Jubilee Theme. A further reflection
We have changed the phrases in our logo over time; but the core of who we are, and how we abide and operate, has not and does not change! Ron Simkins shares an in-depth reflection on NCF’s core identity in this week’s blog. –Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor
At the 50th year Jubilee celebration, we re-visited the original logo of New Covenant Fellowship. (1) GOD IS WITH US. (2) BUILDING US INTO A HOUSEHOLD. (3) SENDING US INTO THE WORLD.
I had the privilege of talking about this logo at the Jubilee and will not repeat the things that I said there. If you want a transcript—more or less—of what I said then, let me know. The only thing that I will repeat from that talk is a reminder that each of these three realities is an ongoing journey that will never end until God’s future age when each is brought to complete fulfillment.
What I would like to do today is note two things that I don’t remember any of us saying clearly at the microphones during the three-day celebration. However, both were implied in almost everything that was said and sung.
As we were leaving, one of our returning sisters reminded me that each of the phrases of the logo begins with God’s actions not ours. Our action is a relational response to God’s goals.
“God is with us” starts with God and then graciously includes us in a growing relationship process. “(God) Building us into a household” starts with God and then includes us as we respond to what God is doing to create community. “(God) Sending us into the world” starts with God and then includes us as we respond to God’s gifts and share that relationship with anyone who is interested wherever we go in this world.
It is so difficult for me, for most of us, who are raised in the American (especially White American) cultural values—so so many of which are focused on self—to remember to start with God not with myself. Our relationship with God starts with God’s desire and God’s offer not mine. I am then allowed to choose how to respond to God’s offer. Likewise, all of the ways in which God wishes to change the world start with us being willing to allow God to act. God is always ready to act long before we become ready to act. The wonders we have experienced, do experience, and hope to experience, start with God’s actions and our openness to be responsive in trust.
Once our sister started me thinking again about the original NCF logo, I realized that we also chose a theme in which each part emphasizes community.
“God is with us” starts with a recognition of God’s presence in communities of trust. It is a reminder that God’s presence is not just about American individualism, it is about God choosing to be with “us” in community, in fellowship, in shared lives, with brothers and sisters.
“(God) Building us into a Household” is a reminder that trusting God together as a community is to touch every facet of community life just as the ancient household did. Jesus is a sharer and calls “us” to be a sharing community as his followers.
“(God) Sending us into the world” is a reminder that we do not stop being “us” when we move to other places or join other faith communities. We don’t even stop being “us” when one of “us” dies. Even then we are still “us.”
I think many of “us” experienced again how powerful and real the original New Covenant logo is during the Jubilee Celebration. Once again – God is with us. Building us into a household. Sending us into the world. AMEN! –Ron Simkins, NCF Pastor Emeritus
6 Comments On “Jubilee Theme. A further reflection”
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Ron, thank you again for reminding us that God desires for us to be part of an ongoing, eternal community. We are not designed to ‘go it alone’.
Thank you, Ron, for your sharing. I find that you have a great deal of God wisdom that encourages us all.
Thanks Kathy. You are always such an encouragement!
And thank you Paula for encouraging me!
I am so grateful that God chooses to be with us, making us into a family despite our different backgrounds, and creating a sense of belonging to each other that lasts beyond our physical proximity to each other.
Amen! Well said, Ron – and descriptive of the palpable reality that the Jubilee weekend carried. That call to community is in many ways the central part of what Jesus seemed to be about, or communicating that this is what God was/is about. What a gift to both revisit the powerful thing it was and also is despite the many changes individually and collectively.