It’s Tuesday. Kids in their desks, adults at their jobs. We got through yesterday’s full moon. Instead of lying low when everyone else went to work Monday morning, I drove on campus (rarely a good idea!) to participate in a university research project. I forgot I need downtime on Mondays. Long walks and laundry. I should
Read MoreThe 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 MoreSo glad that Oliver Ferguson can share with us again! – Renée “Hold up… wait a minute. Did they really just say that?” Someone made a bold declaration that seems a little too bold. When this happens (after our double take or a side eye) we might say, “Excuse me? Did you just say____” …expecting
Read MoreA note from retired pastor Ron Simkins, with love. -Renée Hi friends far and near. Renée asked if I would write a pastoral note about something I have been thinking about recently. As many of you know, New Covenant has always attempted to take seriously the Living God, the human Jesus, the Spirit of God
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 MoreOliver Ferguson joined our fellowship in 2013 and served on the Leadership Team 2016-2018. We have missed him and his teachings since he moved to Minneapolis, and are delighted to reconnect and embrace him as part of our extended family. I am grateful for his insights as he shares his experiences on our faith journey.
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
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