Author: Renée Antrosio

blessing, boundaries, and rest

When I proposed a weekly pastor’s email in the fall of 2016, I anticipated alternating writing with my co-pastor to provide an avenue of communication between pastors and the congregation. Since he took Mondays off, I chose Wednesdays as my Sabbath. Tuesdays seemed ideal for a message from a pastor’s desk, while Thursdays worked for

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faith & finances

How does your faith inform your financial planning? We were delighted to host stewardship consultant Lyle Miller and financial advisor Greg Liestman as part of our longtime relationship with Everence financial group (formerly Mennonite Mutual Aid.) Jim Linder’s introduction and prayer provides context to Lyle’s teaching and explanation of Everence’s mission. Below are some comments from questions

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herons and hummingbirds

I want to do a good job. I like to get it right. I prefer to be on time. I want brilliant insights, persuasive writing, and conclusive outcomes.  Instead, God sends me birds.  A cardinal explores the lilac bush by my front door.  A hummingbird hovers, staring at me through the window. The robins chase me

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pastoral support

For the past several months, we have been praying and discussing the need for administrative and outreach pastoral support. Melissa Logsdon’s journey has led her to NCF, where her experience and skills have already been a great help and encouragement to me. In these next six months, she will serve as an interim associate pastor, starting

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pastor Carl Jung

Raise your hand if you are in the second half of life. What? Is this about turning 50, which may have replaced 40 as the crest of the hill? Or is it more about life stage? I check Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, where navigating central conflicts result in a sense of mastery or

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assemblies of believers

That thing we do on Sunday mornings- singing, reading scripture, praying, teaching and being taught, giving tithes and offerings, celebrating the Lord’s supper- the biblical writers wouldn’t have called this assembly “worship.” Huh, news to me! Though I think a lot about our gatherings and what elements are important to include, I’d never dug into

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generosity gospel

Today’s scriptures are about money, which is both surprising and fitting, since tonight’s leadership team meeting is focused on financial stewardship. The psalmist describes a blessed life, where honoring the Lord and adoring God’s commandments brings true happiness.  Their descendants will be strong throughout the land. The offspring of those who do right will be

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quick to listen

Making space, making time, to listen. Waiting for the Holy Spirit.  –Renée Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…. James 1:19a (CEB)

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slow to speak

In my mind, I have been composing a Reparations letter to all past and present Black members of New Covenant… for months. There is so much in need of repair in our world, our community, our church, our relationships, our history, and our present lives. I am daunted by the task.  Know this, my dear

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numbering our days

When we know an experience is coming to an end, there is a sense of urgency. Soak it up. Heightened awareness. The final days of a vacation, semester abroad, time with loved ones. Other seasons, we don’t know what we are about to lose (or gain.) Only in hindsight do we recognize those last days of being

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