I wasn’t looking for a new way to pray. I was searching for a new way to be. The old ways- routines and ruts- were no longer working. My body, my spirit, my emotions were all telling me (loudly) that I needed to listen and attend. In my own way, like the ancient men and
Read MoreAs a kid in Montana, camping was fun. With my sister and best friend in the forest behind our house, Peanuts the faithful collie kept us “safe” from yipping coyotes. The best was when the worship leaders took our youth group to their hunting and fishing camps before high-end clients arrived, leading us up on horseback into
Read MoreEntering 2024, we take time to reflect on what God has done among us this past year. Where have we seen God’s goodness? How have we experienced God’s faithfulness? As individuals and as a fellowship, we are called to remember and celebrate. Personally, I am preparing for sabbatical January 15-April 15, looking forward to rest and
Read MoreLast week someone asked me how much the solar panels on the NCF roof cost us. I remembered the meetings where we considered financing and down payments. Incentive programs were expiring and we didn’t know if the roof could bear the weight. Solar panels seemed beyond us. And then God worked a kind of miracle, leading
Read MoreThis Advent- as we wait, prepare, and hope- we ask God to show us “another way” to be instruments of peace, ministers of mercy, and advocates for justice. So I am appreciating a different kind of Advent calendar, shared with us by Don Shay from South Africa- an Advent Calendar for Peace. This week’s readings
Read MoreNow the promise of entering into God’s rest is still for us today. Hebrews 4:1a (TPT) I have been noticing lately how much of my identity- how I feel about myself- is based on what I have accomplished each day. Every week. Year after year. God promises rest. Models rest. Invites us to rest. So
Read MoreThe last leaves are drifting downTurning to fire when they touch the groundWhen it comes to meOnce againWhat is this Love Our first hard freeze came last night. The leaves have been especially brilliant this fall, reminding me of one of our favorite Jim Croegaert songs. I am also appreciating the theme of loving God through
Read MoreBad news, Good news, Details: a different way of thinking about communication. On a personal level, as your pastor, the bad news is that I, too, sometimes doubt. I second-guess myself, my mouth gets dry, I stumble over my words. I want to serve you well. To always feel like I hear God’s message and communicate
Read MoreWhen I first began as pastor in 2016, many of you asked how to support me in this new role. Remembering your encouragement brings a warm smile to my face. Now, as Melissa onboards as pastor, I hope you are asking yourselves how you can support her. Paul, a loving and loyal servant of the Anointed
Read MoreRestore, Renew, Reinvest. It’s happening. Projects that seemed only a dream are suddenly coming together. Tuckpointing, awning replacement, painting and carpet, a plaque about our solar panels. I was surprised yesterday to open my Bible to this proclamation: Persia’s King Cyrus says: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth.
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