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!
The more we think about/talk about your new name, the better we like it.
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