🌟February Theme: Anchored🌟

🌟Bible Study, February 1, 2026🌟

🌟10:30 a.m. via Zoom🌟

Our theme for February is Anchored.

When we hear the word anchor, most of us think we already know what it means. Something solid. Something that keeps us from drifting. Something familiar.

But Scripture often assumes more than our modern imagination allows.

This Sunday’s Bible Study will explore anchors in the biblical world and why they mattered so much in moments of fear, instability, and decision. We will sit with the image before rushing to conclusions and allow the text and its world to challenge how we think about faith, grounding, and survival.

Come prepared to reflect and share:
• What anchors you in your faith right now?
• What anchors you in your sanity when things feel overwhelming?
• What happens when stability is not as simple as we assume?

As always, Pastor Brian has a twist on how anchors were often used in the first century and how our faith can help guide us in the storms of life.

Bring curiosity. Bring honesty. Bring whatever you are holding onto.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8027424176?omn=89797010684

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/89797010684/invitations?signature=aP7jO1rzUPQIdrebLpBXxqGUkWgEuh8_HOfg7THJOpw

Dear Beloved Community,

REFLECTIONS FROM THE Q CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE IN PORTLAND

This past week in Portland, Scott and I had the gift of attending the Q Christian Conference, and I am still carrying the depth of what we experienced. Conferences can sometimes feel like information overload, but this one felt more like a place to breathe, learn, and remember why faith still matters.

I attended several breakout sessions that stretched and clarified my thinking. One explored reading the book of Romans backwards, beginning with what Paul is actually trying to accomplish rhetorically before landing on the so-called clobber verses. Read this way, those verses are revealed as a literary device, not a blanket condemnation of gay and lesbian people, and certainly not the centerpiece of Paul’s theology. Another session focused on the Song of Songs and offered a compelling reminder that the Bible affirms embodied joy. Scripture does not shy away from desire, pleasure, or diversity of experience. Instead, it celebrates bodies and sexuality as gifts meant to be enjoyed, not feared.

The general sessions were equally powerful, with speakers reflecting on what truly anchors them in faith. One presentation stood out as one of the best I have ever witnessed. Samuel Ramsey, a National Geographic Wayfinder, NPR Entomology Correspondent, and Endowed Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, spoke from his work as a honey bee disease researcher. He has observed that the healthiest bee populations are always the most diverse. Homogeneity weakens resilience. Diversity strengthens it. He carried that insight beautifully into his advocacy for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within communities of faith. It was science, theology, and lived wisdom woven together with clarity and grace. Once recordings are available on YouTube, I will be sure to share links.

As meaningful as the sessions were, one of the greatest joys was reconnecting with friends we have known for years through Q Christian and the Wild Goose Festival. These relationships remind me that faith is not sustained by ideas alone, but by community, shared stories, and mutual encouragement.

Next year’s Q Christian Conference will be held in Philadelphia, and we are already excited to make plans. Early registration is open, and there is a monthly payment plan available for the conference fee and hotel room, which makes participation more accessible. There are direct flights from GSP to Philadelphia. If this conference has ever been on your radar, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

More reflections to come. For now, I am grateful for the conversations, the challenges, and the anchors that keep drawing us toward a faith that is honest, embodied, and expansive.

Blessings,

Pastor Brian

New Day continues its mission to become a "church beyond the walls" with a broad range of activities to build community and several ways to grow in your faith and spirituality over the rest of this month.

Upcoming Events

Bible Study: Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Monthly Social Gathering: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Free Wine Tasting. Wine House, 475 Haywood Rd #8, Greenville, SC 29607.
Gentle Yoga: Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the AYMC at First Baptist Greenville.
Worship Service: Sunday, February 15, 2026. Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. at Other Lands.

If you'd like to add anything for next weeks' community prayer, please contact Pastor Brian at pastor@newdayccc.com.

Prayers for New Day as we search for a new worship home.
Prayers for safety during these winter storms and brutally cold weather.
Prayers for Scott who has COVID and is struggling with his lungs.
Praises for the queer joy experienced by those at the Portland Q Christian Conference.
Praises for safe travel for Brian, Scott, Zach and Gary.
Prayers for Tracy's aunt who had heart surgery.
Prayers for Jason as he seeks to move back to California.
Prayers for LJ's friend Sharon who has cancer.
Prayers for Pastor Brian and others who have unspoken requests this week.

Please support the work of the church by donating your time, talent, and tithe.

As we embrace new opportunities in 2025, your support is more vital than ever. Your generosity fuels our mission to serve the LGBTQ community, provide a welcoming space for worship, and grow into all God calls us to be. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue creating a space of love, connection, and hope. Thank you for being part of this journey—your contributions truly make a difference.

1/1/26-1/31/26

Tithe Income: $2,655

Other Income: $1,073 (sale of piano)

Interest Earned: $825

Expenses: $4,116

Net: $437

Click the link below to give through our Flocknote portal or donate through Zelle to treasurer@newdayccc.com.

Give to General Fund

New Day Christian Community Church
MEETING LOCATION - OTHER LANDS

February 15, 2026 Worship Service and March 1, 2026 Bible Study

Future services TBD

731 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609

New Day Christian Community Church exists to provide a diverse, open, and affirming Christian community to all who desire a discipleship walk with Jesus Christ by offering challenging worship experiences, mission-based service opportunities, and Biblical learning so that we are empowered to reach out to others, introduce them to the love and strength of the beloved community, and invite them to join the faith journey of discipleship.