BIRTHDAYS

3/13 Jim McCall
3/14 Peter Campbell
3/15 John Jones


SUNDAY READINGS

Ezekiel 37:1-3,11-14
Psalm 130
Romans 6:16-23
John 11:18-44

March 6, 2008

From the Rector's Desk - Almsgiving

As we draw closer to Holy Week we continue to reflect on the disciplines of Lent. In past reflections we have looked at prayer and fasting, and today we turn to one that is vital to our spiritual health, yet often overlooked. Perhaps almsgiving is misunderstood because the word itself seems archaic and distant in its meaning—it's not a word you’ll hear at the local Starbucks in general conversation. The words 'alms' can be traced back through Middle and Old English, Latin and Greek to its association with mercy and pity. It relates to giving—not just generally to the work of the church—but specifically to those who are poor, as we express the love of Christ in mercy to those in need.

Sometimes the call to give to the poor can be eclipsed in the church by appeals to build programs and facilities—things that can be vital to the work of the kingdom. But we must not do that to the neglect of giving alms, and Lent is an appropriate backdrop of that reminder.

The scriptures consistently speak of the danger of wealth and the ways that it can draw us away from God and the economy of God’s kingdom. "Money is muscle," as Bishop Murphy is fond of saying, and it is important that resources be released for the work of the church. Almsgiving, as part of a larger practice of stewardship, helps to protect against the kind of charity that will only benefit ourselves, in the end.

Jesus told his hearers not to be caught up in worry over finances and material provision, but to place ultimate value in heaven and eternal things. "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes and no moth destroys" (Luke 12:33). The giving of alms is a spiritual discipline because it helps to counteract the value system that we live in and work in every day…that calls us to earn more, do more and spend more to underscore our value as people. And apparently God takes note of that.

In Acts 10 we meet Cornelius, a Roman centurion who was a devout man, seeking to know the truth of God. In response to his prayers he is visited by an angelic messenger who declares, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor (or alms) have come up as a memorial before God". St. Paul commends those who give to the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15) and mentors Timothy to compel the rich to be content and to give to those in need (1 Timothy 6).

There are numerous other directives in scripture requiring us to help and sustain the poor, including the many sayings of Jesus on this subject. So how do we enter more fully into this discipline that it might become part of our lives as a community throughout the year?

Again this week, there is much more than can and should be said about almsgiving, but we can open the window a little more through our consideration of this.

--One way we can be engaged in almsgiving is through the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Contributions to this fund at the church are used to help those in need—often in our own congregation, as well as those in the broader community. Giving in this way really does separate the right hand from the left (Matthew 6: 3-4).

--we can also give alms by being aware of needs around us, and responding as we are able. This might include buying groceries for someone, or helping with a utility bill or medical expenses. If we don’t know any people in financial need then it may be time to intentionally expand our circle of friendships and acquaintances.

--children suffer most from poverty, and there are a number of ways to support and assist at-risk children, domestically and abroad. Sponsoring a child through Compassion International, for example, not only provides for wholistic development, but enables sponsor and child to establish a relationship over time.

--fill in the blank with your own ideas…I would love to hear them and pass them on.

May we grow in our awareness of need, and the call to enter into caring more deeply and tangibly.

Blessings and peace,
Jay+


The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org


Daylight Saving Time Begins

Don't forget to set your clocks one hour forward on Saturday night as we begin Daylight Saving Time (12 midnight becomes 1 a.m.).


Holy Week

We are on the threshold of the most important time in the church year. During Holy Week we will walk with Jesus through his entry in the city, his betrayal, suffering and crucifixion, and his glorious resurrection. It is a powerful season for our own spiritual conversion and growth, and for others that we might invite. Plan now on freeing up some time in your schedule to attend as much as many services as possible. It truly is a journey, and each worship service builds on the one before it.

Sunday March 16
10 a.m.        Palm Sunday/ Passion Sunday

Wednesday, March 19
12 noon        Eucharist/healing prayer
7 p.m.         Prayer service for "Spy Wednesday"

Thursday, March 20
7:30 p.m.     Maundy Thursday service

Friday, March 21
12:00 p.m.  Stations of the Cross
7:30 p.m.     Good Friday

Sunday, March 23
10 a.m.        Resurrection Sunday

All services will be at Redeemer Lutheran, except for those on Wednesday, which will be at the Evangelical Church in Highland Park.


Wednesday Lenten Prayer

Lent is marked by several disciples that we can take on for the forty day journey. They are prayer, penitence, self-denial (such as fasting) and almsgiving, or giving to the poor. Our Wednesday evening prayer gatherings will continue during lent with new urgency. Join us for worship and prayer that will conclude, during Lent, with the liturgy for Compline, a brief service offered at the end of the day. We meet at 7 p.m. at the Evangelical Church in Highland Park.


Helping out at Redeemer

The Children's ministry is in need of nursery volunteers during the 9 a.m. hour for the month of March. This is a one time commitment. Please contact Allyson Entner at allyson@redeemernorthshore.org if you are interested.

Transportation from/to Northfield
Liz Hupp had surgery on her ankle recently. She would love to come to various church events, but can't drive herself. If you are available to help out by driving her to and from Sunday mornings, Wednesday gatherings, and other events, please contact Julia at julia@redeemernorthshore.org.


Stewardship

Thank you for your prayerful and consistent giving to God’s work through Church of the Redeemer. We had a great finish to 2007, and we’re trusting the Lord for what is needed this year to respond to the ministry opportunities and the vision God is providing. The first two months have been pretty slow, as was expected. But we are committed to communicating with you about the progress and needs as we move through the year. So thanks for helping us to stay current as you pray and give.


Redeemer Kids Corner

We are in need of Nursery volunteers during the 9 a.m. hour for the month of March. This is a one time commitment. Please contact Allyson Entner at allyson@redeemernorthshore.org if you are interested.


Redeemer Youth Ministries

March 7 - BROOM BALL tournament.
When: This Friday, March 7.
Time: 9:30 pm.
Place: Centennial Ice Rink in Wilmette.

Directions to Centennial Ice Rink, From 94 and Lake:
East on Lake Ave.
Right on Skokie Rd.
Left on Glenview Rd
Glenview becomes Wilmette Ave.
Right on Crawford
Corner of Crawford and Old Glenview Rd.
2300 Old Glenview Rd. Wilmette, IL


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 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
  • for our growth and journey in this season of Lent
  • for those who need jobs and provision
  • to enrich and expand our life of prayer