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SUNDAY READINGS

Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46

October 24, 2008

As We Forgive

Laura Waters HinsonA new award-winning documentary on the power of forgiveness in Rwanda made its Northshore debut Wednesday night before an enthusiastic gathering at the Wilmette Theatre. Sponsored by Church of the Redeemer, the film's showing was part of a tour making its way across the country telling the story of the small but growing segment of the Rwandan people learning to forgive following ethnic genocide in 1994. "This is a growing minority of people, to be sure," observed Laura Waters Hinson, the filmmaker, in comments following the showing. "But we hope to screen the film in Rwanda as an encouragement to others to enter into the hard but important process of forgiveness".

Laura made the film as part of her MFA degree at the American University in Washington, DC. It is attracting widespread attention and awards, including the Gold Medal in the student division of the Academy Awards. "This was very powerful," shared one of the audience members. "I don't think I ever thought of Rwanda in quite this way. It's opened my eyes." Laura was captivated with the idea of recording people's stories after President Kagame released tens of thousands of genocide perpetrators from prison several years ago. They were going back to their homes and villages, and to the neighbors whose families they murdered. Prison Fellowship Rwanda, headed by Bishop John Rucyahana, has been leading the reconciliation and forgiveness efforts, as genocide perpetrators and victims build new houses and villages together.

Laura Waters Hinson, in addition to being an up-and-coming film maker, is helping to plant an Anglican Mission church in Washington DC pastored by her husband, Tommy. "I certainly don't play down my faith in these public screenings," shared Laura, "but I do let the film speak on its own. It tells a powerful faith story that is compelling—that draws people in regardless of their background. It's a story that doesn't get old."

Church of the Redeemer has been working with Bishop John for a decade, helping to establish Sonrise School for orphans of the genocide and AIDS, and working in mission on the Northshore of Chicago under the leadership of the Anglican Church of Rwanda. "This film is a natural fit for us and our relationships with Rwanda," observed the Rev. Jay Greener, the church's Rector. "For our people to be able to see Sonrise School, Kigali, the country side and the people is important, since most of us will never travel there. But the story itself is the main thing—that God makes possible forgiveness of the highest order after the deepest violation. That's something we can't do on our own, and we're learning important lessons from our brothers and sisters in Rwanda."

Those who attended the outreach event included people from Church of the Redeemer, their friends and guests, interested community people and a group that traveled from Lawndale Community Church on the city's West side.


Regional Prayer and Praise

Anglican churches from across the Chicagoland area will gather for a service of prayer and worship on Sunday, November 9th at 7pm. This includes Anglican Mission congregations as well as Anglican churches part of other jurisdictions, such as Nigeria, Uganda and the Southern Cone. Come pray and worship together as the Church of the Redeemer worship team leads. Archbishop Kolini of Rwanda will be our special guest.

The service is being held in a location fairly central to our area churches: Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, 1099 South York Rd. in Elmhurst.


Special Visitation

We look forward to welcoming as a special guest on November 9 the Most Rev. Emmanuel Kolini, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda. This is an unusual opportunity as Archbishop Kolini is able to visit only a handful of his churches in the US each year. He will share with us during the 9am hour (COR@9) and be on hand during the 10am worship to bring greetings from Rwanda. This is a Sunday not to miss, so plan on being here and bringing along those who might be interested in meeting him as he is leading, in council with other Global South Anglican Primates, a new realignment in the Church.


Welcome

It was our privilege and joy to welcome dozens of people to a journey of discovery at Church of the Redeemer during last week's welcome lunch. These included those who have been attending the church for a number of months and a few who worshiped with us for the first time on Sunday. We invited over 50 people, and most of those were able to be there. Please pray for the welcome team as we reach out and grow. The next step is "Discover Redeemer", a four-week course on our church, beginning November 16th at 9am (COR@9).


COR@9

You may not be used to getting to church at 9am, but with the new energy surrounding the COR@9 teachings you may want to give it another look. Dr. Graham Cole will be wrapping up an outstanding series this week on the great ideas of the Reformation (in time for Reformation Day, October 31st).

November 2nd will feature a special guest, Dr. Richard Turnbull of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, on what it means to be Anglican and Evangelical. Wycliffe Hall is the evangelical Anglican seminary affiliated with Oxford.

And on November 9th COR@9 will welcome one of the Anglican Church's leading figures, Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda.

So get up a little earlier—we'll handle the coffee—and we'll see you Sunday mornings at 9am.



Stewardship at Church of the Redeemer

Please pray for God's provision and our openness as we seek to meet our budget by year's end. Giving is a spiritual enterprise, not just a matter of numbers, so prayer is foundational as we learn to trust God, especially in uncertain financial times. Church of the Redeemer is a place where people are meeting God, where we are growing in multiple ways and where we are sending people into mission. Thank you for giving sacrificially to invest in work that will transcend time and place.

Average offering needed each week: $6900
Offering last Sunday: $12,417



Notes . . .

— Looking ahead to November please note that we will have a Thanksgiving Service, 10am Thanksgiving Day at our usual Sunday location, Redeemer Lutheran Church on Deerfield Rd.

— Congratulations to Danielle and Jason Miller on the birth last week of Kathryn Joy. She weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz and was 20" long. Kate joins her older brother Brennen, who is still trying to figure out who this strange visitor is. See photos at The Miller Saga.

— Our next Leader's Gathering is November 15, from 9-10:30 at the Evangelical Church in Highland Park.


Please pray for . . .

  • The mission and vision of Church of the Redeemer
  • God's provision and will in these days
  • Our Redeemer staff
  • Those in need in body, mind and spirit
  • Alpha, and other new ministries and opportunities emerging at Church of the Redeemer