We continue our trip through the Bible with today’s reading from the Gospel of John.  Early in this gospel, Jesus tells the disciples he will be leaving them, but in this passage Jesus describes himself as the vine and those around him as the branches, telling them that if they “abide in him,” they will have joy, peace, and love (even if he is not physically with them).  It is a strong message to us, too, that if we put ourselves into his presence, even if he is not with us physically we will experience that presence in joy, peace, and love.  We must realize Jesus is talking with “them” rather than with an individual, and that sends us a message of the importance of community – when we are connected as community through Jesus we bear fruit.  In a sense of gardening, we can understand that God chooses to nourish the world through us.    (NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)