BIRTHDAYS

4/11 Charles Herman


SUNDAY READINGS

Acts 2:14a,36-47
Psalm 116:10-17
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35

April 3, 2008

Drink A Cup and Do Good!

It was a full house last Friday night at Newport Coffee in Bannockburn as Church of the Redeemer hosted its first “Taste of Rwanda” coffee event. This community outreach was conceived by Redeemer in partnership with Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, an initiative for micro-enterprise in Rwanda started by an AMiA pastor. The Atlanta-based company donated the coffee for the evening which was brewed and served for free at the popular local roasting house.

Land of a Thousand Hill’s Robert Crow, who works with churches and the growers in Rwanda, brought his expertise to those who were interested to learn more, not only about the coffee but about its story of reconciliation in the small east Africa nation. He was glad to be a part of this new venture. “I'm always excited when one of our partner churches recognizes the value of the coffee as both an outreach from Rwanda and also to the local community and congregation,” enthused Robert. “The Gospel is spreading throughout Rwanda and redemption is being engaged on both sides of the world. Genocide survivors and perpetrators are working together - and we here in the US are engaging redemption, blessing others through something as simple as drinking coffee.”


Live music from Amanda Holm and Thom Blair (and occasional piano improv by Fr. Jay) set the back drop for the dozens who dropped in that night, some people just coming off the street to check on the excitement. “This has been a great launching event, and another opportunity for our people to get a handle on outreach,” reflected Redeemer’s Rector, the Rev. Jay Greener. “Things went very well, and we’ve learned some things for the next time around. Many people include coffee as a part of their daily routine, and this kind of event can serve as an open door into our church community, especially if we will step up and seriously embrace the possibilities.”

Organizers are looking for other venues to host future coffee nights in communities such as Winnetka, Evanston and Libertyville.


Growing in Worship

Following the worship service next Sunday (April 13) there will be an opportunity to learn more about liturgy and worship at a "Coffee Hour Forum." Theologian Dr Graham Cole and Father Jay will share on the ways theology and belief is expressed in our worship. We’ll be offering other Coffee Hour Forum topics from time to time—stay tuned for those dealing with Stewardship as well as Children in the Church.



Rwanda Benefit

Invitation for the 10th annual banquet to benefit Sonrise School in Rwanda will be arriving in mailboxes soon! Plan now to join this special celebration on April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Northbrook. Again this year Bishop John Rucyahana will be our special guest. If you would like additional invitations in order to invite friends, please contact the church office at (847) 681-2872.


Upcoming Events

April 13: Coffee Hour Forum on Worship and Faith
April 13-15: Sr. High Retreat
April 15: Vestry Meeting
April 18-20: Jr. High Retreat
April 26: 10th Annual Sonrise School Benefit
April 27: Worship and Confirmations with Bishop John Rucyahana
May 2-3: Vestry Retreat at La Hacienda, Freeport



Redeemer Kids

Redeemer Kids (3 years- 5th grade) schedule for April
A snapshot of Sunday mornings

Children's Liturgy-
April 6- Libby Pruitt and Melissa Ross
April 20- Catherine Kerson and Melissa Ross
The first and third Sundays of each month, our kids lead worship through our children's liturgy. They worship by remembering the current church season, preparing our altar, singing, reading and exploring God's Word, saying and reflecting on our "we believe," and participating in corporate prayer. Each of the areas is lead by a child, in an effort to give each of our children the opportunity to engage the various ministry roles during worship. Our fantastic volunteers facilitate the time and lead the teaching and activities surrounding Scripture.
This month, the first Sunday will include a prayer time for our community, our nation, and our world, where children will have the opportunity to pray for specific needs in those places.
The third Sunday will have a focused time of creatively responding to the section on the Holy Spirit in our "we believe."

Stories and Symbols
April 13- Bill Gorman and Melissa Ross
Children and adults explore a story from God's Word and engage it through various activities. A Christian symbol is then introduced that connects to the story, and is a reminder of a particular part of the faith.
This month, children can expect to respond to Jesus as the Good Shepherd with the opportunity to create a shepherd's staff (not full size), as a symbol that reminds us of this.

Story and Artistic Response
April 27- Joshua Beckett and Caitlin Greener
The forth Sunday of each month is spent by exploring a story in the Bible and then giving children the opportunity to respond to it through various art forms.


Redeemer Youth Ministries

We have two retreats coming up soon:
(1) Our Senior High retreat is coming up in a couple April 11-13th and (2) our Jr. High retreat is the following weekend, April 18-20th.

I would appreciate your prayers as we are coming down to the final couple moments of preparation. Have a wonderful 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 our staff and their families
  • for those God is calling us to reach
  • for our children and those who minister with and to them
  • for those preparing for confirmation
  • for those in need in body, mind and spirit