The songs of our childhood linger, even when we move away from the genre, theology, or small town of our upbringing. Radio, cassettes, 8 track tapes in the way back of the Chevy station wagon. Bob Dylan and Keith Green. So you wanna go back to EgyptWhere it’s warm and secureAre sorry you bought the
Read MoreMy nun sometimes asks surprising questions. I miss our in-person prayers, nestled in her cozy office. I am easily distracted in phone conversations; I don’t feel very spiritual. I crave her direction, and am grateful for her good health and joyful wonder at Jesus’ goodness. “How have you been treating God, lately, my dear?” Dumbfounded,
Read MoreI’ve been told- repeatedly- that New Covenant is the best kept secret in Champaign-Urbana. I’m never quite sure what to make of that. Do we like it that way? Is it a point of private pride? Am I supposed to do something about it? I’ve been quoted and pictured in the newspaper more since taking
Read MoreThe signs were there, and I wanted to ignore them. Vaccinated congregants tracking the news mentioned their concern about the Delta variant. I couldn’t imagine going backwards. Masking again with friends. Retreating from the stage. Our sanctuary is one of the safest places around. Thank God for our Leadership Team. I appreciate them so much.
Read MoreI’m looking forward to Ron teaching again this Sunday. Probably the pulpit has missed him too. We were working our way through Hebrews when the pandemic hit. Ron prepared for March 15, 2019- the church service that never happened- the naming of the heroes. All these people were still living by faith when they died.
Read MoreEnjoy a new poem from Vern Fein! –Renée GOD DIDN’T MAKE MONEY Warned about the love of money,the worst worm for the heart. So praise to Jesus—flogged the money changersout of the Temple. So praise to Zacchaeus—climbed a Sycamoreto give his money back. So praise to the Samaritan—spent his silver to healwhen others wouldn’t. So praise
Read MoreWhen we are hopeful about an inspired idea, how do we get (unlikely) others on board? The mother of the baby boy was in a desperate position. Having hid her illegal infant for three months, she concocted a scheme to save his life, knowing she might never see him again. Then Pharaoh gave an order
Read MoreMuch of our wrestling happens at night. No wonder Jacob’s story resonates. He’s had twenty years to contemplate the things he said and the ways he acted towards his brother. He fears what the morning will bring. We are kept awake by our concerns about the past and our worry about tomorrow. Jacob got up
Read MoreAfter five years as a pastor, looking forward to the coming year, I am called to reflect on my performance and share my vision for the future. Self-assessment is a valuable process for insight and encouraging each other for the work ahead. The apostle Paul modeled this as he entered the final stage of his
Read MoreOur Reparations Conversations have thus far focused on history. What actions have repaired societies after grievous wrongs? What attempts seem to have failed? Legal remedies, re-education, compensation for loss, truth-telling, voluntary vs. forced monetary reparations, the naming and renaming of places, political strategies for change, words that hurt or heal, money demanded or promised. Repair
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