“They took in my family and me when no one else would have us. Why would I leave for money and prestige?” So said Mike Pressler, famous for the Duke lacrosse sex scandal of almost a decade ago, when asked why he continues coaching at Bryant University while turning down offers for more than three times his current salary at division one colleges and more prestigious universities.

Dear Members of New Covenant, Last Sunday we played a short video of Karen James sharing a touching testimony about tithing. If you missed it, you can catch it -- HERE. And this Sunday Fr. Dave McDaniel will share on the same topic. While there are lots of opinions on, and a lot to be said about tithing, I fear I say too little.

As the handcuffs ominously clicked, little Kelly asked, “Where are they taking my daddy?” as her daddy was led from the courtroom to jail. I don't recall how I responded. I was probably as shocked by the immediacy of his exit as was his daughter little Kelly, his wife, Celeste, sister, Betsy, and John and Mary Jane, his mother and father. Too stunned to even produce tears. “Guilty” and away he went.

Dear Friends of New Covenant, Barb and I attended an ornament gift exchange party last week, and I had been thinking a lot about receiving. I thought of Martin Luther suggesting that we dishonor God when we try to earn His free gift of grace. It’s not a gift exchange. It’s a free gift. We are receivers. And here we were at a gift exchange. A fun affair! I had to be near the last to go and get an ornament. I was number 54. You know how it works; everyone brings an ornament that goes into a pile. Then you can take one from the pile, or go take one from someone who already has one you like, and then they get to go again. Anyway, I went to the pile, now down to two gifts, and opened a lovely clear glass ball with some white design circumventing its middle. As I walked to my seat, I remembered one of the guests saying she wanted white because her tree was all white lights and white ornaments. So before I sat down, I said, “Here, would you like this?”

Friday Epistle, 12.5.14 Dear Friends at New Covenant, There are several things in this week’s letter to you. One is a wonderful testimony about someone inviting a new friend to church this Sunday. Then, I have included a summary of your answers to the two questions I asked in my sermon a week ago, and a link to the more complete list. Finally, at this point I believe I will be sharing on verses 1 and 8 this coming Sunday from the Gospel reading and have shared a couple thoughts. I hope to see you at Lessons and Carols, Sunday at 7:00. Those who attended last year were deeply touched by the word and worship.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?” Moses wanted to know God: “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you...” (Ex 33.13 from the Old Testament reading for this Sunday.) Meditation: (Read the following three times. The first time read it straight through. The second time highlighting or underlining words that speak to you. And the third time just reading the words you highlighted in prayer.) “Those who really do know Christ in the modern world do so by seeking and entering the kingdom of God. To know him in your world now is to live interactively with him right where you are in your daily activities. This is the spiritual life in Christ.

Saying “Hello” and “Good Bye”

"What sort of follower of Jesus does God want to send into the world?" This, ever so basic, question has been a constant companion of late. So who comes to your mind? What distinguishes a follower of favor? How would you describe the perfect follower?

A Friday Message from Sara Buffington, Worship Leader 5-9-2014

"I saw the crosses!" The speaker finished his talk and invited us to come to the altar rail for prayer. I was first out of the blocks. Sincerely convicted of my being judgmental of my parishioners, I desperately needed relief. " If the speaker will just pray for me," I thought, but someone else came.