Trouble viewing this message? Click here.


SUNDAY READINGS

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22, 45b
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33

August 8, 2008

The Many Facets and Faces of Worship

Last week was a glorious time of worship and celebration as we joined with brothers and sisters from Mt. Zion Anglican Church and representatives of Redeemer-Northwestern. (We had our dates wrong for the Evangelical Church, whose members will join us this Sunday.) The sanctuary was full of people and resonated with the variety of music and cultural expressions that we experienced. Thanks so much to Mt. Zion's members who led us in celebratory praise and worship during the offertory, and to Father Gbenga Akinbola who led the service along with Father Jay. May God continue to bless our congregations, our worship and witness, and bring us together again to express our unity in the Lord.


What About GAFCON?

Earlier this summer leaders of the Global South Anglican churches met in pilgrimage in Jerusalem to consider the move of the Spirit that is abroad in the Church. This week, August 10th following the coffee hour we will host a forum to discuss GAFCON, what happened there and where it may lead. Fr. Jay will share insights gathered from several who led the event, along with Jim McCall, who attended the conference. This is an important conversation about global issues relating to our church, so come and learn more of what God is doing in these days.


Redeemer Kids Meeting

All parents and teachers are invited to gather on Sunday, August 17 after the worship service for a time of planning as we look toward children's ministry this fall! Please contact Allyson Entner if you have questions.


Office Need

Church of the Redeemer is in need of an Office Administrator to run the day to day operations of the church office and offer administrative support to our ministries. This is a 25 hour per-week position. A full job description is available by emailing Redeemer@redeemernorthshore.org, and will also be posted on our website.


Welcome to Eliana Faith Richards

Let's celebrate with Jonathan and Debby Richards in the birth of Eliana Faith. She is doing well, but was early, and needs to grow. She will be in the neonatal intensive care unit of Lutheran General Hospital in Des Plaines for a while. The following note from Jonathan:

Eliana is Hebrew for "My God answers", which we found appropriate in that He heard and answered all our prayers in keeping her safe throughout the complications. We also named her that because it is a testimony to God's faithfulness, and we hope that as she grows, her life will become a testimony to His faithfulness as well.

She was born Saturday, August 2nd at 2:33 pm and was 3 lbs. 6.5 oz. and 16 inches long. She's tiny, but she's a champ and everything is working as it should be. So, her only problem is that she needs to bulk up to be able to keep herself warm enough. She's eating very well and keeps making great progress above and beyond expectations. She'll hopefully be able to come home relatively soon, but she'll probably be in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for at least a couple of weeks or so.

Debby is at home and recovering very well, but it is going to be a challenge to take care of Josiah, especially during the first couple of weeks because she's still moving pretty slowly and not able to lift much. So, as far as help, if anyone wants to volunteer some time either watching Josiah during the day or giving Debby a ride to the hospital (she can't drive for about 4 weeks), that would be great. With me needing to work and her not able to drive, it's a little tricky. Some people have already offered help, which is very appreciated. If people want to help but don't have the time, preemie clothes would be great. We have boy clothes, but not much for a girl.

We'll try to get back to church soon so we can see everyone, but it may be a while, at least until both of us can come. It will probably be several weeks before Eliana can come meet everyone. Preemies immune systems aren't as strong as normal, so they're not supposed to be around many people for a while.

If you would like to help out with Josiah or with a ride to the hospital, you can call them directly: Jonathan's cell: 615-424-3879, Debby's: 615-424-3919.



Stewardship

Average offering needed each week: $6900
Offering last Sunday: $4,471


Prayers in the Body

  • pray for Dan Becker and family in the death of his mother last weekend
  • pray for Eliana Faith and the Richards family. See note above
  • pray for Kaitlyn Bohlin, who used to be a part of Redeemer. She had a bad fall while climbing out West, and is in intensive care in Las Vegas. She is much improved, but has a long way to go.