Pray for Ukraine
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Pray for Ukraine

After weeks of warnings from Western leaders, Russia has invaded Ukraine. Women and children are fleeing the country, others are taking refuge in underground subway stations, and the death toll is rising.

As my wife and I tried to explain the situation to our kids, the questions started coming. Why is this happening? Why is the bad man hurting people? Why can’t someone stop him? Our inability to provide simple answers to questions like these reminded me of two things.

Peace Amidst Anxious Times
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Peace Amidst Anxious Times

Do you feel it?

Election night came and went. But the election is not over. It seems that every presidential election tends to put the collective nervous system of our society on edge. But something about this season seems particularly charged.

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...

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?”

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...