Rise Up Shepherd, and Follow

December 8, 2023
Devotional by: Ashley Hawk

Follow, follow
Rise up, shepherd, and follow
Follow the star to Bethlehem
Rise up, shepherd, and follow

I remember, very fondly, this hymn being sung during an advent service, or perhaps a Lessons and Carols, and it stuck. I sang it out loud (sorry to those who had to hear) and in my head for weeks. Before long, my entire family, both immediate and extended, knew my affinity for the song. Hence, my 2007 Christmas present (see photo). 

Unbeknownst to me, mom (Kathy Moorhead), Gramps (Paul Shumake), Mimi (Connie Shumake), Christie, Colleen, and Bryson planned a thrilling rendition of Rise Up Shepherd and Follow for me on Christmas Eve 2006. Mom on the tambourine and stunning vocals from the Shumake/Burke crew. It brought both the biggest smile to my face and greatest joy to my heart. In many ways, it was the embodiment of what church meant to me growing up. 

As a lifelong member of the church, a majority of my core memories belong to this institution. MPC gave me the confidence to move forward in life. All thanks to the many mentors who guided me along the way. MPC taught me to respect my neighbors and myself. To love others unconditionally. To show up when in doubt, and most importantly to love our God above all others. Serving on the PNC these last few years afforded me the opportunity to experience these lessons 10-fold. I’m so fortunate to belong to a church family that embodies the basics of human nature and what it means to be a Christian.