Genealogy - remember that for hundreds of years these stories were shared by oral tradition.  Even in cultures where that was the primary way, things get exaggerated.  A person who lived a long time might have lived 60-70 yeras but after it was passed along a bunch of times, suddently Methuselah lived for over 900 years!  As I read stories like this, I think of the ways that we say today about how...  Read More

A theme that came up for me is that we're still dealing with some of the same thingsShame - After A&E eat the fruit, they were ashamed and sought to cover up their shame both literally and figuratively.  We're still dealing with the power of shame in our lives (see Brene Brown's writings on shame especially!)Care for Others - Cain's "Am I my brother's keeper?"  We are still asking that question- -...  Read More

Chapter 1 - Notice the way that each day of creation is described...good, good, good, good, good, and then the last day when all is finished, it is described as very good.  Ch 1 - Let us create humankind in our image.  Male and female God created humankind in God's image.  Notice this is speaking to the idea that both male and female are representative of the image of God.  End of Ch 1 - When it w...  Read More

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Good evening friends - I know we said we'd make the call tomorrow morning but we're making it tonight. We have decided to cancel our service and studies tomorrow morning out of an abundance of caution. So please stay home and stay warm.BUT!!!!!!!!!An online service will be uploaded in the morning to celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. It includes some of the music that we would have had from the...  Read More

Friends, I woke up this morning thinking about Advent and realizing that we are pretty much right in the middle of it right now. Feels like we have been Advent-ing for a while but there's still a lot ahead. I guess that's what waiting is often like. We see some things that have been realized but we also know there is still much that is still ahead. There's a thing in Christian theology that simply...  Read More

One of my daily practices is to read the email that comes from an organization called The Center for Action and Contemplation.  CAC was founded by Father Richard Rohr and is such a beautiful and powerful voice for the Gospel and for transformative work in the world.  If you want to sign up for their daily email, you can do so here.  Anyway, this morning (Thursday) was one that spoke so deeply to m...  Read More

Happy Tuesday friends! This is a bit earlier in the week but by the time you read this on Tuesday, I will either be in the air or will have (hopefully) arrived in New Jersey for the Presbyterian Church Growth Network conference! It is the first gathering of a new group of PCUSA pastors who want to be intentional about church growth using lots of energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. I'll be...  Read More

Welcome to October at ResoundingJoy Church! We had a wonderful first Ministry Night last night as around 30 people gathered to begin the work of forming our ministry teams and continue the joy of getting to know one another as our new community of faith! There's more about that night in the next issue of ReSounds which will be out next week. In the meantime, this coming Sunday is World Communion S...  Read More

We are almost to September!  Oh my goodness!  There’s a lot to update!  But first, let’s start with some important “housekeeping.”  It is REALLY important that, if you have not done so already, for you to take some time to fill out the membership form online (or one of the paper ones available at each congregation).  Here’s the link once again – should only take about 10 minutes (if that)RJC Membe...  Read More

Friends, it is going to be a short update this week.  Things are still moving forward for September 7 and we are excited that the day is nearly here!  So let’s jump in!Prayers – If you haven’t already been praying, I invite you to be praying for all the pieces that are still to be taken care of in the merging of our congregations.  But most of all, please be praying for our witness through all of ...  Read More

Have you ever heard of that term?  Crepuscular Rays?  You may not have heard of the term but you have definitely seen them.  Here were some a few days ago at Glenwood Gardens And yes that is Scout being quite the majestic doggo with the rays behind her.  There’s a whole science behind how these rays form, but I find them to be so beautiful and mesmerizing.  I have heard them called Sun Rays, Glory...  Read More