Your Name

The doors of Shechem at Hope Street are open and the cafe, classrooms and gym are filling up with kids, teens and community members throughout our days. Names are not only being entered into our computer system, but are being spoken as we greet and check in our members. “Josiah, how did your Algebra test go today?” or “How was your day today, Marley?” or “Would you like to play a little one on one in the gym, Terrance?” There is something very special about hearing our name. The personalization and intentionality cannot be missed. We are expecting you. We remember you. We love and care for you. In the same way, God summons each one of us by name and says, “YOU are MINE”! (Isaiah 43:1). We are His. We belong to our Creator God and we are so loved.

Almighty Father, thank you for your love. Thank you that you are the Good Shepherd and you know each one of us by name. Thank you that our names are engraved on the palms of your hands. Father God, as we move about our day today, give us ears to hear your still, small voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it”. Give us eyes to see what You see. And Father God, may we open our hearts and mouths to the names of the children, teens and individuals that you have placed in our Community and beyond.

Amen,

Stephanie Todd (Youth Programming Coordinator)