Thanks so much for all the work you do, Julia! We're so thankful to have you working with us here at the CRCNA, supporting churches and congregations through challenging circumstances.
One is taking time in the middle of the day, over lunch, to pull myself away from my screens and go outside, if at all possible. I find that sitting on a screen for so many hours a day puts up a little electronic barrier between myself and God, and taking even a few minutes to breathe fresh (well, this time of year more like freezing) air and re-orient myself to God's presence.
I like writing out scripture, too, on an actual, physical piece of paper. There's something about the scratchyness of "real" things that helps me better concentrate and engage.
What are some spiritual practices you engage in? How do they help you connect and re-orient yourself towards God?
Thanks for this insightful reflection! AI is a huge topic right now, and I look forward to hearing more about what you've learned about how it is impacting the church.
Glad you've found these helpful, Rob! I personally always find it encouraging to see how others have grown in their faith throughout uniquely challenging stages of life.
Thank you so much for this reflection, Aura! The Sound of Music has always been one of my favorite films. I'm definitely going to have to use this exercise to better recognize and appreciate the small things to be thankful for in life.
Thanks for this thorough response! It's interesting to see how you've included AI in your sermon prep, especially how it's served the role of "colleague" in some of your preparation. It makes sense that it isn't perfect, but it seems like many of the suggestions have been helpful. And I suppose AI is in many ways a colleague, since AI is trained on data from our colleagues, both historical and current.
It'll be interested to see how AI can be used to help build other bridges, such as by expediting translation.
Posted in: Welcoming Refugees: A Longstanding CRCNA Tradition
And here is a series of resources from official denomination sources about immigrants and refugees in both the U.S. and Canada:
2010 Synodical Statement on Immigration and Migrant Workers
Prayer and Call to Action on Immigration
Immigration Resources
Do Justice podcast (Apple Podcasts, also accessible elsewhere)
Do Justice blog
Immigration is Our Story Audio Series
Immigration Support from Thrive
Thrive Justice resources
Posted in: Meet Julia Rathbun, Your Safe Church Consultant
Thanks so much for all the work you do, Julia! We're so thankful to have you working with us here at the CRCNA, supporting churches and congregations through challenging circumstances.
Posted in: What Spiritual Disciplines Connect You to God in a Disconnected Age?
I have a few practices I engage in.
One is taking time in the middle of the day, over lunch, to pull myself away from my screens and go outside, if at all possible. I find that sitting on a screen for so many hours a day puts up a little electronic barrier between myself and God, and taking even a few minutes to breathe fresh (well, this time of year more like freezing) air and re-orient myself to God's presence.
I like writing out scripture, too, on an actual, physical piece of paper. There's something about the scratchyness of "real" things that helps me better concentrate and engage.
What are some spiritual practices you engage in? How do they help you connect and re-orient yourself towards God?
Posted in: Artificial Intelligence in China: ReFrame's Jerry An Published in Christianity Today
Thanks for this insightful reflection! AI is a huge topic right now, and I look forward to hearing more about what you've learned about how it is impacting the church.
Posted in: Bible Verses for Changing and Aging
Thanks for sharing this verse, Wout! It's another great reminder of God's love and guidance throughout all of our lives.
Posted in: A CRCNA Story: Changing the Narrative in Cambodia
Thank you so much for sharing this, Chris! It's so great to see how God is at work throughout the CRCNA around the world.
Posted in: Bible Verses for Parenting
Glad you've found these helpful, Rob! I personally always find it encouraging to see how others have grown in their faith throughout uniquely challenging stages of life.
Posted in: Give Thanks for Small Blessings
Thank you so much for this reflection, Aura! The Sound of Music has always been one of my favorite films. I'm definitely going to have to use this exercise to better recognize and appreciate the small things to be thankful for in life.
Posted in: Reflections on The Word
Thank you so much for your reflections, Linda!
Posted in: Synod and the Triangulation Trap
Thanks for sharing this resource, Sean!
Posted in: Accessibility Worship, Accessible Churches: Spaces - Recording Available
Thank you for sharing this resource!
Posted in: How Does AI Fit Into Ministry?
Thanks for this thorough response! It's interesting to see how you've included AI in your sermon prep, especially how it's served the role of "colleague" in some of your preparation. It makes sense that it isn't perfect, but it seems like many of the suggestions have been helpful. And I suppose AI is in many ways a colleague, since AI is trained on data from our colleagues, both historical and current.
It'll be interested to see how AI can be used to help build other bridges, such as by expediting translation.