Truth & Trust
Last week, I (Rebecca) was given the opportunity to attend the TenX10 Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. TenX10 is an organization whose mission is to Make Faith Matter More to 10 million young people over the next 10 years in the spirit of John 10:10. They do this through ecumenical research and resources provided free to leaders, pastors, and mentors. This year’s summit was focused on relational discipleship radically focused on Jesus.As I read over my copious notes to synthesize not only the
How Do You Smell Today?
I live right around the corner from La Rosa’s Pastry Shop – and it’s impossible to ignore. Now, I’m not much of a pastry or fancy dessert guy. But it’s impossible to ignore - not because I see it every day, and not because I shop there, and not because I crave pastry regularly. It’s impossible to ignore because of the aroma that it pumps into the air. It smells, in a word, delicious. I’d say every other day, I’ll walk out of
Imagine If…
In today’s Bible Reading plan we opened to Philippians 2, a chapter that challenges us to model Christ-like love and humility in our daily lives; our actions, attitudes, and activities “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Phil. 2:13) Imagine if we truly lived out of this belief, holding in our hearts and echoing out into the world through our actions the belief that God is at work in us according to his good
The Radiant Colors of Isaiah
On Sunday, we really got into our new series called “Jesus Is”, examining how the Gospel writers (Mark, in this case) want us to understand who Jesus is (hence the title!): as Messiah/Christ – and God in person - he is our King and Lord. I mentioned how the quote that Mark utilizes to point this out from Isaiah is in fact from Malachi, Exodus, and Isaiah…not just from Isaiah. So I wanted to say something more about that. Is Mark wrong here, or what?Kind of, but not
Jesus Speaks!
I’ve been thinking a lot about bible study: how we do it as a church right now, how we should do it as a church, how to lead it, and so on. I’ve been thinking about how, too often, people don’t think they can ‘do’ or ‘lead’ a bible study because they haven’t been to seminary, don’t read commentaries, or don’t have material planned. I’ve been thinking about what a shame that is, and how much I’d love to see more people
Carry Them to Jesus
Yesterday, in our 2025 bible reading plan, we read one of my favorite stories in Mark 2. It’s the story of the paralyzed man – or rather – of the 4 friends of the paralyzed man. They want to bring him to Jesus because they believe that Jesus can heal him. The problem was that when they get to the house that Jesus was teaching in, it’s packed, and so they can’t get in. There was a significant obstacle in their bringing him
The School Year Ahead
A blog by Rebecca DeLucia, Next Generation Pastor In January of this year, we launched The Village, a church wide effort “so that every kid would be seen, heard, known, encouraged and prayed for.” It has been amazing to see relationships bloom and be fostered through this initiative. As I was reflecting and thinking about this back-to-school season, I kept returning to those five words: seen, heard, known, encouraged and prayed for. Please join me in praying this prayer that reflects those 5
Things I Think I Think
The answer to this question might be “0”, but, did any of you read Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback column from Sports Illustrated years ago? It’s ok if you didn’t. I don’t think he writes it any longer, but that could be wrong. I used to like reading it…I thought his football insights were pretty interesting, and he’d have some funny anecdotes and stories along the way. If you don’t know who Peter King is, or care at all about
Thank You.
“…it reminds me of Jesus talking outside to the many. It feels easier to join. Just walk in and sit down.” These are the words that someone sent me as they reflected on their experience at the gazebo. And it’s exactly the point of the gazebo services. I’ve said this before – but one of the things I enjoy most about the gazebo services is that they ARE easier to join, easier to check out without the commitment of being stuck
Stop For the Prayer Stop
Last Sunday at St. Paul Baptist was such a great morning – wasn’t it? If you missed it, you missed out (but can check it out here)! It was lively, joyful, inspiring, and if I must say so, delicious (that brisket…). More than anything else, it was good to gather as one body of Christ, with unity in diversity. Towards the end of scripture, Revelation imagines a day where, standing before the throne of God and the Lamb worshipping, there is