As we step forward as a school and embrace a new name on the outside of this building I think it would be good to explore the topic of name changing altogether. In the Bible there were numerous times when someone was “renamed.” Often the new name was used to help with the remaking or the identity of the individual. Abram was renamed Abraham, Jacob was renamed Israel, and the list could go on. The names did not change who they were as God’s children but it may have helped clarify their calling. It did not change who they were before that point it just enabled them to move forward with renewed mission under a new banner.
We will often hear of a name change after a wedding ceremony. When two become one in marriage in our North American tradition the one partner will often change her name. This does not change who she is as a person. She remains who she is with all her gifts, talents, idiosyncrasies, and imperfections intact. She does receive an expanded identity as she takes on a new name. She becomes part of a larger family. The family is expanded to include both the husband and the wife’s family. As we marry the two names it is important to know that we will not cease to carry our identity but we will look to expand our family. We will remain faithful to the mission and vision of this school.
As we celebrate the heritage of Dundas Calvin Christian School we can also look to the new banner that will help clarify our calling and mission. We live and move and breath in God’s providence and we claim that fact as a Christian school. When we provide a quality, Christ-centered education we do so in the knowledge that the Lord is Lord of all. When we develop the gifts of God’s children we do so clinging to His divine care and direction. When we prepare them for a life of leadership and contribution in His Kingdom we do so knowing that we rely wholly on his provision for us. This is what defines us as Providence Christian School.
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