I’ve been thinking about the one thing. Like, how would we describe New Covenant in one phrase? You– from whatever vantage point you have- how would you define the commonality of this extended family identity (not just the people who can be present at 124 W. White on a Sunday morning!) What is the common thread running
Read MoreTo say that The NY Times article made me angry is inaccurate. I simply disagree, strongly, with the conclusion. Even though much of what Anglican Church priest Tish Harrison Warren wrote in her January 30th opinion piece about why churches should discontinue the online “option,” resonates. I do not believe that alternative forms of worship
Read MoreWhen News-Gazette editor Jeff D’Alessio emailed pastors about the role of the church in helping solve the local gun violence problem, I didn’t respond. I am not gifted with any special insight into this area. Jeff knows a lot of leaders. Let them speak. Besides, I was working on my teaching. Three days later, he
Read MoreHow does God speak to us? And how do we hear? Ron’s teaching prompted this discussion in the “post-service” Noon Zoom, and I found folks’ answers intriguing and encouraging. Rarely, very rarely, do we get the blinding light or audible voice calling our name. Jesus’ intervention with Saul when he was on the road to arrest
Read MoreThere are six more weeks of Ordinary Time before Lent begins, and still I find myself anticipating. As I was looking ahead, Gale Walden sent me her poem, Ash Wednesday. May we savor a little sunshine on this winter day, and may her words and memories touch you in this holy, strange, and far-from-ordinary time. -Renée Ash
Read MoreWho composed the songs we love to sing on Sunday mornings? Sometimes, there’s an easy answer. Churches pay a fee to Christian Copyright License International (CCLI); we log which songs we use so that the artists get credit for their work. Like any system, it benefits those who know how to work it, copyright their songs,
Read MoreMy youngest nephew wrote me a letter. Such a fun surprise- his careful penciled printing on lined notebook paper, ending with “See you on Christmas!” and “P.S. it would be great if you would write back.” I did send him a letter, and expected to see him, but we ended up canceling our flights. Again.
Read MoreAs we navigate the unexpected, together and apart, may we sustain and encourage each other. A poem for our time, by Jim Croegaert, to ponder. -Renée Lake Michigan, our nearbywilderness, sometimes turbulent, sometimesgentle, always alive, always clothed in colors carefully chosen and varied according to the day and the season – most generous host and neighbor.
Read MoreHearing from Oliver Ferguson is a Christmas treat. Enjoy!-Renée I am really into rap music. I got into it growing up in Jamaica in the 1980s-the 90s when there wasn’t much of it being played on the radio there. When I was in high school, there was one FM station that played hip-hop music on
Read More“I never was keen on learning.” My favorite, too-funny quote from a young woman who grew up as a missionary kid, explaining why teaching was not her calling. She had been pressed into service when the school was short-staffed, and we were all relieved when a teacher was found to take her place. Conversely, I
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