I still remember the shock I felt when I realized that Tony the Tiger says “They’re Gr-r-reat!” about Frosted Flakes because … he’s a tiger. (Tigers growl.) It was similar to how I felt when I realized that it is no coincidence that Chester—the Cheetah—peddles Cheetos.
In like manner, I noticed (perhaps much later than I should’ve) that a “shepherd” is, quite literally, a “sheep herd.” (And yes, a “goatherd” is a herder of goats like the puppet in that all-too-catchy number in The Sound of Music.)
God is famously likened to a shepherd (that is, a herder specifically of sheep) in Psalm 23, where in the last verse, the shepherd’s ultimate aim is that God’s people (likened to sheep) is that they would “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (v. 6).
The word traditionally translated “dwell” here occurs 1082 times in the Jewish scriptures (traditionally called the Old Testament in the church), and most of the time it refers to the idea of abiding, remaining, or taking up residence either in a physical location or, in a deeper sense, within a community.
Although eating, drinking, and going down the right path in life—and remaining safe while doing so—is important for all of us, as it is in Psalm 23, the ultimate goal is simply to be blessed in our shared presence. The point is to be, and to be where we belong. This reflects a deep truth about the centrality of being in relationship. The most important thing is not what is done but what is shared. This is one reason why in church work we talk about practicing “the ministry of presence,” not “the ministry of fixing all the problems.”
This past May, on Senior Sunday, our high school graduates Kate Connell and Morgan Thompson spoke from the pulpit about their time as youth at Calvary by reflecting on Psalm 23. But instead of focusing on God as shepherd, they described how Calvary has been a shepherd in their lives, and they extended an invitation to the congregation to practice this shepherding by participating in Room in the Inn to make sure that some of the most vulnerable among us would be able to take up shelter in safety.
Every Friday night during the winter season of RITI (November 7 to March 27), Calvary will host a dozen guests for an overnight stay (including meals) at our Welcome Inn. The volunteer sign-up is now available, and the main slot that needs more people who can be more intentional about practicing the ministry of presence is the “Overnight Shepherd” category. The two Overnight Shepherd volunteers share their presence by spending the night in the Welcome Inn, located on the opposite side of the building from where the guests stay. They see them off on Saturday morning and receive the Clean-Up Crew, who volunteer to tidy up once our guests have gone on their way.
If you are interested in sharing your presence with our guests in this way so that Calvary may continue to faithfully shepherd God’s people, please contact nbrasfield@calvarymemphis.org.
Thanks for these lovely thoughts, Nathan. I really enjoy the time i spend with our guests and volunteers at Room in the Inn.
And thank you, Nancy! Thank you for the attention that you pay to our neighbors and for the work that you do to understand their situation and to practice presence with them.
RITI is so important. Overnight Shepards are part of “the important”to our guests. Kids get to see what normal is. The ones that bring meals many times show what a normal meal is. The cleanup crew are angels.
Please consider the signup sheet if you have not.
Thank you, Greta! Yes indeed. Well said.
You’re the real deal, Nathan. So happy you’re with us.
That is very much appreciated, Beau. Thank you so much. I’m so grateful to be here!