May 2004

Rooted in the Word:

To All Branches of the Church: 

            It may just look like a tree, but it is not.  It is a symbol of who we are becoming.  Our logo shows a tree with a Bible beneath it.  Our motto says: “Rooted in the Word: Reaching out in worship and service.”  Jeremy Strayer originally designed the logo, and it is increasingly emblematic of what is happening in our church. 

            The tree (A Mulberry tree?) has its roots going into the Word of God.  That is where it gains its strength, purpose and direction.  Enlightened by the Word we reach out in worship to God and service to others.  Look closely.  Do you see the heads and figures of people with outstretched arms? As these figures reach out in worshiping and serving, they produce fruit.   Just as a tree reaches toward the heavens, and in the words of Joyce Kilmer, “Looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray,” so we look to God.  And as we do we begin to produce fruit — spiritual fruit that blesses both God and mankind. 

            When a tree grows it provides shade and nourishment for those around it.  Isn’t that what should happen when a church grows spiritually?  As we become grounded in the Word of God, as we reach out to God in worship and reach out to others in service, we become a blessing to God and mankind.  We produce the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

            Just as a tree does not exist with just one branch, so we grow as we grow together.  All the branches are important and each branch has the responsibility to bear fruit.

            I am reminded of the warning in Jesus’ parable of the fig tree: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any.  Cut it down!  Why should it use up the soil?’  ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.  If it bears fruit next year, fine!  If not, then cut it down’” (Luke 13:6-9). 

 Joining you in digging and fertilizing,

 Rod