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From the Rector's Desk COR@9 Welcome Lunch As We Forgive Giving at Church of the Redeemer Special Guest Preacher Picnic Prayer Requests
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October 9, 2008
Living with Open Hands
Dr. Graham Cole has begun an outstanding series of four classes on great ideas from the Reformation. This is a great opportunity to learn from one of the Church's leading theologians and fellow servants. Join us this Sunday at 9am for session 2 on sola fide—
faith alone.
Are you new, or relatively new, to Church of the Redeemer? Interested in learning more about the church, and how you can make connections? Plan on being a part of our welcome lunch, Sunday October 19th, right after coffee hour. We'll handle the details—just come and enjoy. Contact our office with any questions.
One of our key outreach opportunities this fall is a special screening of a new film on Rwanda, telling the story of forgiveness through the lives of two women who survived the genocide. It has already won several awards and has recently been tapped by National Geographic for its film tour. This professional film includes footage of Sonrise School, interviews with Bishop Rucyahana, and a clear message of Christian forgiveness. The filmmaker, Laura Waters Hinson, will be available for Q and A after the screening.
A mark of the redeemed life is a person who gives—openly, generously and with joy. On Sunday you heard Steve Yukel, our Treasurer, outline the giving needs for the final quarter of 2008. Our goal of $150,000 over the next three months is a large mountain for us, and it is similar to the needs we have faced in the last several years. And although we met the goal last year, we can't be complacent about this need. But God, through us, is able.
Please pray, and seek God's provision, then give as he directs. Prayer is foundational to all that we engage in, as we seek God's will and trust in him.
Come this Sunday ready to hear what God is doing at the point of greatest need, particularly in Chicago. Pastor Phil Jackson reaches thousands of young people in one of the hardest neighborhoods in the city—Lawndale. His current outreach is the establishing of a community arts center to transform the lives of kids, through the love of Christ and the teaching of marketable skills. Father Jay served briefly on the board of this art center before joining Redeemer as Rector and is encouraging us to receive Pastor Phil with open and expectant hearts.
Thanks to all who assisted with our church picnic last Sunday. We experienced a great time of sharing and getting to know some new friends. The turnout was very good, and the rain held off until after the event.
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Lately I've been offering some reflections, biblically and spiritually, on our response to the financial situation that has now spread across the world. This includes a reflection in a similar email a couple of weeks ago and the sermon on Sunday. To recap, the scriptures hold up the reality of God's ownership of and sovereignty over all things, and that we can trust him. That trust leads us to live our lives as stewards in ways that are open and generous, even when others are losing their heads. No doubt we will be presented with many opportunities to trust God and serve others in ways we have not yet known.
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