I watched a giant “V” float steadily across the sky like a well trained army platoon. The geese know winter is coming, I thought.

Why are Canada Geese so disciplined? Science tells us their “V” formation increases the flight efficiency of the entire flock by seventy-one percent. The leader flies out front, breaking the wind and showing the way. The rest, flying in formation, enjoy  the slip stream of the bird in front of them. Tired, the leader rotates to the back and another flies forward. There is no need to become exhausted. When a goose leaves the formation, he feels the resistance of the air and the difficulties of flying alone. Quickly, he returns to take advantage of the flock’s power.

“I believe in God, I just don’t need the church. I can worship God anywhere. Why bother with church, God and I are fine on our own.” Over the years, I’ve heard these words often. Yes, one person, like one goose, can live well, caring for others, and loving God. Alone we can know our destination and eventually get there.

Jesus gathered a group around him. He didn’t do his ministry alone. He knew the value of flying in the slip stream, alternating leadership. He knew that the group is not only more efficient but easier and more fun. We call his group the church. It is our “Amazing V”. We have learned that sharing our problems, leaning on one another and learning from one another increases our abilities, and our joy by much more than seventy-one percent. Try it, for a year. Enjoy the strength of work shared.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”          (Matthew 4:18-20)