Dave Brubeck made a jazz listener out of me—and, because Brubeck made a jazz listener out of me, I discovered the theological significance of the next note, which may be a helpful thing for us all to think about as we begin a new year. Not...
Read moreA Light in the Darkness
“When the time came to completion, God sent His Son …” Galatians 4:4 According to the way Christians in the church mark time, the season of Advent began on November 29. In a very real and profound sense, though, it feels like we have been...
Read moreKeep Doing What’s Right
So let us not grow weary of doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 Will you join me in making a financial covenant to keep doing what’s right in 2021? The last two years I lived in Hertford...
Read moreWisely Waiting
Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you. Love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 4:6 When will we start worshiping together again in the Sanctuary? March 8 was the last Sunday we gathered as a large congregation for worship in our...
Read moreHellos, Goodbyes, and God’s Faithful Presence
Having just taken my firstborn child to college to begin her freshman year, I am well aware right now of the mixed emotions that come with transitions. It’s exciting to move forward and it’s sad to say goodbye, with excitement and sadness both...
Read moreGathering with Gratitude
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus...
Read moreSelf Evident Truths
Racism is sin and black lives matter. Neither one of these convictions should be hard to grasp for people of faith who read the Bible and take Jesus seriously. If we believe, as the book of Genesis tells us, that God created all people in God’s...
Read moreA Thoughtful Path Forward
On the next page, you will find the plan for re-opening the Providence campus and resuming church-related activities. This plan was developed by our Covid-19 Task Force, which has been meeting regularly since late March to help make the decisions...
Read moreFinishing Strong
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 There aren’t a whole lot of ways to encourage people who are running a long race. As a former crosscountry runner, I know...
Read morePreparing for Easter
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among...
Read moreThe Essential Element
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 What we read in the book of Hebrews is echoed throughout the New Testament: Hospitality is an essential element of...
Read moreBeing A Sending Church
There are two components to being a church that makes Sending Apostles a priority. The first component is nurturing, encouraging, and equipping people at Providence to become Christians who are open to hearing—and, then, saying Yes—to...
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