From the Rector's Desk
9 a.m. Sunday
Stewardship
Upcoming Events
Redeemer Kids Corner
Redeemer Youth Ministries
Prayer Notes
Birthdays
10/19 Amanda Holm
MINISTRY NEEDS
Set-up Team: 2-3 people to help with set-ups on Sundays and for special events. Contact Julia at the church office, (847) 681-2872.
SUNDAY READINGS
Genesis 12:1-8
Psalm 145:1-13
Romans 12:1-8
John 4:5-26
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From the Rector's Desk:
Our news earlier in the week was dominated by record-breaking warm weather, especially as it impacted the Chicago Marathon. Hundreds of runners were treated at local hospitals and one person died--victims, apparently, of a few points on a thermometer. But it wasn’t just the temperature. Dehydration, or lack of water, was the main problem, certainly made worse by the heat. When the body loses too much water muscle cramps set in, followed by feelings of being light headed. When there isn’t enough water in the body blood doesn’t travel properly to the organs, and when the condition is severe the kidneys can shutdown and death isn’t far behind, if left untreated. So water, or the lack of it, was really the main story.
On Sunday night my daughter-in-law was struck by severe food poisoning following a cook-out in Wisconsin. Unable to get her sickness under control we took her to the emergency room, as the doctors’ major concern was that she not become dehydrated. She was ultimately admitted to the hospital so they could continue to keep pumping life-giving water into her until the bacterial infection subsided. She’s home and doing fine now, but water and some antibiotics were the main medicines.
Those working in the developing world know that the one thing that can make the difference for most impoverished villages is an adequate source of clean water. A single well can impact health, education, agriculture, and well-being like nothing else. It’s critical.
This lesson shouldn’t be lost on us when it comes to our spiritual health, as well. There is a water of life that nourishes and feeds and sustains, and without which we’re like runners collapsed by the side of the road. One day Jesus attended a great religious feast that drew thousands to Jerusalem. He stood and called out to them in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within.” (John 7:38)
We drink from the well of living water as we love, worship and serve the Lord. We especially know the refreshing of this water as we gather in worship together each week and invite the Spirit to pour over us with the life of God--the living water. This Sunday we will begin a series on worship as we consider this primary purpose of our lives.
I look forward to worshiping with you as we, together, come to the fountain.
Blessings!,
Jay+
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
9 a.m. Sunday
On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came at 9 o’clock in the morning, so that’s not a bad time for us to gather for opportunities of growth and connection at Church of the Redeemer. This week, again, there will be connecting points for all of us (from nursery on up…)
Dana Harris will continue the outstanding teaching she began last week on the vision of Jesus in the book of Revelation.
"I love our emphasis in scripture with the lectionary every Sunday, but there is something special about focusing on one book in depth and exploring it's relationship to the rest of God's Word. In the brief introduction we had Dana stimulated me to see Revelation in very different ways than I've been conditioned to see it. I've grown rather weary of all those trying to read modern day events and characters into the Revelation to predict or even hasten the second coming. I really appreciate the focus on seeing Revelation as reflecting images of Christ and demonstrating God's glory, and more importantly shouting that God Wins. Looking forward to getting into the book in greater detail. I hope that in the succeeding weeks, more people will take advantage of this great gift of Dana’s teaching."-- Rick Bayley
Stewardship
This is just a brief note to say ‘thank you’ for your faithfulness in giving, and to encourage you to continue your support of the Lord’s work. The vestry works hard to oversee the financial health of Church of the Redeemer, and I’m impressed with their care and high standards of integrity surrounding the budget. This is not an area that is taken for granted, so we are all able to make investment in the Lord’s work with confidence.
You need to know that right now we are behind budget in income, even though we are also under budget in expenses for the year. We have a history, at Church of the Redeemer, of realizing our greatest progress in giving in the last three months of the year. This year we have a real need to see that happen again. Harlan Kerson, our Treasurer, reports that we are looking at a need of $145,000 between now and the end of the year to meet the current ministry needs of Church of the Redeemer. We’ll be providing regular updates to keep you informed, so thanks for your commitment to pray for our church, and for faithfully investing your tithes and offerings in the Kingdom.
Upcoming Events
Newcomer’s Lunch - October 21
If you’re fairly new to our community at Redeemer, we’d like to invite you to a special lunch following the morning worship on October 21. You’ll be able to meet some folks who have been a part of this community for some time, including some of our leaders. We’ll explain more of who we are and what we think God is calling us to on this exciting journey.
It’s a great opportunity for us all to invite people to attend worship with us, then lunch, as we share the excitement of this life together at Redeemer.
2nd CaLLiNG Seminar - October 19 & 20
The second annual CaLLiNG Seminar, offering theological training to lay leaders, catechists, and anyone interested in personal enrichment, takes place on October 19 & 20. Dr. Boaz Johnson will be teaching on "The Mission and Evangelism message of the Hebrew Prophets." The event costs $35 for preregistration, $40 at the door. This includes the sessions as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The sessions will take place from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the Evangelical Church in Highland Park. To register, please call 262.653.1622
Leaders' Training - October 27
On Saturday morning, October 27 from 9 to 10:30am those leading ministries at Church of the Redeemer will get together for some coffee, bagels, and encouragement in their leadership. This will be a time for vision casting, information sharing and further equipping for ministry, so that we can all be as effective and faithful as possible in following the call before us.
If your name is listed in the bulletin as leading a ministry or you serve on the vestry then this time is for you. The training will be at the Evangelical Church in Highland Park. The meeting will not go past 10:30am.
 All Saints’ Baptism - November 4
November 4 we will observe All Saints Sunday at Redeemer, along with other churches throughout the world. We give thanks for God’s people throughout time and around the globe, and its one of the special times when baptisms are particularly appropriate. Baptism is essential in our walk of faith, and we encourage and welcome those who are considering a response of obedience to this call of the Lord.
At Church of the Redeemer we baptize those who are committed to the Christian faith and their children, provided they have not been baptized before. We believe that in this way we are participating in the sacrament of baptism as it was practiced in the New Testament, the early church, and throughout the history of God’s people in Jesus Christ. To read more about Church of the Redeemer's beliefs on baptism, click here.
For more information on baptism, and to inquire about participating, please contact Father Jay at frjay@redeemernorthshore.org, or call our church office.
Redeemer Kids Corner: Attention all Redeemer Kids parents
On Monday October 22, all parents are invited to gather for a time to brainstorm ideas for welcoming new young families. We will be meeting at the Ross' home, 141 Robsart Place in Kenilworth, from 8:00-8:45 p.m. Please let Allyson Entner know if you plan on attending. An Advisory Council meeting will precede this from 7:15-8:00 p.m.
Redeemer Youth Ministries: Jr. High Update
We meat with the Jr. High staff last week and we've planned a number of activities that I'd like you to be aware of. Please continue to pray for us this fall. Here are the activities that we have planned.
Saturday October 27 - Harvest Party: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church
Saturday November 10 - Canned food drive: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday December 1 - Progressive Dinner: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday December 15th - Christmas Shopping Infant & Child Care: Jr. High students are going to watch again the infants and children in the congregation for those parents who'd like to go Christmas shopping.
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 our 'settling in' at Redeemer Lutheran
- for the Anglican Church of Rwanda, its leaders and people
- for all who serve within the context of our faith community
- for teachers, students and staff as school, in all its various forms, resumes
- 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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