Details on gatherings for Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

It’s that wonderful time of year when we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus—a holiday we call Easter. Interestingly, the tradition of Easter isn’t something the Bible commands. In fact, the specific observances of “Good Friday” and “Easter Sunday” don’t appear in Scripture at all. But what we do find is the consistent encouragement to let the Word dwell in us richly, to meditate on it day and night, and to think deeply on what is written. That’s the spirit behind the special opportunities we’re offering during Easter—to create space for just that kind of reflection.

The weather conditions predicted for tonight and tomorrow are serious enough that it seems best to cancel service on February 9.

Hi! 

We have started a new series at Ren Church we are calling Stories of God. If you missed the first few you can go back and listen to them on our website here. When we started the series, I didn’t plan out how long the series would extend. There are a lot of stories in the Bible! In fact, the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament consist mostly of stories. It seems that God has seen it fit, in his wisdom, that truth would be communicated through storytelling. 

Hi Ren Family!

What a blessing it’s been the last couple weeks to be meeting in our new space at 10 Tripps Lane in Riverside. Most of 2024 was consumed with searching for a building, negotiating terms, and building out the space. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all the volunteer hours people put in and all the financial contributions made to complete the 250K renovation. Our general contractor, Rich McCarthy, who is a member at Ren, did such an amazing job bringing us to the finish line. Our tiny staff went above and beyond to make the transition happen in a timely manner. The Elders provided steady encouragement throughout the year. Wow! I’m just blown away at the goodness of God and the generosity of his people.

We Are In!!!

I’m excited to announce that we are finally in the new space, and our first service will be this Sunday, January 5. Here’s the address for those who have not yet been. 

Hello Ren Friends and Family!

Please take the time to read through the following carefully. There’s a lot of important updates to understand and pray for. 

Hello Ren Core!

I’ll be excited when I don’t have to give you updates and needs regarding the new space :) But … here we go! I estimate we are at 90% completion of the renovation of the new space.

Dear Ren Family and Friends,

When I was in Bible college, many years ago, I think my teachers overlooked telling me just how many random tasks I’d be doing as a pastor. Today I spent the day assisting one of our contractors framing out our new space in East Providence. I’m covered in sawdust, and every muscle in my body aches. But it was a very fun day! Today was day number one of building. 

Hello Ren Core! 

I want to update you on some details regarding the new space @ 10 Tripps Lane. The lease is finalized. We paid our security deposit and first month of rent. The space is officially ours May 1st. 

Hi Ren Core!

At this point, I’m assuming all of you know that we will be moving from 184 Broad Street to a new location (10 Tripps Lane) sometime this year. There are several new Core members so some of you may not know all the details. I’ll try to give you some context before I give an update.

Dearest Ren Family, 

Merry Christmas! 

Have you noticed in so many stores now they won’t say, “Merry Christmas.” If you are lucky you’ll get a, “Have a happy holiday.” But I’ve been noticing that the most common farewell from the store is just, “Have a nice day.” It’s strange, right?

It seems like every year only about half (or less) who attend on Sundays become Core members. There are many reasons for this.

This Sunday we’ll be exploring the Advent theme of love. The word advent simply means “arrival.” So in the Christian tradition the celebration of Advent is about the arrival of the promised Messiah, Jesus, God’s Son. The Advent season also hints at the second arrival of Christ that will happen in the future (maybe in our lifetime!). 

Happy Thanksgiving Ren Church family and friends! 

My hope is that you might find the time to read and reflect on these thoughts before heading into the activities of the day. My aim is to stir gratitude. Now, there are thousands upon thousands of things to be grateful for: breath, life, health, food, shelter, loved ones, sausage stuffing, sunshine, a bed to sleep in, heat, good books, coffee, the stars in the sky, a dog. I’m sure we could each make a long list of specific things we are thankful for. What I want to remind you of is perhaps the greatest of all things to be thankful for—the gospel message. 

The Lord has been moving at Ren and in the city. I believe it’s more than just the excitement of the pandemic fading and being able to gather in-person again. The pandemic season has tested God’s people to the core. It’s been a sort of wilderness experience. We’ve been isolated and the “rains” have been withheld for a time. All this hardship has not been in vain though. The Lord has been humbling and breaking us; He’s been preparing us. Hosea 10:12 comes to mind:

As we emerge out of the long wintery pandemic and into this new season of renewal, my heart is bursting with hope. It’s been wonderful to see so many people returning to Sunday gatherings, as well as seeing new people who recently moved to the area. It’s not just the influx of people that is exciting, but it’s the atmosphere of expectancy and joy. The presence of God has been palpable in our midst. Mission initiatives are in full swing. Small communities are developing in various geographic locations. God is on the move!  

With this blizzard upon us it seems wise to take a snow day tomorrow. Even though the forecast for Sunday is sunny, the issue is snow removal. Some of us may need to spend hours just getting out of our driveways. It’s also hard to predict if the roads will be clear in the morning given the amount of snow as well as worker shortages. The parking lots at the church are not ours so we aren’t certain they would even be usable. It’s a good day to stay home, stay safe, and stay warm.

Hello Ren family!

Since many of you are traveling and were not able to attend the Christmas Eve service, I thought you might be blessed to read my Christmas Eve letter on this Christmas Day.

As we roll into the end of this difficult year my heart is heavy thinking about all that God’s people have suffered. Some have lost loved ones to Covid. Some have been diagnosed with cancer or are fighting serious physical issues. Some have had crushing experiences of anxiety and depression. Some have fallen back into old sins. People we know have overdosed. Many have scattered from the church.

It’s a strange time to pastor.