I really appreciated this series with its insights I had not considered before but now want to keep in front of me when I think about and preach on these texts. Thank you!
I appreciate your questions, Rob. I'd love for the council at the church where I serve to grapple with these questions, but the flag is a sacred cow in my context. I've been hesitant to say anything publicly partly due to me being a Canadian serving in an American church. Many churches in the area have one at the front their worship space; it's just "normal" (except for me).
We also have the so-called Christian flag up front. I really dislike that one too – looks like we want "such as all the other nations have."
I would be interested in someone giving a defense for keeping an American flag in the worship space. Maybe there's something we're not considering.
Thanks for the good thoughts here! I like the paragraphs about accountability – they're kinda funny yet hold a lot of unspoken truth. I plan to share this with our church staff. ~Stanley
I bought this the day it became available. It's a very insightful, fresh translation that helps me appreciate the culture of the New Testament through the lens of the culture of First Nations peoples instead of my own. It's a gift to be treasured from our indigenous brothers and sisters.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts and important reminders. How sad to witness when people deny in words or actions that every human being is made in the image of God and is loved by Him. ~Stanley
Just read this in the Dordt Voice that people might also appreciate: https://voice.dordt.edu/2019/06/07/on-civil-discourse. It asks what our first priority should be in conversations on divisive topics – to be right or to be good?
Bob captures why I sometimes feel more satisfaction after mowing the lawn or vacuuming than in preparing a message – I can see the rows in the grass or in the carpet! A file stored in my computer or even a few sheets of paper feel underwhelming in comparison.
Thanks for the reminder that sometimes "dimmer" lights signalling the way to the Kingdom outlast the brighter lights of great ratings according to much of our culture.
With its regularity, the Lord's Supper may sometimes seem the more significant of the two sacraments. Thank you for this helpful theology and these practical suggestions that keep baptism at the forefront, too! Stanley
Posted in: Recognizing the Image of God in Every Body, Story 3: Jesus and Zacchaeus
I really appreciated this series with its insights I had not considered before but now want to keep in front of me when I think about and preach on these texts. Thank you!
Posted in: What Are Your Policies Concerning Flags in Church and Worship Spaces?
I appreciate your questions, Rob. I'd love for the council at the church where I serve to grapple with these questions, but the flag is a sacred cow in my context. I've been hesitant to say anything publicly partly due to me being a Canadian serving in an American church. Many churches in the area have one at the front their worship space; it's just "normal" (except for me).
We also have the so-called Christian flag up front. I really dislike that one too – looks like we want "such as all the other nations have."
I would be interested in someone giving a defense for keeping an American flag in the worship space. Maybe there's something we're not considering.
Posted in: Do You Have Gift Books for New Members?
At Trinity CRC (Rock Valley, IA), we have given new members a copy of New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp.
At the baptism of infants and children, we give the family a copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago.
PS: I really appreciate Seeking God's Face and think that's a good choice too.
Posted in: How Do You Use Your Church Space Creatively?
Trinity CRC in Rock Valley hosts/offers ESL classes several evenings a week. We're also an emergency shelter location in case of storms/tornados.
Posted in: Church Staff: Life Behind the Customer Service Counter
Thanks for the good thoughts here! I like the paragraphs about accountability – they're kinda funny yet hold a lot of unspoken truth. I plan to share this with our church staff. ~Stanley
Posted in: Prayer for Ukraine: Two Year Anniversary
Thank you for sharing this.
Posted in: This Thanksgiving, Read the New Testament With First Nations Eyes
I bought this the day it became available. It's a very insightful, fresh translation that helps me appreciate the culture of the New Testament through the lens of the culture of First Nations peoples instead of my own. It's a gift to be treasured from our indigenous brothers and sisters.
Posted in: Breaking Barriers Fall 2021
I was looking for the pdf version too. I'm hoping that by leaving a note here, I'll get the notification when it's available. Thanks!
Posted in: We Are All God’s Children
Thank you for sharing these thoughts and important reminders. How sad to witness when people deny in words or actions that every human being is made in the image of God and is loved by Him.
~Stanley
Posted in: Good Conversations on Polarizing Political Issues
Just read this in the Dordt Voice that people might also appreciate: https://voice.dordt.edu/2019/06/07/on-civil-discourse. It asks what our first priority should be in conversations on divisive topics – to be right or to be good?
Posted in: Defining Success in Ministry
Bob captures why I sometimes feel more satisfaction after mowing the lawn or vacuuming than in preparing a message – I can see the rows in the grass or in the carpet! A file stored in my computer or even a few sheets of paper feel underwhelming in comparison.
Thanks for the reminder that sometimes "dimmer" lights signalling the way to the Kingdom outlast the brighter lights of great ratings according to much of our culture.
Posted in: Remembering Baptisms: Living Wet
With its regularity, the Lord's Supper may sometimes seem the more significant of the two sacraments. Thank you for this helpful theology and these practical suggestions that keep baptism at the forefront, too! Stanley