Renee

Pastor’s Corner for January 2020

9 Jan 202027 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Pastor's Corner

I was writing about gifts and their meaning and the meta-meaning (meaning behind the meaning) of a gift when I was struck by these words from Matthew’s Gospel: “... they returned by another way.” The decision to go another way. This act of re-turning is a defining moment in the birth narrative of Jesus. This … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner for January 2020

Pastor’s Corner: December 2019

1 Dec 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Pastor's Corner

Here’s the summary of the Stew Event from the prophet Haggai. We all have something to contribute to the stew: large or small We all need to keep putting into the stew pot, even when there’s something “distasteful” in it. That’s the only way we can change the stew. We all need to share our … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: December 2019

Pastor’s Corner: November 2019

3 Nov 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Pastor's Corner

The Fellowship Hall was clearing out. The last of the Trunk or Treaters and parents made their way to the doors where wind and rain awaited their arrival outdoors – dampening costumes, clothes and coats but not spirits. Weary but happy parishioners packed up what was left on the tables of treats and made their … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: November 2019

Wisdom in Job

11 Oct 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Uncategorized

This week, our discussion of the wisdom books moves to Job which examines how we can trust God when life seems unfair and bad things happen to good people. https://youtu.be/GswSg2ohqmA The Bible Project; The Book of Job In this book, a prosperous man named Job, who has always done as God wanted. One day, Satan … Continue reading Wisdom in Job

Pastor’s Corner: October 2019

1 Oct 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Pastor's Corner

I’ve truly enjoyed these past months of reading and studying, pondering and praying the Books of Wisdom. Knowing the larger arch of life the three primary books lay out has brought me to a new appreciation and love for these scriptural texts.Proverbs = the Young, Bright, Optimistic Academic, who’s reading to take on the world … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: October 2019

Pastor’s Corner: September 2019

1 Sep 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Pastor's Corner

From Rev. Erik Kara of Christ Trinity Church Sheffield, MAAugust 20, 2019His church purchased rainbow colored Adirondack chairs to place in the yard besidethe church as a symbol of their openness and welcome to all persons. A simplegesture with no fanfare. Here’s what happened.“Since "The Chairs"; were placed in front of our church, a few … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: September 2019

Wisdom in Ecclesiastes

17 Jul 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Uncategorized

Continuing our discussion on wisdom, we turn to the book of Ecclesiastes. Its critical voice finds flaws in the teachings of Proverbs. Life brings inexplicable challenges. How does one continue to strive for wisdom in the confusion of events that seem beyond our control? When all seems "Hevel": unclear as if obscured by a veil … Continue reading Wisdom in Ecclesiastes

Pastor’s Corner for July 2019

11 Jul 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Pastor's Corner

I know, it’s Summer. I should be reveling about the beauty and warmth of this season. But, it seems to me as we begin our time together that Spring is more fitting a metaphor. Gardening and Spring Cleaning have similar early stages. Spring is usually the time for tilling and planting – garden work. It’s … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner for July 2019

Wisdom in Proverbs

11 Jul 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Worship Updates

So Sunday, we started looking at wisdom. Where does it come from? Why is it wisdom anyway? I invited people, during worship, to share with us what words of wisdom their parents and grandparents passed on to them. You know, like: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush A penny saved … Continue reading Wisdom in Proverbs

Wisdom Series: Beginning July 7th!

5 Jul 201927 Jan 2021 by Renee, posted in Worship Updates

References to wisdom, knowledge and common sense seem to be popping up in the media almost daily. So, what's the difference - or is there a difference - between 'everyday' wisdom and Biblical wisdom. Let's find out. Our Summer Sermon Series on Wisdom in the Bible begins July 7th! Check out this video teaser from … Continue reading Wisdom Series: Beginning July 7th!