A Tree? Zacchaeus' Tree actually!

What will we be called?

One day last week I was thinking about Jesus and people he met along his path. A story popped into my head about a man who opened his home to Jesus and as soon as he came into contact with Jesus his life changed dramatically! That man was Zacchaeus. Looking for a glimpse of Jesus from the top of a tree he found himself called out by Jesus and invited into the life of peace, and transformation . I believe that we are called to create a community that reaches out to people in our neighborhood who for many reasons have not connected to the church but who are longing to see and know Jesus.

In conversation with others last month we discussed names that connected to our biblical heritage and spoke to the ministry and presence we are called to share. So as I reflected on the conversation it occurred to me that Zaccheaus' story is one of creativity, hospitality, relationship, intentionality, sustainability and transformation. Inspired by his story and the impact of being a community that reaches out to everyone including those people on the margins of society. And seeks to be a place of growth and challenge we will be called "Zaccheaus' Tree: a Moravian Congregation"

As we look to being Grounded in Christ, Planted in Community and Growing through Service I believe that our community will find roots that help us to serve our neighbors and to branch out into the lives of the people around us. Like the tree that allowed for Zaccheaus to see Jesus, we will root ourselves in this community: providing space for those who are searching, opportunities for those who want to be transformed and a place where others can see Jesus through the work and worship of our community. Like Zaccheaus we will be invited and challenged by opening our lives to others, creating a community of inclusivity, finding ways to intentionally better the community around us and to care for our neighbors while sustaining the world around us through good stewardship of all our resources. Zaccheaus reminds us all that Jesus came to find and heal the lost...may we help others find a view of Jesus that invites them into a transformational relationship with God!

Getting Grounded...

For those of you who know me, this will be no surprise, I am having a hard time setting aside time to be quiet and study and pray. It is interesting because I know that it is good to read the bible and to pray and just wait upon God's leading. However, it can be really difficult for me because I like being around people so much.

With all the new things happening in the community with the creation of new small groups, the community garden and connecting with new people who have questions about what we are up too here on the south side of Indy. I have gotten out of my own regular practices of prayer and study. Today I started again...I read from the Moravian Daily Texts (a daily devotional that has been published by the World-wide Moravian Church since 1731 http://moravian.org/daily_texts )and read the 3 bible readings for the day. My spiritual director suggested I paraphrase the scriptures, note a particular phrase that stands out and write out what I will do or how I will respond tangibly to the scripture I have read today. Not surprisingly I feel better after one day because I can feel the nourishment seeping into my soul that has been less regular lately.

As a community our mission statement begins with "Grounded in Christ" and while at first glance we could think that once a seed is in the ground there is nothing else that can be done...that isn't exactly true. Without consistent watering, and loosening the soil so the roots can grow a plant may fail to put down the kind of roots that help it survived the hot summer days and to get the nutrients necessary for growth. So as I examined my own life in the past few weeks I have been extending out but not laying my roots in the best way to support the growth I am working towards. Just takes a little push to see how much I can be helped by some time of reflection and prayer. Do you ever feel like that? I wonder sometimes how other people find that solid foundation of faith that allows for amazing growth AND stability. How do you make time to connect with God so that you can follow in the ways that God calls you?

Things are going well, a little chaotic but all changes kind of throw the rule book in the air and ask for patience and perservence. As I seek to be more grounded in my personal life the community is also trying to lay down new roots that will allow us to serve our community through works of justice, a presence of peace and support for the needs of our neighbors. Please pray for us as we strive to be Grounded in Christ whose own life is an example of balance between relationship with God and serving God's people through love and grace.