Reading & Writing, Prayer & Possibility
My bag of books for February is filling up- poetry, prayers, fiction, mysteries, resources for Reparations, theology. My audiobook shelf reflects a similar variety- enough for 20 hours of driving and long walks around a little town. My writing task list is also full: one-year program evaluation of the Reparations Pilot Project, introductory cover letter for potential participants, answers to Frequently Asked Questions that we encountered, and a presentation for other congregations exploring how they might engage in Reparations.
I am excited to withdraw to the wilderness (of sorts 😉 for a little less than 40 days to listen, pray, read, and write. I am returning to the place of my sabbatical, having embraced the practices that renewed me and have sustained me this year, to focus on the big-picture work away from the day-to-day responsibilities of everyday ministry in Champaign-Urbana.
You put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to you. Many will look on in wonder and so will put their trust in you. Psalm 40:3 (TIB)
I breathe in possibility. What will this time be; what work will God accomplish? When I left for sabbatical, I never imagined solo camping, coming face-to-face with fear and awe. The majestic beauty of the night sky through the thin mesh of a tent open to the stars, the mighty Casa Grande watching over me. I want to be open to opportunity, to the wind of the Spirit rustling through my being, breathing new life into me and into the work we’ve been given.
Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods. Psalm 40:4 (NIV)
I breathe out gratitude. God continues to be faithful to New Covenant, to us, in 2024 and into this new year. We gave many cups of cold water to the thirsty and shared the good news of God’s loving invitation at CU Pridefest. We experienced the joy of giving our “first fruits”- a new special offering to support ministries locally and around the world. We established and funded 22 college savings accounts for NCF African-American grandchildren, loving our neighbors as ourselves as God gave us courage and resolve. With our Thanksgiving offering, we supported shelter for refugees in Lebanon and housing collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and the Interfaith Alliance. Our Family Fund supplied emergency rent, utility payments, and transportation assistance. Ministries to our neighbors who are hungry, homeless, in need of healthcare, wraparound education, and the good news of Jesus were supported through our Missions, Mercy, and Justice budget. I am so grateful for our growing fellowship locally and for our online ministry that reaches far beyond this town.
How many wonders you’ve worked for us, YHWH, my God! How many plans you’ve made for us; you have no equal! I want to recount them again and again, but their number is too great. Psalm 40:4 (TIB)
I am excited for the future God has in store for us in 2025. I believe we are being called into deeper connections as the body of Christ. Our newcomers’ Bible study is a fresh green shoot emerging from fertile ground. Creative ideas for fellowship and meals are bubbling up. Possibilities for our building to serve as shelter revive our commitment to serving those in most need in our community.
I desire to do your will, my God, and your law is written in my heart. I’ll proclaim your justice in the Great Assembly, and I won’t keep my mouth shut, as you well know. I have never kept your generosity to myself, but announced your faithfulness and saving action; I have made no secret of your love and faithfulness in the Great Assembly. Psalm 40:8b-10 (TIB)
May we be open to God’s work in and through us in 2025. May we trust God’s faithfulness. May we be a beacon of God’s love in our fellowship and to our community. I look forward to sharing with you again in March of the wonders of God’s goodness, as I hold you in my heart this coming month. May we be blessed and may we be a blessing wherever God leads us. –Renée