Gospel | Luke 15:1-10 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Wherever You Are by Jon Guerra

Lyrics:
You can take the train
You can take the car
You can travel the world
But not get too far
You are always just where you are
Why don't you wanna be where you are

I can see you're sad
I can see you're down
You think you're lost and cannot be found
You are always just where you are
Love will find you just where you are

Wherever you go He is there
No matter the steep hill or stair
He doesn't leave you alone with your prayers
He is as close to you friend
As your own heart beat or breath
Believe you are loved
And that He is enough
For whatever you're in
You know that He's been
Wherever you are

When your head is spinning and your life's a race
When you try so hard but you get last place
Sometimes you are just where you are
Love doesn't leave you where you are

Wherever you go He is there
No matter the steep hill or stair
He doesn't leave you alone with your prayers
He is as close to you friend
As your own heart beat or breath
Believe you are loved
And that He is enough
For whatever you're in
You know that He's been
Wherever you are

There is no height there is no distance
That can separate your heart from His
He knows exactly where you've been
And He loves you
Child He loves you
So come out come out come out wherever you are

Wherever you go He is there
No matter the steep hill or stair
He doesn't leave you alone with your prayers
He is as close to you friend
As your own heart beat or breath
Believe you are loved
And that He is enough
For whatever you're in
You know that He's been

Wherever you go He is there
No matter the steep hill or stair
He doesn't leave you alone with your prayers
He is as close to you friend
As your own heart beat or breath
Believe you are loved
And that He is enough
For whatever you're in
You know that He's been
Wherever you are
He loves you so you're never alone
Wherever you are
And he left a throne to bring you home
From wherever you are

Passage:
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Musical Reflection:
“Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

Reflection Notes:
This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

Prayer:
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.