optional for Christians. There, our imaginations, hearts, and minds are shaped by the Good Story of the relentless love of God in Christ. It is a good story to know and in which to participate. It is the story of our healing. It is the story of our redemption.

Fr. Matt Gunter is available in the office Tuesdays from 9:00 to noon, Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:00, and at other times by appointment. To make an appointment, call the church office at 630-469-1394.