A reflection by Dean Deb Auger
Welcome– a word which, according to Webster, can be used as a verb, transitive verb, interjection, noun or adjective. While varied in its application its meaning is always derived from some sense of hospitality, pleasure, greeting or cordiality. It is our desire (all of NPTS staff and faculty) to welcome students back to the new school year hospitably and with an eye toward all that lies ahead-with hopeful anticipation. That remains the same, even if the method has changed.
Fall-the season that brings with it the changing season and with it a sense of new beginnings. But what happens when summer was spent away from our favorite beaches or al fresco dining at our favorite restaurants? Does fall remain that season we anticipate as summer ebbs away and the cool of autumn begins?
2020-what can be said that hasn’t already been said about this year? Historic, traumatizing, hopeful, devastating, scary, and on it goes. The year in this country when one pandemic laid bare for all another pandemic. Both pandemics costing black and brown lives in unequal measure because of racial inequities and the reality of white supremacy creating and holding up this society. With the turn of the calendar page these pandemics will not magically disappear but remain until we reckon with truth and “justice for all.”
But, in light of all of that we will still say, Welcome to Fall 2020 students! While this year is unique in our history, we remain grounded in the love of God which seeks to break into the kingdom of this world. When we pray “Thy kingdom come” we make ourselves available to be part of the furthering of the kingdom of the love and light of Christ. You are coming to NPTS to immerse yourself in the work of becoming a leader in that kingdom project and a witness to the good news. While pandemics continue, they are also opportunities for us to practice hospitality. We can still welcome those who need a smile, a friendly wave or kind word-from as safe distance. We can continue to support the work of “justice for all” in a variety of ways and we can remember that God is close to all who suffer. Whether you study with us on campus in Chicago, online from a distance or are a cohort learner, our prayer is that you will grow deeper in Christ so that God’s kingdom may overcome hate with love, darkness with light and despair with hope. May God bless your all your learning this year and may you be blessed in the journey.