Everything on the website was created to support local congregations, staff, volunteers and families in the task of growing faith in God. Much of the philosophy for Seeds of Grace Resources is reflected in the logo.

I wanted to use a tree to illustrate how followers of Christ can grow strong through God's Word and grace. The logo isn’t just any tree - it’s an acacia tree. Henry H. Halley writes about them in Halley's Bible Handbook: Deluxe Edition (Zondervan, 2007):

The wood used in the tabernacle was acacia. The acacia tree is the only tree that grows in desert regions and
produces wood that can be used in building. Because of the dry and windy climate, the trees grow very slowly,
and it takes many years for them to reach their maximum height of 16 to 25 feet. This makes acacia wood durable -
it is harder than oak... (p. 144)

What does this have to do with Christian Education?

We don't always have the luxury of nurturing spiritual growth in environments which embrace our faith. Sometimes we tend the soil for learning in harsh conditions. But those conditions can cause us to become incredibly strong. God's grace can be planted and take root in the most unlikely and unexpected ways.

Christian nurture depends on many factors. It takes time to build disciples, and learning to follow Jesus really never ends. As we are growing, we are challenged as both learners and leaders to find God's purpose for us.

Like acacia was used to make the Ark of the Covenant to hold the Ten Commandments, we were made to hold and share God's Word.

Like acacia was used to build the tabernacle, the tent of God's Presence where the people worshiped as they traveled to the Promised Land, we were made to worship and learn and journey together, and to be built into a holy temple honouring God.

The branches of acacia trees reach out as far from their centre as they are tall. As Christians we need to not only focus on reaching up to God, but also on reaching out to others. Those others may be part of the church family, or those in our local community, our country or around the world.

May you, as someone who cares about nurturing faith, be able to find for yourself and provide shade and a place of rest in God.
May we all help ourselves and others to keep reaching up in knowledge and love of God and reaching out in service, compassion and inclusion.
May we persevere to grow strong acacia trees in our congregations, ready to engage God's Word and to keep stretching, listening, growing and responding as we follow Christ.