New City Notes

December 2004

New City Friends,

Values and vision are essential to authentic community. Values speak to the principles that help us maintain who we are, clarifying what is important, and what is acceptable or unacceptable. Vision refers to mission, reminding ourselves of the bigger picture--where we have been, and what we are moving toward.

Regardless of what different terms might be used, it is important for every family, community, church, or organization to periodically revisit its values and through a process of reflection recast its vision. In a certain sense, this is what the Lord repeatedly asked of Israel. And it is precisely what his people repeatedly failed to do. A stanza of a favorite Hebrew song (Psalm 78) makes this clear:

Though armed with bows, they turned back on the day of battle.
They did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by the law.
They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.

In other words, Israel refused to live out her values, forgot her incredible history of deliverance from slavery and, though properly equipped, proved the coward in the heat of battle. It is a compelling picture and a powerful reminder for all of us to keep our hearts soft and full of God's values and NEVER forget his miraculous provision for his people past, present, and future.

Accordingly, every year at this time, New City's leadership withdraws from the battle and assesses our adherence to our values and measures progress in the light of our vision, repenting when necessary and realigning for the future. Like Israel, New City has a remarkable history of God's provision: our first year (rent-free!) on the corner at 102 S Central; the raising of an army of volunteers from around the city to staff the Café EVERY Thursday, Friday, and Saturday since July 1998; and God's gracious and miraculous provision (August 2002) of our current home for both Café and Consortium ministries.

The Lord has been VERY good to New City and all of this flows directly from your gracious giving of time, money, and skill! As we praise God for his ongoing provision, we want to thank you for your part in helping us carry out the vision: that is, to establish Christian community in the Old City through the cultivation of the Arts and Christian discipleship.

And now for two requests: Please pray for New City leadership as we retreat together Saturday, December 11. We also ask you to remember us in your end of year giving. While New City now generates 50% of it annual operating needs through activities related to the Café, as a non-profit organization we remain dependent upon charitable giving to cover the remaining 50% of our budget each year. Thanks for your time and your participation in this ministry.

Kenny Woodhull
New City, Director