Hi Ren family. I imagine many of you have listened to one or more of the governor’s recent updates on Covid. Restrictions are getting tighter as the numbers have skyrocketed back up higher than ever. I heard that neighboring Massachusetts has also tightened restrictions. We decided to drop our max capacity down to 60 each week instead of 100 to ensure ample distancing.

Why is this happening?

You’re probably wondering why—if God is in control—all this is happening in our world. It’s as if the whole planet has been confronted with their mortality. Our normal way of life has been restricted in numerous ways and there still isn’t clear light at the end of the tunnel. What is God doing? With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, many of us mourn that our holiday traditions won’t happen this year. Some of us have become extremely isolated and feel like the walls are closing in; the busyness of life has ceased and days have become long and lonely. Some have vocations that have kept you busier than usual and your trials have been of a different sort. But I think we all are experiencing this strange darkness over the earth. I want to share with you what I believe God is doing in His people during this challenging season.

Dear Ren Family,

As one who grew up in New England I have memories of learning about the early pilgrim settlers. They sailed across the Atlantic on the dangerous seas and settled in a place far away from the resources of England. What was especially difficult was the New England winters. They had to fight against the cold and they didn’t exactly have grocery stores to acquire food. Winter illnesses took many lives. Over time, they adapted by canning food and curing meats; they made warmer clothing and shelter. They learned how to prepare for winter.

I recently heard a statistic that when the pandemic started (March) that a huge percentage of pastors—including myself!—believed that the pandemic would spark a turning to Christ and a wave of numerical growth in the churches. The thought was that the hardships would drive people to their knees. That the sickness and death of so many would awaken people to the brevity of life and put in them a hunger to be reconciled to God.

All Ren small groups are taking a pause for a couple weeks and the next cycle begins the third week in September through to December. Most of the groups will continue with the same leaders and formats but there will be some changes. For example, some groups will physically gather at the church building in the sanctuary. The way that will work is everyone attending will enter the building with masks. Once seated in the circle, at a proper social distance (6 feet), masks will be dropped. Exiting the building masks will be worn.

Hi Ren Church family!

This Sunday I’m going to be talking about the thing that has caused more ruin than perhaps any other thing. It has destroyed marriages, friendships, churches, companies, music groups and entire nations. It is the reason for violence and has led to hundreds of thousands of people being slaughtered in battle. Many people are in prison for life because of this thing. When this thing manifests it can be like shrapnel that wounds everyone in proximity.

Hi Ren Family!

Last Sunday was pretty sweet with about 50 gathered. It feels a little like the early days of planting a church. But then I remember that most of you are watching from home. The livestream worked well and it was exciting to all be together for Sunday worship through technology! I’m so grateful for the production team led by Shayna, Carlos and Alli, who have made this possible. We have such an amazing church community!

Hi Ren Family!

Last Sunday was our reopening service and we had about 50 people. It felt very safe for the most part. The one thing I noticed that I wanted to mention is the importance of wearing masks properly. It seems that some people had them only over the mouth and not the nose. Some masks don’t fit great so when you start talking they slide off of the nose. So make sure you find a mask that works well for you.

Hi Ren Family,

I just wanted to take a few moments to update you on plans to reopen and other important details.

There is a very special online event happening tonight 7pm (June 20th) hosted by the Gospel Coalition called “A Night of Lament for Racial Justice”. This would be an excellent way to get closer to God’s heart in these matters of racial justice.

Hello Ren Family,

Last Sunday I shared my heart regarding the recent incidents of police violence against people of color. From what I can tell, the response has been very positive. I received more emails, texts, social media comments in the last week probably than any other week of my life. I’m encouraged by that and feel hopeful that change is in the air!

Note: this letter was sent out to the Ren Core (Membership).

What we are seeing this week in America and around the world is historic. The merciless killing of Mr. Floyd—as you’ve likely seen with your own eyes on video—has become what some are calling “strike three”. It is the “straw that broke the camel’s back”. The outrage is not merely over the blatant police brutality against this one man but it is the countless blacks who have been victimized by police in recent years. It is an outrage not just against the crimes against blacks that were exposed and went viral but it’s the thousands upon thousands of incidents that happen when no one is looking.

It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve written a newsletter. Sorry to disappear but I desperately needed some time off. Since the pandemic began I’ve been working (and thinking) at an unhealthy pace just wanting to pastor well through all this. As usual, this lifestyle of excessive mental work and no rest caught up to me and caused me to crash a bit. Some of you have been worried about me. Thanks for worrying! I’m taking it slower and feeling much better. Each day my strength seems to be increasing. But please continue to pray for me.

Hello Ren family and friends!

What a beautiful service last week featuring about a dozen Ren people who each made home videos as a way to minister to us. I was so refreshed by it. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the many amazing people who are part of the Ren church family. If you missed the online service you can still access it on the homepage of our website.

Hello Ren family!

This Sunday you are in for a special treat as you’ll hear from about a dozen Ren folks who have put together short home videos to inspire and encourage the church. I’m especially excited about this because I’m tired of watching so much of myself on Sundays. It’s like the “Scott show” :)

Hello Ren Family!

I am at my office and just finished the final piece for this Sunday’s service. Filming has been fun but is quite exhausting. We shot the worship Monday night. My sermon was Thursday and today I did the opening and closing pieces. I really hope everyone is encouraged by the service. I’m praying much that God would really move upon hearts as they watch.