ResoundingJoy Church https://resoundingjoy.church Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com RJC Logo-Wear Is Here https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/06/02/rjc-logo-wear-is-here Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:47:42 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/06/02/rjc-logo-wear-is-here
Thanks for helping to make RJC more visible in the community!  Below are images of the options and here's the link for the online ordering form

RJC Logowear Ordering

T-Shirts - Heather Grey or Silver - $17/ea

Hoodies - Heather Grey, Medium Grey, or Silver - $30 ea

Polo Shirts - Graphite or Gusty Grey - $19 ea

]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/06/02/rjc-logo-wear-is-here#comments 0 Monday's Sunrise and Sunday's Sermon https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/06/01/monday-s-sunrise-and-sunday-s-sermon Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:14:47 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/06/01/monday-s-sunrise-and-sunday-s-sermon
Friends, this morning's sunrise was begging to be shared.  Wow.  And I almost decided to not go to the lake this morning.  So glad I did.  Above is a panorama of 8 photos stitched together and then below are a few others from the morning.  
The heavens are telling the glory of God... Psalm 19:1

Sunday's Sermon from Scout

I've had several requests since yesterday morning for a copy of Scout's commencement address so I wanted to share that here as well.  :-)
Here's a link to the manuscript that mostly follows what was shared

Scout's Commencement Address - 1 Timothy 6

And here's the video from Sunday - the sermon is about 20ish minutes into the service
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/06/01/monday-s-sunrise-and-sunday-s-sermon#comments 1 Still Celebrating Pentecost, Art-O-Rama, and Room at the Table https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/28/still-celebrating-pentecost-art-o-rama-and-room-at-the-table Thu, 28 May 2026 08:53:32 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/28/still-celebrating-pentecost-art-o-rama-and-room-at-the-table
Friends, I'm still on a bit of a Pentecost "high" from last Sunday. What a beautiful celebration and gathering! I loved having the celebration of our time together in the languages of Amharic, English, and the languages of love and community. Above is a short video that Lori recorded to give just a taste of what we shared in the service.

Pentecost is still with us in what we are sharing this coming Sunday as we will bless recent graduates, ordain and install our servant leaders for the year ahead, and receive a "commencement address" from a very special guest.

I was richly blessed this morning by a prayer I read in the daily email from the Center for Action and Contemplation. It was sent in by one of the readers of their messages.

Come Holy Spirit, ever renewing, God beyond the one we thought we knew. Flowing like water, free as the wind, found in the margins, not in the text, hidden in corners, seen when not looking, present in absence, but found in Jesus…. Come, Holy Spirit, break down the walls of the words we know. Teach us to speak God’s love in new tongues … to everyone, everywhere…. Come, Holy Spirit, let us know we are not weighed down by all our yesterdays, but may soar with you, wind, fire, can, will, live now in the freedom of resurrection given us through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

This Sunday, after the benediction and postlude, we will also have a Memorial Day remembrance time. It will be a time to remember those who have given of themselves in service to our country, for others, and in the faith. Please plan to stay after the worship service concludes for this special time of prayer and remembrance.

Art-O-Rama - Sunday, May 30 - 12-4pm

This Saturday is the Art-O-Rama event for Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble.  It is a silent auction of original art by renowned artist William Helvey.  Music by CFE musicians will also fill the spaces where the art will be displayed.  Refreshments will also be provided.  Funds from the silent auctions are donations to the CFE's high school / college prep scholarship program.

Meeting Jesus at the Table - Starts in June!

Just a reminder that our summer Room at the Table focus begins in June!  Our services will all center on the table stories of Jesus.   We'll be focusing on the radically inclusive welcoming table that Jesus sets for all.  Some Sundays we will be in the sanctuary and some we will be in the Fellowship Hall for our services.  We also will have special events throughout the summer to simply come together with one another and also to invite others to join in.  One of those events will be Saturday night, June 27 for Nancy and Greg Hudson's Billy Joel Tribute Band as they perform in Greenhills!  

In addition, our Sunday morning small groups will be digging into a book called Meeting Jesus at the Table (which was the inspiration for this series) and then on Thursdays (starting June 11), there will be a daytime small group from 12-1 and an evening one from 7-8 going into how coming to the table can bring enemies together.  In those groups we will be reading and sharing about the book The Future is Peace.  I have copies of this book if you would like one.  

One of the amazing things about Jesus' table is that there is somehow always always always room for more.  

Grace, Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy,
Pastor Ed
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/28/still-celebrating-pentecost-art-o-rama-and-room-at-the-table#comments 0 May 27 - 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalm 112, Proverbs 15:12-14 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/27/may-27-1-samuel-18-5-19-24-john-8-31-59-psalm-112-proverbs-15-12-14 Wed, 27 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/27/may-27-1-samuel-18-5-19-24-john-8-31-59-psalm-112-proverbs-15-12-14
So, that "brief break" ended up being a bit longer than planned.  But we're back!  

1 Samuel 18:5-19:24

  • Heres where things start to go south with David and Saul.  
  • Why David kept staying in the palace - I'm not sure
  • Jonathan living out the covenant he made with David
  • Michal the same

John 8:31-59

  • Beautiful Steven Curtis Chapman song about 8:36 - Free
  • What does it mean to you that "if you are free, you are free indeed"?
  • 8:58 - those are theological fighting words... Before Abraham was, I Am... harkens back to the words of God at the burning bush

Psalm 112 and Proverbs 15:12-14

  • Psalm 112 - Sounds like some of what we read earlier in Proverbs - a picture of those who are following the right path of God and contrasted with those who are not.  
  • Proverbs 15:12-14 - 12 and 14 feel like a message of being willing to be open and change and continue to learn and grow
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/27/may-27-1-samuel-18-5-19-24-john-8-31-59-psalm-112-proverbs-15-12-14#comments 0 Restoration and Renewal - May 24 and 31 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/13/restoration-and-renewal-may-24-and-31 Wed, 13 May 2026 12:56:20 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/13/restoration-and-renewal-may-24-and-31
There's so much new life around Winton Lake right now.  If you want to just soak up some cuteness, be at the lake about 30 minutes after sunrise and in the cove by the main center, you'll see so many little goslings running around with their parents.  It is so beautiful.  Just don't get too close to the parental geese or you might get hissed at or charged at (both happened to me this week as this photographer just wanted to get a little bit closer).  

I loved this little one especially - popping out their wings that aren't yet big enough to fly but someday they will be.  Its like that in the Realm of God - we are promised that the realm of God is here but we also reocnigze that it isn't yet here fully.  We're still waiting for the renewal and restoration of all things.  Just like that litlte one is trying to get their wings to start doing what wings are meant to do.  

I'm heading out of town in a few hours for Zoë's graduation in Atlanta while Amy and Eldra head north tomorrow for Zach's.  Before heading out, I wanted to just share a few reminders for whats coming up on the 24th and 31st.  This Sunday, I'm excited for the super duo of Jean Denny as the RJC liturgist and Rev. Meshach Kanyion as preacher joining our musicians in leading Sunday's service!  

Grace, Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy,

Pastor Ed

Pentecost - May 24 - A Worship and Potluck Celebration

On the 24th, we are going to have quite a Sunday.  We will be sharing a service with our friends from Pillar of Truth on their last Sunday sharing the RJC building.  Our service is going to be in both English and Amharic (with translations as much as possible) and we will also be offering blessings to one another on the next stages of ministry for each of our congregations.  This will all be done in the spirit of Pentecost - the day of remembering the coming of the Holy Spirit that we read about in Acts 2.  

Following the service, we will be sharing an Ethiopian/American potluck meal.  We're not assigning people to parts of the meal - just bring a main, a side, or a dessert and we'll see what comes together.  All the food will be in Fellowship Hall as will a lot of tables and chairs but we will likely overflow out into some other rooms and into the Gathering Area.  A nice problem to have!  

Come Holy Spirit Come!

እንደ መንፈስ ቅዱስ

May 31 - Honoring, Blessing, and Remembering

Our service on May 31 will also be quite a bit different than our normal.  We have several additional things "happening" that morning

  • A brief congregational meeting at the start to elect one more Deacon
  • A blessing for recent graduates
  • Ordination and Installation of our Elders and Deacons

And then following the conclusion of the worship portion of our time together, we will have a time to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to our country.
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/13/restoration-and-renewal-may-24-and-31#comments 0 A Brief Bible in a Year Break https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/13/a-brief-bible-in-a-year-break Wed, 13 May 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/13/a-brief-bible-in-a-year-break

A Brief Bible in a Year Notes Break

Just a note that there will be about a week break in my little "notes" for the Bible in a Year.  We'll resume with Wednesday, May 20!  
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/13/a-brief-bible-in-a-year-break#comments 0 May 12 - Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 14:15-16 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/12/may-12-judges-13-1-14-20-john-1-29-51-psalm-102-1-28-proverbs-14-15-16 Tue, 12 May 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/12/may-12-judges-13-1-14-20-john-1-29-51-psalm-102-1-28-proverbs-14-15-16

Judges 13:1-14:20

  • Samson's story - women once again are just objects in these stories and honestly there's a growing struggle for me to see how God's hand is at work in these.  

John 1:29-51

  • Notice that John doesn't tell the story of Jesus being baptized - there are elements of it but it is not specifically told that it happened
  • v39 - My favorite invitational thing for people - "come and see" - not pushy, not judgy, just come and see.  Check it out for yourself
  • Nathanael's question - sarcastic?  Mean spirited?  
  • v50 - you will see greater things than these...wow

Psalm 102 and Proverbs 14:15-16

  • Psalm 102 - Another Psalm shift - when have you felt like the Psalmist here?  I know I have.  Not often to this degree but I've been there
  • Proverbs 14:15-16 - I hear curiosity in this  - do we question, think, consider, ponder before acting and speaking?
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/12/may-12-judges-13-1-14-20-john-1-29-51-psalm-102-1-28-proverbs-14-15-16#comments 0 May 11 - Judges 11:1-12:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/11/may-11-judges-11-1-12-15-john-1-1-28-psalm-101-1-8-proverbs-14-13-14 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/11/may-11-judges-11-1-12-15-john-1-1-28-psalm-101-1-8-proverbs-14-13-14

Judges 11:1-12:15

  • The story of Jephthah's daughter is often referred to as one of the "texts of terror" for women in the Bible.  Just an awful story.  And why would God honor that kind of vow?  
  • And the cycle continues

John 1:1-28

  • Think of this as another "creation story" - it is telling a different idea of creation - who was involved and what it was.  Not necessarily one of how all things came to be but who was present and working in it
  • I love how John knows his "place" in the work of God.  He knows what is call is and doesn't need it to be more than what it is

Psalm 101 and Proverbs 14:13-14

  • Psalm 101 - And we shift here - of a pledge of seeking to be holy and pure before God.  We may not agree with everything here
  • Proverbs 14:13-14 - There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak. (Message)
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/11/may-11-judges-11-1-12-15-john-1-1-28-psalm-101-1-8-proverbs-14-13-14#comments 0 May 10 - Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/10/may-10-judges-9-22-10-18-luke-24-13-53-psalm-100-1-5-proverbs-14-11-12 Sun, 10 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/10/may-10-judges-9-22-10-18-luke-24-13-53-psalm-100-1-5-proverbs-14-11-12

Judges 9:22-10:18

  • Where is God in all of this?
  • 9:55 - "When they saw that Abilmilech was dead, they all went home"
  • 9:56-57 - The death of Abimilech is attributed to God as punishment
  • And the cycle continues to continue

Luke 24:13-53

  • Emmaus story - just love this - it is a pretty literal story but I do think about the times when I have just physically felt the sense of the holy in my body.  
  • As I finish Luke, I do wish that the people "ordering" the books of the Bible would have made it Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke so that Luke flows right into Acts (as it should)

Psalm 100 and Proverbs 14:11-12

  • Psalm 99 - Make a joyful noise to the Lord!  Think back the last few days of all the ways that these recent Psalms have started out - what have been their first lines?  How do they guide us for our praise of Gog!  And this whole Psalm is amazing!
  • Proverbs 14:11-12 - v12 - What is the way of right - to a person or to God?
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/10/may-10-judges-9-22-10-18-luke-24-13-53-psalm-100-1-5-proverbs-14-11-12#comments 0 May 9 - Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalm 99:1-9, Proverbs 14:9-10 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/09/may-9-judges-8-18-9-21-luke-23-44-24-12-psalm-99-1-9-proverbs-14-9-10 Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/09/may-9-judges-8-18-9-21-luke-23-44-24-12-psalm-99-1-9-proverbs-14-9-10

Judges 8:18-9:21

  • Even Gideon falls short - ephod / "snare to them"
  • Remember this when people talk about "Biblical marriage" - 70 sons and many wives
  • And the cycle continues after Gideon's death

Luke 23:44-24:12

  • What was it in this moment that led to the centurion to say this?  Was it just what happened in these moments or was it more than that?
  • Interesting how Jesus' story begins with a man named Joseph and ends with one named Joseph as well.  A father who welcomed him in and a father who laid him to rest (seemingly)
  • Would you have believed what the Mary, Joanna, Mary and the others had said?  

Psalm 99 and Proverbs 14:9-10

  • Psalm 99 - another glorious song of gratitude and praise to God - love these!
  • Proverbs 14:9-10 - Peterson translates v10 as The person who shuns the bitter moments of friends will be an outsider at their celebration"...hmmm - trying to see how that comes out of what the NRSV says
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/09/may-9-judges-8-18-9-21-luke-23-44-24-12-psalm-99-1-9-proverbs-14-9-10#comments 0 May 8 - Judges 7:1-8:17, Luke 23:13-43, Psalm 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 14:7-8 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/08/may-8-judges-7-1-8-17-luke-23-13-43-psalm-97-1-98-9-proverbs-14-7-8 Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/08/may-8-judges-7-1-8-17-luke-23-13-43-psalm-97-1-98-9-proverbs-14-7-8

Judges 7:1-8:17

  • Jerubbaal - Destroyer of Baal.  Names matter
  • More destruction and violence.  Sigh

Luke 23:13-43

  • Pilate's actions seem to be driven not by what is the right thing to do but instead to just keep "the peace" and keep himself in power
  • As we move to the cross ... what are your feelings about the stations of the cross?  I have found them to be very meaningful even if some of them are not explicitly spoken of in the Bible.  
  • Thieves on the cross - powerful and deep story of God's forgiveness that continues even to our final moments

Psalm 97 and 98, Proverbs 14:7-8

  • Psalm 97 - I love how we are largely in this place with the Psalms of praise and of the big-ness of God
  • Psalm 98 - v1 - A new song - what new song are you singing to God?
  • Proverbs 14:7-8 - Leave the presence of a fool - i love this - it isn't "destroy them" but just ignore them.  Don't give them voice or power
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/08/may-8-judges-7-1-8-17-luke-23-13-43-psalm-97-1-98-9-proverbs-14-7-8#comments 0 A Moment of Zen, May services, and Room at the Table https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/07/a-moment-of-zen-may-services-and-room-at-the-table Thu, 07 May 2026 15:12:12 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/07/a-moment-of-zen-may-services-and-room-at-the-table
So Wednesday morning, I was out with Scout at Winton Lake and there was a really uniquely beautiful moment. The lake was a bit flooded from the overnight rain and one of the paths had about an inch or so of water. As Scout and I walked on the dry portion, I noticed this single leaf floating. It looked like it was not only floating on water, but also floating on air because the water was so clear beneath it. I stopped for a minute or so and just watched it before I took out my phone to record this moment. If you need a moment of zen, of calm, of gentle movements of God's Spirit, click the video above...

In Eugene Peterson's Message translation of the Bible, he translates Matthew 11:28-30 like this:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

God's unforced rhythms of grace...Amen.

The Rest of May - Good stuff coming up!

Friends, the rest of May is going to be FULL but it is going to be so good with so much to celebrate of God's work.

The Help Squad had an amazing night on Tuesday night for their annual fundraiser - this year called Cinco de Neon. Local 12 did a great feature on it! Check it out!

Cinco de Neon - The Help Squad 

Sundays Coming Up - Each Sunday coming up in May has something really unique...
  • May 10 - Our focus in worship this coming Sunday is the one stained glass symbol that isn't directly drawn from a story in the Bible...any guesses what it might be? We'll be talking about "origin stories" drawn from the window and from the book of Acts.
  • May 17 - I am going to be out of town as I'll be in Atlanta at Zoë's graduation while Amy will be with Eldra at Zach's graduation in Wooster! That Sunday, Rev. Meshach Kanyion will be back for helping lead in worship!
  • May 24 - This is our last Sunday with Pillar of Truth sharing the building and it is also Pentecost Sunday. We'll be sharing a combined service with our two congregations where the service will be partly in English and partly in Amharic. After the service we will share an Ethiopian/American potluck in the Fellowship Hall (and likely overflowing to other rooms too). More details to come about what to bring, but do plan to be there for what will be a morning of gratitude for God's work through all people.
  • May 31 - We are moving Memorial Day to this Sunday because of everything happening on the 24th and we will have a time aafter the conclusion of the service to remember and give thanks for thsoe who have given their lives in service to our country. During the service we will be blessings recent graduates and ordaining and installing the next class of servant leaders in our congregation - our deacons and ruling elders.

Room at the Table - Summer 2026

Hard to believe but once we get through May, we are into summer! Our summer focus will be on the table stories of Jesus. We'll be spending time around literal tables in worship and other times each week. We'll be eating together, celebrating together, and sharing together. It is also a reminder that, in the Realm of God, there's ALWAYS more room at the table. ALWAYS. So who will you invite to our services? To the local free concerts we'll go to? To the book studies that will be happening as well? Always room at the table!

Room at the Table Weekday Study

During our Room at the Table focus this summer, I am going to offer a midweek small group time to read and reflect on the recent book, The Future is Peace, by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon. Here's how the book is described on bookshop.org 

In The Future Is Peace Sarah and Inon take readers on a transformative weeklong journey across a sacred and bloodstained land. Facing competing narratives, they explore how compassion and unity can pull humanity back from the precipice of blind hatred. Throughout their travels, they have been constantly asked: In the face of so much loss, how can we ever find hope? Their answer is always the same. One cannot find hope. We must create it.

This book is a rebuttal to a broken world and a bold challenge to the belief that more violence can ever bring security. Told with unflinching honesty, their story is proof that peace is not a naive dream, but a courageous choice—for reconciliation to heal the wounds of revenge, for partnerships to change a destiny of war, and for empathy to save us from drowning in sorrow.

The book speaks not only to the conflict in Israel and Palestine but also speaks to how we engage with one another across the divides that are present among us - political, social, religious, etc. It is very much a book about what it means to welcome all people to "the table."

There will be one study over lunch hour during the week and one in the evening. I am still finalizing days and times but I wanted to let you know about the book and the studies. If you would like to participate and would like me to order a copy of the book for you, click below.

The Future is Peace - Summer 2026

New Life

There's more to share (always) but if you made it this far, good job! Just one last thing...it is that season in nature for new life! There are goslings palooza at Winton Lake right now - here are a few that Scout and I saw on Thursday morning...

Grace, Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy,
Pastor Ed
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/07/a-moment-of-zen-may-services-and-room-at-the-table#comments 0 May 7 - Judges 6:1-40. Luke 22:54-23:12, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 14:5-6 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/07/may-7-judges-6-1-40-luke-22-54-23-12-psalm-95-1-96-13-proverbs-14-5-6 Thu, 07 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/07/may-7-judges-6-1-40-luke-22-54-23-12-psalm-95-1-96-13-proverbs-14-5-6

Judges 6:1-40

  • v13 - Gideon asks the question we all ask - "if you are with us, then why has all this happened?"
  • How do you feel about Gideon here - faithful in responding?  What about his "tests" of God?  

Luke 22:54-23:12

  • Why did Peter weep?  Because Jesus was right and he was wrong?  Because he denied Jesus?  Other?  What would lead us to weep in the ways that we fall short of Jesus' call for us?
  • Jesus is cagey in his responses - "You say that I am"? and "You say so"
  • 23:5 - They are appealing to Pilate's worry that this will become some kind of uprising

Psalm 95 and 96 / Proverbs 14:5-6

  • Psalm 95 - Interesting how this Psalm is often used in calls to worship and in songs but mostly on the "praise" side of things - bow down, worship, kneel, etc.  But not nearly as often with the focus on what is underneath doing those actions - obedience to God
  • Psalm 96 - Such a powerful song of the "bigness" of God - bigger and above all
  • Proverbs 14:5-6 - I hear honesty, integrity, and "real-ness" in these today
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/07/may-7-judges-6-1-40-luke-22-54-23-12-psalm-95-1-96-13-proverbs-14-5-6#comments 0 May 6 - Judges 4:1-5:31, Luke 22:35-53, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 14:3-4 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/06/may-6-judges-4-1-5-31-luke-22-35-53-psalm-94-1-23-proverbs-14-3-4 Wed, 06 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/06/may-6-judges-4-1-5-31-luke-22-35-53-psalm-94-1-23-proverbs-14-3-4

Judges 4:1-5:31

  • I struggle with the story of Deborah, Barak, Sisera, and Jael.  I love the fact that a judge is a woman but dang - brutal.  
  • 5:31- and the land had rest forty years...

Luke 22:35-53

  • vv 35-38 - Hard passage to figure out.  How much of it to take literally, how much figurative?  Is it just a message about being prepared?  And is the "it is enough" a message of "yup - that's a good amount" or "cut it out - that's enough!"  Look at different translations and they translate it differently
  • vv 43-44 - does not show up in many of the most reliable early manuscripts.  Is it added later as a "we can't have Jesus looking weak" type of thing?
  • Line from a sports reporter one time - nothing good happens after midnight.  We don't know what time all this took place but it is definitely after dark.  

Psalm 94 and Proverbs 14:3-4

  • Psalm 94 - 
    • More "how long"
    • Do we think of God's discipline as "happy" or "blessed"?
    • Tough last line - "The Lord our God will wipe them out"
  • Proverbs 14:3-4 - I love how Peterson translates v3 in The Message - "Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile;  wise speech evokes nothing but respect."
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/06/may-6-judges-4-1-5-31-luke-22-35-53-psalm-94-1-23-proverbs-14-3-4#comments 0 May 5 - Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Prov 14:1-2 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/05/may-5-judges-2-10-3-31-luke-22-14-34-psalm-92-1-93-5-prov-14-1-2 Tue, 05 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/05/may-5-judges-2-10-3-31-luke-22-14-34-psalm-92-1-93-5-prov-14-1-2

Judges 2:10-3:31

  • And the cycle begins that will really stay with the Israelites the rest of their recorded history - faithful, unfaithful, punished, repent, faithful, repeat...
  • And the weird story of Eglon and Ehud...

Luke 22:14-34

  • What is different in how Luke tells these stories than Matthew or Mark?  What difference does it make?  Is it just language?  Or something more?
  • Luke also brings in this disagreemnt about greatness - Echoes of what we'll read in John and the washing of feet, but here without the washing of feet...

Psalm 92:1-93:5 and Proverbs 14:1-2

  • Psalm 92 - Has echoes of Psalm 1 and other tree / growth imagery.  I also laugh at the dullard/stupid part...
  • Psalm 93 - God is bigger than all of it.  Bigger.  Bigger
  • Proverbs 14:1-2 - Interesting how it is specifically a woman lifted up as one who builds the house.  That is the langage in the original.  
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/05/may-5-judges-2-10-3-31-luke-22-14-34-psalm-92-1-93-5-prov-14-1-2#comments 0 May 4 - Judges 1:1-2:9, Luke 21:29-22:13, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 13:24-25 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/04/may-4-judges-1-1-2-9-luke-21-29-22-13-psalm-90-1-91-16-proverbs-13-24-25 Mon, 04 May 2026 14:24:14 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/04/may-4-judges-1-1-2-9-luke-21-29-22-13-psalm-90-1-91-16-proverbs-13-24-25

Judges 1:1-2:9

  • I struggle with these stories - were the people having compassion on the inhabitants, were they tired of war, etc?  

Luke 21:29-22:13

  • Be ready, watch, wait - God is moving and working.  Will change at the time we least expect
  • What was Judas' main motivation for betraying Jesus? 

Psalm 90:1-91:16 & Proverbs 13:24-25

  • Psalm 90 - The limitedness of our time vs that of eternity / God
  • Psalm 91 - Do you recognize this Psalm in a song?  Notice what is left in the song that we know and what is left out...
  • Proverbs 13:24-25 - Oh how this proverb has been misused and lives that it has damaged
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/04/may-4-judges-1-1-2-9-luke-21-29-22-13-psalm-90-1-91-16-proverbs-13-24-25#comments 0 May 3 - Joshua 24:1-33, Luke 21:1-28, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 13:20-23 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/04/may-3-joshua-24-1-33-luke-21-1-28-psalm-89-38-52-proverbs-13-20-23 Mon, 04 May 2026 14:21:55 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/04/may-3-joshua-24-1-33-luke-21-1-28-psalm-89-38-52-proverbs-13-20-23

Joshua 24:1-33

  • Recounting the story once again - know your story
  • And make your choices of who you will follow in faith
  • And marking the covenant once again

Luke 21:1-28

  • Picks up with after the message about the religious leaders - compared to the widow
  • Then things shift to looking pretty bleak - faith is not always a simple or easy road

Psalm 89:38-52 and Proverbs 13:20-23

  • Psalm 89:38-52 -Even after all the disorder in this Psalm it ends with a reordering - blessed be the Lord forever.  Amen and Amen.  
  • Proverbs 13:20-23 - What a series of unique verses here - path of righteousness but then also a statement about the injustices that the poor have to face
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/04/may-3-joshua-24-1-33-luke-21-1-28-psalm-89-38-52-proverbs-13-20-23#comments 0 May 2 - Joshua 22:21-23:16, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 13:17-19 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/02/may-2-joshua-22-21-23-16-luke-20-27-47-psalm-89-14-37-proverbs-13-17-19 Sat, 02 May 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/02/may-2-joshua-22-21-23-16-luke-20-27-47-psalm-89-14-37-proverbs-13-17-19

Joshua 22:21-23:16

  • Interesting that then and now, we humans have a tendency to shoot first rather than talk or seek understanding
  • Then later, we come to Joshua's charge - sounds a lot like Moses - be strong and courageous

Luke 20:27-47

  • These stories honestly feel like there's an element of Jesus just trying to provoke

Psalm 89:14-37 and Proverbs 13:17-19

  • Psalm 89:14-37 - v14 - the Mt Rushmore of God - sedek, mishpat, hesed, and hemet - the four hebrew words for the attributes noted in this verse
  • Proverbs 13:17-19 - Compare 19 back to 12 -  a desire realized is a tree of life ... compared to a hope fulfilled.  
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/02/may-2-joshua-22-21-23-16-luke-20-27-47-psalm-89-14-37-proverbs-13-17-19#comments 0 5/1 Goode Thoughts - Paying Attention to God's Working https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/01/5-1-goode-thoughts-paying-attention-to-god-s-working Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/01/5-1-goode-thoughts-paying-attention-to-god-s-working
Good morning friends! There was so much happening at RJC on Thursday! It was our day hosting the 513 Relief Bus and we had people everywhere in the building. People were sharing, receiving, learning, helping, serving, and so much more. So many different groups and organizations were here to provide resources for people and the energy and spirit was so wonderful. Scout, the church dog, was also here providing some good dog therapy support. So many people were a part of making it happen, but notably I want to thank Doris Haubner for heading it up and making it all come together.

I will share one notable moment for me - There was a woman who, after picking up her resources, asked if someone could pray with her. I met with her for about 30 minutes and talked through some circumstances in her life and then I gave her one of my photo notecards and prayed for her to receive the fullness of Jesus' promised peace in what she is facing in her life. I gave her the card as a way to continue to hold to the prayer that we shared. I am going to continue that prayer for her and I invite you to do the same.

All of this...this is why we do what we do.

Noticing Our New Deacons and New Elders

This past Sunday, we held a special congregational meeting to elect those who will be serving as Deacons and as Ruling Elders here at RJC! These are who we elected on Sunday (and there's one more person who has reached out asking if she could be a Deacon as well - she's not listed here but we will update once Session calls a special meeting to elect her). Note that the varied terms are because we need to stagger terms as these are our first "official" Deacons and Session.

Deacons
Tena Sparks (1 year term)
Susan Stoepel (2 year term)
Sharon Stratman (2 year term)
Margaret Hillman (2 year term)
Dianne Holtzapple (3 year term)
Sue Judis (3 year term)
Terre Ries (3 year term)

Session
Lee Sanders (1 year term)
Barb Furkin (1 year term)
Doris Nell (1 year term)
Cari Wynne (2 year term)
Donna Hadley (2 year term)
Lynn Bradley (2 year term)
Ryan Hamilton (3 year term)
Kimberly Cornett (3 year term)
Lori McDonough (3 year term)

Thanks to each who said yes to the prayerful call to serve and we invite you to be praying for each of these servant-leaders for how God will be at work in and through them for our common ministry!

Noticing the Quiet Work of Helping

The above is not my finest photo but it isn't about the quality of the photo but instead what's in the photo! About a week or so ago, I noticed that this patch near the entrance of RJC was getting rather weedy including one REALLY BIG pokey week right up toward the front. I noted to myself to bring some gloves on a future day and at least yank that one. But before I could do it, I saw that someone(s) had come and done even more than just pulled one big ugly weed but had cleaned the whole thing out and planted these beautiful flowers! I also noticed that similar flowers had been planted around the base of CharaJoy, our church tree! I later learned that it was Barb F and Sue J who did this. So, THANK YOU! Your work is seen and it makes a difference!

May 24 - Pentecost and Celebrating with Pillar of Truth

Sunday May 24 is going to be quite a Sunday here at RJC! It is not only the end of the Easter season with the celebration of Pentecost but it is also the last Sunday that our friends from Pillar of Truth will be sharing the building with us. To bless them in their next season of ministry, we are going to be sharing a combined worship service and then a shared potluck meal afterward. We'll send details about the potluck as we get a bit closer but please plan to be here for what will be a really beautiful, unique, and Spirit-filled morning!

Paying Attention to Our Presbytery

We are a part of the Presbytery of Cincinnati and are connected in ministry to our fellow PCUSA congregations in the city of Cincinnati but also a bit west into Indiana, south into Northern Kentucky, and a good ways east of Cincinnati as well. Each week, the Presbytery sends out two newsletters - one called Currents that shares about the activities and the goings-on in the Presbytery and the other called Still Waters that is a collection of resources for spiritual growth, discipleship, and reflection. Here are the two most recent issues:

Currents - Monday, April 27 
Still Waters - Thursday, April 30

This Sunday - Another First at RJC!

This Sunday, we will be focusing on the above stained glass for our service and during the service we will have our first baptism at RJC! It is going to be a wonderful morning! I hope to see you there!

Another thing to notice - the POD is (almost) gone!

By the time you receive this on Friday, the storage POD in the parking lot will be gone (or will be gone later in the day). The POD has been emptied out by the hard work of a BUNCH of people and it is ready to go back to the company. What this will enable us to do is resurface and re-stripe the parking lot, which is so desperately needed. So be sure to notice and celebrate that it is gone!

One more "Paying Attention" thing...the church dog

Scout is a mix of a bluetick hound and a beagle which means that her nose is always on at full-power and when she smells something she moves into her "hunting dog" mode even though she's never been hunting. The above photo is from Glenwood Gardens a few mornings ago. I don't know what she smelled, heard, or simply felt, but she was locked in an paying attention!

So I'll leave y'all with this...how are you paying attention in your life today? To God? To the movement of the Spirit? To those that God has put into your life?

Grace, Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy,
Pastor Ed
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/01/5-1-goode-thoughts-paying-attention-to-god-s-working#comments 0 May 1 - Joshua 21:1-22:20, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 89, Proverbs 13:15-16 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/01/may-1-joshua-21-1-22-20-luke-20-1-26-psalm-89-proverbs-13-15-16 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/01/may-1-joshua-21-1-22-20-luke-20-1-26-psalm-89-proverbs-13-15-16

Joshua 21:1-22:20

  • Divisions already starting - sigh
  • Assumption of wrongdoing on the part of those complaining about the altar.  How often do we do the same when soemone does something we don't expect or understand?

Luke 20:1-26

  • Like in the other gospels, we come to a place of the tough, somewhat angry Jesus

Psalm 89 and Proverbs 13:15-16

  • Psalm 89 - Such a contrast to 88 - a triumphant song of praise to God
  • Proverbs 13:15-16 - More just pure commonsense wisdom
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/05/01/may-1-joshua-21-1-22-20-luke-20-1-26-psalm-89-proverbs-13-15-16#comments 0 April 30 - Joshua 19:1-20:9, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 88, Proverbs 13:12-14 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/30/april-30-joshua-19-1-20-9-luke-19-28-48-psalm-88-proverbs-13-12-14 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/30/april-30-joshua-19-1-20-9-luke-19-28-48-psalm-88-proverbs-13-12-14

Joshua 19:1-20:9

  • Same as yesterday...until the end
  • Interesting that the "Cities of refuge" return

Luke 19:28-48

  • Was it strangers or just Jesus' followers who were shouting and lining the road?
  • Luke is the only gospel that has both of the scenes after the entry - the weeping over the city and the cleansing of the temple.  How do they connect?  

Psalm 88 and Proverbs 13:12-14

  • Psalm 88 - Where do we turn when it feels like everything is falling apart?  Also, how honest are we with God?
  • Proverbs 13:12-14 - v12 - Hope deferred...so true.  And also common sense wisdom over and over here.  
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/30/april-30-joshua-19-1-20-9-luke-19-28-48-psalm-88-proverbs-13-12-14#comments 0 April 29 - Joshua 16:1-18:28, Luke 19:1-27, Psalm 87, Proverbs 13:11 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/29/april-29-joshua-16-1-18-28-luke-19-1-27-psalm-87-proverbs-13-11 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/29/april-29-joshua-16-1-18-28-luke-19-1-27-psalm-87-proverbs-13-11

Joshua 16:1-18:28

  • Same thing as yesterday - whose land?

Luke 19:1-27

  • I love that Jesus invites himself over to Zacchaeus’ house.  
  • How does the parable of the 10 pounds tie in with Zachaeus?  It seems Jesus (or the writer of Luke) intended to connect.  Is Zachaeus one who has “invested” well?  But who are those Jesus is speaking of who have “buried” their pounds?

Psalm 87 and Proverbs 13:11

  • Psalm 87 - Interesting reading this Psalm in connection to the readings from Joshua - the dividing up of the land and coming to Jerusalem here and how it is such a divided and dividing place today
  • Proverbs 13:11 - Tortoise and the hare make an appearance in Proverbs?
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/29/april-29-joshua-16-1-18-28-luke-19-1-27-psalm-87-proverbs-13-11#comments 0 April 28 - Joshua 15:1-63, Luke 18:18-43, Psalm 86, Proverbs 13:9-10 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/28/april-28-joshua-15-1-63-luke-18-18-43-psalm-86-proverbs-13-9-10 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:38:36 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/28/april-28-joshua-15-1-63-luke-18-18-43-psalm-86-proverbs-13-9-10

Joshua 15:1-63

  • I read this and cannot help but think about the ways in which this land is still under so much dispute today.  This goes back millennia but also those who were in the land before and after.  Whose land is it?

Luke 18:18-43

  • As I shared in my sermon from a few weeks ago, who is the ruler over the rich young ruler’s life?  His money?  How power?  His status?  His ego?  Jesus tells him what he needs to let go of
  • Be careful however of prosperity gospel thinking though
  • Blind beggar - how often do I tell people who can speak to Jesus and who cannot by what I actually do and by what I fail to do?

Psalm 86 and Proverbs 13:9-10

  • Psalm 86 - I love the honesty and tenderness of this Psalm.  An honesty about the struggles being faced but also the deep sense of love and reverence for God as a present and caring parent
  • Proverbs 13:9-10 - Humility is what is seen and what grows, not pride/ego
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/28/april-28-joshua-15-1-63-luke-18-18-43-psalm-86-proverbs-13-9-10#comments 0 April 27 - Joshua 13:1-14:15, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 85, Proverbs 13:7-8 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/27/april-27-joshua-13-1-14-15-luke-18-1-17-psalm-85-proverbs-13-7-8 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/27/april-27-joshua-13-1-14-15-luke-18-1-17-psalm-85-proverbs-13-7-8

Joshua 13:1-14:15

  • How I long for that last verse in 14 to be a reality for these stories but also for our life - “And the land had rest from war…” Lord in your mercy hear our prayer

Luke 18:1-17

  • This is apparently the “what the?” parable section
  • What I hear in this is “don’t give up” 
  • Next parable - humility at the heart.  Convicting parable for me becuase I know I can act more like the pharisee too often
  • the part with the children follows from the humility parable - children usually have such a deep sense of humility and openness, don’t they?

Psalm 85 and Proverbs 13:7-8

  • Psalm 85 - I  love the hopefulness of v10 and following.  Even after the longing and the pleas before it -Hesed and hope of what is to come.  I love the intimacy and the visual of it of Hesed and Emet meeting
  • Proverbs 13:7-8 - What is given up by someone to become wealthy?  How hard it is...
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/27/april-27-joshua-13-1-14-15-luke-18-1-17-psalm-85-proverbs-13-7-8#comments 0 April 26 - Joshua 11:1-12:24, Luke 17:11-37, Psalm 84, Proverbs 13:5-6 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/26/april-26-joshua-11-1-12-24-luke-17-11-37-psalm-84-proverbs-13-5-6 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/26/april-26-joshua-11-1-12-24-luke-17-11-37-psalm-84-proverbs-13-5-6

Joshua 11:1-12:24

  • Israel's winning streak continues

Luke 17:11-37

  • Something of note, even though Jesus affirms the one who returned with gratitude, he doesn’t revoke the healing of the other 9.  There’s still grace and mercy.  
  • The end - message - be ready.  That’s the core of it.  

Psalm 84 and Proverbs 13:5-6

  • Psalm 83 - 
    • “My soul longs…indeed it faints…” - I love this - like the deepest joy and wonder and awe.  When have you experienced somethign like this?
    • Happy are those - happy are those.  Do we reflect this joy and happiness?  I remember reading that Christians should be the most joy-filled people.  But how do we do that honestly and not just “putting on”?
  • Proverbs 13:5-6 - I love these contrasts being shared back and forth.  This is what faithful living is and how it results and v.v.
]]> https://resoundingjoy.church/blog/2026/04/26/april-26-joshua-11-1-12-24-luke-17-11-37-psalm-84-proverbs-13-5-6#comments 0