Deep Roots
The tree pictured is more than 400 years old and began its life when indigenous peoples inhabited the area. It was present as the colonies were being formed and continued to grow as the nation was born. It survived the division and strife caused by the Civil War and somehow avoided being used to rebuild the South during Reconstruction. It matured through segregation and was present when civil rights were finally formalized. It has withstood untold numbers of hurricanes, floods, shifting sands, and climate fluctuation—continuing to hold together the surrounding earth, providing shade from the oppressive, hot summer sun, and shelter for critters and birds needing protection—generation upon generation.
RPC embarked on a new sermon series commencing with the kickoff event on August 14. “Routes to Roots” will be a weeks-long investigation of the creeds of the Christian faith that have helped the Church interpret scripture while also clarifying how we should expect to live as disciples of Jesus.
As was demonstrated in the children’s message at the Modern service on kickoff Sunday, the creeds represent the foundations of our Christian faith upon which we can withstand the inevitable challenges with which every age must contend. These “roots” are not glamorous, or even at the forefront of our minds most of the time. They are almost universally unseen yet, without them our ability to pursue lives of faith would be greatly diminished if not impossible.
Healthy roots are self-evident, providing the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive. Jesus reminds us of this truth when he says, “…every good tree bears good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17) What is true for an individual is also true for a church. Evidence of health and vitality is demonstrated by the impact the church has on its surrounding community. How well is it holding together the neighborhood? What shade does it provide from anything oppressive? What shelter does it offer to those who need protection? The impact of RPC has been crucial to the sustenance of our community in the past.
It is necessary to periodically assess the roots that sustain us, ensuring that all is functioning as it should. It is not elegant work but important if we are to continue to be all that God intended us to be. The impact of our understanding should bolster our fruitfulness for years to come. Let us be intentional during this series to understand our roots and how those influence our ability to work as God is calling us to in the future.
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Dan Kreiss, RPC’s Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach, brings with him a heart for service and a diverse array of experiences in the mission field. Be sure to subscribe to the Mission Outreach Blog to read and follow along as he documents his personal journey and shares his vision for RPC’s mission outreach commitment. Along with providing meaningful resources, this blog will help jumpstart the important conversations our church community must be having about missional living.
Dan Kreiss
Rev. Dr. Dan Kreiss is the Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach at RPC. Dan is particularly passionate about encouraging the church to reflect the diversity found in its surrounding community in regard to age, gender, ethnicity, education and economic status.