From the Rector's Desk
Midweek Services
Annual Celebration
AMiA's Winter Conference
Ash Wednesday
CaLLiNG Seminar
Redeemer Kids Corner
Redeemer Youth Ministries
Prayer Notes
BIRTHDAYS
1/22 Ben Mitchell
1/24 Cody Uriostegui
SUNDAY READINGS
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-10
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-41
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January 17, 2007
From the Rector's Desk:
For some people January is a slow month. They have much to attend to at year’s end, then the first month of the opens up. That’s certainly not the case around here at Church of the Redeemer, as we’re involved in a number of opportunities and responsibilities related to our common life and ministry. They include finalizing budget items for 2008 and closing out the year, preparing for our Annual Celebration and the Anglican Mission in America Winter Conference, next week in Dallas.
One of the things we participated in this month was a gathering of our leaders for the sake of encouragement and visioning. This is an ongoing process that will see us get together about every other month to consider together how to move forward in our mission as a church. The group involves vestry members, staff and those that are leading our various areas of ministry. And these discussions are vital for all of us, which is why I intend to report on each one.
Last Saturday morning we met to consider the various obstacles that some churches at our stage of life face, including facilities, a stagnant demographic, non-functioning children and youth ministries, etc. I’m happy to report that Church of the Redeemer does not have to deal with any of these things that plague many smaller churches. Instead we’re blessed to have everything in place in order to effectively draw and welcome new people into our community, and to serve those outside of the church. We are coming to see that it is an opportunity and responsibility for all of us to reach out and invite people to ‘come and see’ (more about that on Sunday morning).
As a result of considering Redeemer’s strengths (which we did at the fall leaders’ gathering) and the ways in which we are poised to move forward, our leaders are focusing on two particular areas: outreach and welcome. ‘Outreach’ includes what we might traditionally call ‘evangelism’, combined with service to our communities for those in need, as an expression of our life in Christ, and serving as the Lord’s ‘hands and feet’. It seems that we should not separate those things, but hold them together, in obedience to Christ. The early church grew in a hostile world because it proclaimed Jesus as Lord, served those around them, and built communities of love and care. This is our call, as well.
’Welcome’ refers to how we receive and assimilate new people into the life of our church, making connections and relationships. And how easily the existing congregation can incorporate new people is a strong indicator of how effectively we will step into our assignment as a congregation—an assignment that God is still revealing to us as we listen, pray, worship and serve together.
The opportunity for all of us is to be involved in this work. Are you interested in outreach? Would you like to dream about ways Church of the Redeemer can make a difference in our communities? Perhaps you’re new here, and you’d like to help welcome other new faces that are joining us? If either of these areas pulls at your interests and passions, then I strongly encourage you to make yourself available for this ongoing challenge. You’ll here more about this at our Annual Celebration this Sunday, and we’ll show you how you can respond.
I do hope you will be able to join us for lunch this Sunday. It’s for everyone, including people who may come for the first time this week. What better way to learn about the journey that we are all on together? I look forward to being with you in worship and fellowship.
Blessings!
Jay+
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
Midweek Services
The Noon Eucharist next Wednesday will be cancelled. But the evening prayer service at 7 p.m. will take place as usual.
Annual Meeting & Celebration - This Sunday!
We join together in celebration at our annual meeting and celebration this Sunday following the worship service. This will be a great time to celebrate what God has done in 2007 and look forward to the opportunities of 2008. Over the last 15 months we have been moving into a leadership transition, building our relationships in the congregation, and welcoming new people. As we look to 2008 we begin to turn more outward, seeking God for our call in bringing the Kingdom of God to our communities. Come to learn more.
We'll also be presenting the budget for the year and electing new vestry members.
We will also share in a potluck meal. Please plan on participating by bringing the following (by last name): A-F Dessert for 8, G-L Main Dish for 8, M-Z Side Dish/Salad for 8. If you are student, please plan on bringing the listed item for your name for 2-3 people. Please also bring your own dishware & silverware. We would like to be environmentally friendly by not using plasticware.
AMiA's Winter Conference - January 23-26
Each year in January hundreds gather to celebrate what God is doing in the church around the world, particularly in our Anglican Mission in the Americas. This year's conference will be taking place next week in Dallas, and some of our staff will be attending. All the Anglican bishops from Rwanda will be at this year's event, as well as outstanding speakers and workship leaders. They are expecting the largest crowd yet--around 1500. Please pray for this event and for those attending.
During the conference (which starts Wednesday) we will keep track of calls to the office. Also, if you have an emergency please call Fr. Jay (847-715-6934) who will be able to contact someone here to respond.
Ash Wednesday - February 6
 Lent begins this year in early February, with Ash Wednesday falling on February 6. We will have two services on Ash Wednesday: at noon at the EC Church in Highland Park, and at 7:30pm at Redeemer Lutheran. Ash Wednesday calls upon us to turn from our sin, turn to God in penitence, and enter into a holy season of Lent, as we look toward our observance of Christ's Suffering, Death and Resurrection.
Our solemn observances of Ash Wednesday will include imposition of ashes. Please invite those who may be new to this season to attend with you.
CaLLiNG Seminar - February 16
The next CaLLiNG Seminar takes place on February 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Faith Christian Reformed Church (1070 S. Prospect Av., Elmhurst IL 60126). Mark your calendars!
Redeemer Kids Corner
A reminder to all Redeemer Kids volunteers- Nursery through 5th Grade
Avoiding the Millstone: a Preventative Program for Avoiding Sexual Misconduct, will be held Saturday morning, February 2, from 9:00-12:00. This is a mandatory training from AMiA, so please plan to attend.
Redeemer Youth Ministries
Two things to remember:
- Jr. High Broom ball tournament. - Saturday February 2.
- This Sunday Night is going to be our first teaching on prayer.
Please pray for us as we engage at winter conference next week! Have a great week.
Ryan
Prayer Notes. . .
- for the Mission and Vision and Outreach of Church of the Redeemer
- for our Rector, Fr. Jay, and his family
- for Bishop Sandy and Gigi Greene
- for our staff and their families
- for our leadership (Vestry, ministry leaders)
- for thanksgiving over the Lord's provision in stewardship at year's end
- for our annual meeting
- for all who suffer illness, hardship and discouragement
- for this season of waiting and anticipating God's action and vision at Redeemer
- for the Anglican Church of Rwanda, its leaders and people
- for all who serve within the context of our faith community
- that we would faithfully reach out to the spiritually disconnected and hurting, and bring them into fellowship
- for other congregations in relationship to us
- to enrich and expand our life of prayer
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