‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’ – John 17:20-21

I have always known the brightest star in the sky, the “North Star,” which is also known as “Polaris” or the “Pole Star.” Find it and I will always be pointing true north. As someone who is directionally challenged, having certainty like this is comforting.

For centuries travelers looked to this beacon for guidance. Unlike other stars that shift in the night sky, the polar star remains fixed in one place. Sailors at sea, explorers on land, and those journeying through unfamiliar territory relied on its steady presence to find their way. It became a symbol of constancy, direction, and hope when all else seemed uncertain.

This image speaks powerfully to faith. Just as travelers fixed their eyes on the polar star, Christians have long sought a guiding light that gives clarity, direction, and purpose. For the early leaders of our tradition, including Barton Stone, that guiding light was the unity of all Christians in Christ. Stone rooted his conviction in the prayer of Jesus found in John 17. Barton Stone once wrote:

“Let the unity of Christians be our polar star. To this let our eyes be continually turned, and to this let our united efforts be directed — that the world may believe, and be saved. A little longer forbearance with each other’s weakness, and truth will triumph. But let that man, who opposes Christian union, remember, that he opposes the prayer of Jesus, and the salvation of the world. How will he meet his Judge?”

Unity, then, is not a passing idea. It is the guiding presence that calls us beyond division, beyond preference, beyond self, and toward the greater purpose of God’s redeeming work in the world. And it is this unity in Christ and all that Jesus said, did, and stood for, that is our focal point.

As a congregation, we are still discerning what we believe together. In many ways, we are identifying our own “polar star.” We are still claiming the communal truths that guide us, the convictions that shape us, the commitments that hold us steady. Unity in Christ is part of our heritage as Disciples of Christ and remains a living call for us today.

May we keep turning our eyes to this star, walking together in grace, and trusting that Christ’s prayer for oneness continues to lead us forward. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or YouTube this Sunday.

Brett