December 30, 2016,

Originally sent to parish via email on December 9, 2016

Originally sent to parish via email on 11-18-16 Thanksgiving is always an opportunity. It isn't thanks-taking or thanks-taxing. The calendar may schedule it, the Pilgrims and Native Americans may model it, but you can eat turkey, even pumpkin pie, without it. Manners or situations may expect it, but no one may demand it. This past week, the Thursday small group spent some time looking at the Psalms of Thanksgiving that are sprinkled through the Psalter. Examples include Psalms of individuals like Psalm 18, 30, 31, 32, 40, 66, 92, 116, 118, 120 and Psalms for the community like Psalm 65, 66, 107, 118, 124, 129. (Here is a helpful chart that describes how these psalms are structured.)

Originally sent to the parish via email 10-28-16 Tracking numbers are great to help you know the route your package from Oregon is taking on its way to your house. They are great if you want to know when to be home to sign for something. You can take some measure of comfort while things are moving from place to place. They keep you "in the know." They assure you that your item is "en route."

Originally sent to parish via email 10-21-16. Are you ready for a challenge? Here are four ways to take 1 STEP as a Next Step. One. Join us tomorrow morning at 11am as we celebrate the ordination of Mark Kiesel to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Bishop William will ordain Mark and Archbishop Kolini will be preaching. New Covenant is blessed to have these opportunities to host ministry partners from here in the US as well as our partners from around the globe to participate in the mission of God in the world.

Originally sent to parish via email September 9, 2016 Every journey starts with 1 step. A baby's first step. A runner's final step at the finish line. An awkward new dance step to an unfamiliar tune. A sure step towards helping a neighbor. The steps we take are all coordinated towards a goal. We move towards what matters, whether it be the refrigerator, the workplace, our friends or what lies on the other side of our front doors. Some things matter more than others, but most important things generally lie just beyond our reach when we're seated.

Originally sent to the parish via email August 19, 2016 My father-in-law has a perfect sense of direction. I joke with Marci that we could call him on the phone and simply say "We're lost," he'd reply, "I'll be right there." He has a set of intuitions, experiences and good luck to navigate new places with great success. It is amazing.

Luke knew how to make a story come alive. First, start with truth. As they say, "Truth is stranger than fiction." Truth is compelling because it lays so closely to reality.