IBC Blog
eLetter
A Reflection on Black History Month
In recent weeks at IBC, we’ve been discussing the importance of wrestling with our own personal past—our life story—to better understand our present and God’s intentions for our future. This is a vitally important part of our ongoing spiritual growth and development. God has made us who we are through the formative experiences and relationships of our lives: though our heritage, our heroes, our high points, and our hard times.
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IBC Stories
Staff Stories: Nat Pugh
“We are in.”
Three simple, yet powerful words Nat Pugh said across the table at a dinner in Rhode Island over 30 years ago. After nine years with the company he worked for, Nat was up for a promotion. He, along with his wife Dana, was visiting the home office of the company in Rhode Island when the offer came from the senior vice president. Without hesitation, Nat uttered those three simple, yet powerful words—we are in.
Formed
In Fenway as it is in Heaven
The sun was nearly setting after a warm summer day in 2012 as I experienced my first major league baseball game in person. Walking eagerly into Fenway Park with my freshly purchased paraphernalia, all of my senses were locked in and I joined strangers in rooting for our home team, the Boston Red Sox. I was first welcomed by the overwhelming aroma of ballpark franks, spilled lager, and overpriced popcorn. Strangers wearing similar Red Sox colors hurried past me to find their seats hoping to get a glimpse of the hero whose jersey they proudly sported.
Formed
Finding Thankfulness
Last weekend I had to fly home because I got a call that my grandmother was dying. When I got to Mexico, I was so upset that due to covid protocols I would not be able to see my grandmother. I worried that she would die before I had to opportunity to see her and tell her how much she has meant to me all of my life.
Hope & Healing
God Did the Miraculous
Before joining the Shelter from the Storm recovery group, I believed that if anyone knew what had happened to me, then there’s no way they could love me or even stand to look at me with anything other than disgust, rejection and soul-sucking pity. Back then, I was saturated in shame and weighed down by false guilt. I hated and blamed myself for what other people had done to me.
Announcements
Pastoral Staff Update
Barry provides updates on our pastoral staff team and Women's ministry and Amy Aupperlee has a message for our congregation.
Formed
Behold, I stand at the door and knock....
Disclosure by the author:
Prolific reader and a mediocre a writer
Much more effective at making fact based statements than emotional requests.
1 thing that I believe in, without any doubt is God’s desire and plan for us.
1 thing that I rely heavily upon and that is research from independent, world renowned organizations (I am an enneagram type 5 and will research any and everything for accuracy and amusement).