Counterintuitive Solidarity, Part 2
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Counterintuitive Solidarity, Part 2

About five years ago I came across a book called The Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism. God used this book (and many others since then) to begin transforming my understanding of racism in America.
One of the most helpful ideas came in a chapter titled, “Don’t Go with Your Gut,” where author, theologian, and Jesus-follower, Drew Hart, calls Christians to adopt a posture he calls counterintuitive solidarity. To help explain, Hart makes a big claim: “most white Americans (Christian included) have been blind to the racism and oppression that has been so prevalent on this soil for the first 350 years, ever since Jamestown was formed.”

Counterintuitive Solidarity, Part 1
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Counterintuitive Solidarity, Part 1

A faint memory from my college days recently came back to me. I was walking down the hall in our library when I overheard a conversation among a group of black students. The young woman speaking was hurt and upset. In fact, she was livid. I didn’t hear enough to understand the total context, but I knew it had to do with race on campus and a recent experience of hers...

As we look ahead…some updates on our summer plans.
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As we look ahead…some updates on our summer plans.

Dear Park family,

During lunch the other day, my son displayed some behavior that landed him in his “think it over place.” He sat there quietly … for about three seconds. Then he decided he was done and ready to get back to life-as-usual. ...

Checking In & Giving Thanks
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Checking In & Giving Thanks

It’s been two months since we last gathered together for worship at 31 Park Road. Many of us have kept in touch via Community Group Zoom calls, regularly tuning in to the Park@Home worship videos, or other means of personal communication. And yet, despite the many ways we have to connect, it’s just not the same - and I miss you. One question I’m frequently asked is, “How’s Park doing?” It’s a good question...

One Way to Love Your Neighbors Today!!!
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One Way to Love Your Neighbors Today!!!

A lot has happened over the last two weeks. Daily life for most people has changed dramatically, and this new reality naturally raises many questions. How long is this going to last? Am I going to lose my job? How do I teach my kids from home while working a full-time? These are good questions. And there are many more that could be added.
One question that keeps coming to my mind again and again is, “How can we love our neighbors during this time?”

Staying Socially Connected while Practicing Social Distance.
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Staying Socially Connected while Practicing Social Distance.

Staying Socially Connected while Practicing Social Distance. It’s strange times, isn’t it? The spread of Covid-19 has brought about global disruption that now seems to be touching all of our lives. My family was planning to leave this Wednesday for a trip to FL to see my parents, but we cancelled yesterday. I’m sure many...

No gathering Sunday, March 15!
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No gathering Sunday, March 15!

I wanted to reach out with an important update regarding Park Church precautions in light of the Coronavirus. Park Church will not gather for worship this Sunday, March 15. We will have more updates regarding the following Sunday (and beyond) in coming days as we learn more about the situation. We'll stay in touch via e-mail, Facebook, and parkchurchnj.com.

Humbled & Hopeful
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Humbled & Hopeful

As many of you know, the elders at Park Church have been in an ongoing conversation with Monmouth Church of Christ (MCC) about the possibility of a future together. For the past several years, MCC has prayerfully wrestled with the question of what’s next for them. Throughout this process...

The First Five (Part II)
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The First Five (Part II)

Having arrived in New Jersey just over five months ago, I’ve been reflecting on things I’ve learned during this transition. And while there is much I’ve learned by asking questions (e.g. What’s a pork roll? Who’s “Bruce”?), what I’d like to share...

The First Five (Part I)
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The First Five (Part I)

Having arrived in New Jersey just over five months ago, I’ve been reflecting on things I’ve learned during this transition. And while there is much I’ve learned by asking questions (e.g. What’s a pork roll? Who’s “Bruce”? A jug what?), what I’d like to share...