In the last few years PC(USA) churches, presbyteries, and synods have responded to the call by the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) to embrace Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:31–46 to take our living faith into our communities and the world. Tabor’s session voted to become a Matthew 25 congregation in October 2021.
We take this call seriously, and pledge to work toward the following three goals:
- Build congregational vitality
- Eradicate systemic poverty
- Dismantle structural racism
By accepting this challenge, to be a Matthew 25 church, we are called to live out true discipleship by acting boldly, compassionately, and fearlessly serving people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned, or poor.
The Matthew 25 icon with three figures in a circle serves as an appropriate symbol for this vision. The circular shape represents unity and equality. Like God, a circle has no beginning and no end, and it symbolizes our continuing effort to help one another. The shape also suggests a globe that points to our engagement with the world.
The three interlocking figures represent the equality of all people without gender or race bias. They have their arms around each other, symbolizing friendship, protection and service. The number three suggests the three focus areas of a Matthew 25 church - building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty.
The color palette is bright, lively, friendly and energetic - suggestive of our active commitment.