God calls us to be disciples of Jesus, building community through
service and fellowship and sharing the love of Christ with all.
“The United Methodist Church of Westford is an open and welcoming community of Christian
Faith. Without any exceptions, we welcome anyone who seeks to love and to serve God.” Learn More
In Luke 15:1–10, Jesus tells two simple parables: the lost sheep and the lost coin. On the surface, they’re about a shepherd and a woman searching for what is lost—but at their heart, they reveal the heart of God. God does not give up. God searches relentlessly. God rejoices when even one who was lost is found.
This Sunday, we reflect on how Jesus challenges the human tendency to draw lines between who is “in” and who is “out,” between those we deem worthy and unworthy. The Pharisees were grumbling, but Jesus turned their assumptions upside down: every lost soul matters, and God’s joy over one restored life is greater than over the ninety-nine who never wandered.
What does this mean for us as a church, a community, and as individuals? Following Jesus calls us to embody that same relentless love: welcoming the stranger, reaching out to those who feel far away, and rejoicing when the lost are found. The gospel reminds us that no one is beyond God’s care—and that our presence, our hearts, and our actions can participate in this joy.
In the end, this is a message of hope and encouragement: God’s love never quits. Jesus carries us, celebrates with us, and invites us to join in the joy of restoration. And as a community, we are called to keep searching, welcoming, and rejoicing—until the lost are found.