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SUNDAY READINGS
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
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November 6, 2008
From the Rector's Desk
There is something happening in our midst that I can't fully define or describe—but I have my suspicions. My conversations recently with you and my observations in worship and at other times are leading me to suspect a real move of the Holy Spirit among us. I'm not trying to be clever or coy—I'm always cautious of those who too easily lay claim to the Spirit's blessing. There is danger in that, because the wind, as a picture of God's Spirit, moves where it wills. But as we seek to know God and share Him with others, we should give thanks and not be surprised when God answers.
You have been telling me of increased doors of witness that have been opening. I've heard of family members inquiring into faith, strangers that are responding to some deep need for truth and meaning in their lives, and friends that are entering into spiritual conversation. My own recent experience underscores this as I have had more opportunity to talk about the Lord with those who are not yet believers, yet are open and feeling drawn by an unseen hand. On a recent Sunday morning I was thrilled to encounter someone who had just received Christ—a new life given to God in the context of worship and godly conversation with others at Redeemer. It was then that I started to put together the various strands of conversation and wonder if God is not up to something?
In the book of Acts there is a powerful outpouring of God's Spirit. People respond in the thousands, lives are transformed, and the leaders of the religious establishment are frightened. This is something outside of their control. In fact, the new Christian church, as it comes together, just receives the work that God is sovereignly doing (Acts 2). We have a similar opportunity and responsibility to partner with what God desires to do, and not frustrate it or seek to shut it down. We need awareness—eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to perceive, and desire to respond.
I can't prove it—but I think that God's Spirit is wanting to move us forward in our passion for worship, our care for each other and our love for those not yet a part of our community. I'd be interested to know if you are sensing the same thing...
God's blessings on your week and your conversations.
Jay
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
This Sunday
 This Sunday we will be graced by a visit from the head of the Anglican Church in Rwanda, Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini and his wife, Freda. They are both wonderful people who have ministered the Gospel powerfully in their own country and elsewhere. It was Archbishop Kolini, along with Moses Tay of South East Asia, who took the courageous stand to consecrate missionary bishops for the United States in Singapore in 2000. Those two bishops, John Rodgers and Chuck Murphy, founded the Anglican Mission under Rwanda later that same year. Archbishop Kolini is now one of the global figures leading the re-alignment in the Anglican Church.
He will share some comments and answer some questions during COR@9 and will bring greetings during our morning worship service. We will then host them during our coffee hour, so that you will have a chance to meet them personally.
This is a rare opportunity as Archbishop Kolini only visits a handful of US churches each year. We're excited to welcome him and Freda to Church of the Redeemer.
Sunday evening at 7pm people from our Chicago region will gather for a service of prayer and praise at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst. This will include those from the Chicagoland AMiA churches and those congregations of other jurisdictions (Uganda, Southern Cone, etc). Archbishop Kolini will share with us and pray for our mission here in Chicago.
Alpha
This weekend is very important time for those in our current Alpha course. They will be going away on retreat as they seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Please pray for the leaders and those who will be participating in this vital time away.
Redeemer Kids
Each year our children are given the priviledge of helping to lead the church during the season of Advent. This year Redeemer Kids will be doing a reader's theater, written by Michelle Van Loon entitled Where Love Is, God Is. This Sunday, children will be introduced to this exciting opportunity and practices will occur during our Sunday morning children's worship time.
Youth Announcements
Parent Meeting — We are having a parents meeting ten minutes after coffee hour on Nov. 16th. This will be an opportunity to dream a little bit, walk through some calendar issues and dream about the spring.
Date Day — On Friday Nov. 21st we are having a time for younger families in the congregation to drop their kids off for a couple hours on Friday November 21st so that the younger couples can go on a date! The youth group will be providing care for the children with adult supervision.
Reaching Out
Church of the Redeemer will sponsor a coat, (also winter cap, scarf, glove/mitten) drive for the clothing closet operated by Love INC (in the name of Christ), a Christian ministry whose mission is to mobilize the Church to transform the lives of communities and individuals in the name of Christ. The coat drive will begin on November 16, 2008 and continue through the last Sunday of Advent. Please consider donating "gently used" items (for example, no broken zippers, unrepaired tears, or noticeable stains). Items most needed are large-size women's coats and children's and men's coats of all sizes, though all donations will be accepted and appreciated.
Danielle Miller and Dan Babarik will be points of contact for the coat, winter cap, scarf, glove/mitten drive. Items may be placed in the foyer prior to or after services on upcoming Sundays or you may make arrangements to give the items to Danielle or Dan. Feel free to contact Danielle or Dan.
Building Community
Be devoted to one another... Honor one another above yourselves... Pray for one another... Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you... Bear with each other... Teach and admonish one another... Encourage one another... Be kind and compassionate with one another... Love one another deeply, from the heart...
Reading through the numerous "one another" commands in the Epistles, it's clear that God calls us not only to Himself, but to each other. At Redeemer, small groups are one way we seek to grow more like Christ by living out these "one another" commands. They help us move out of the modern emphasis on individuality that permeates much of our lives and thinking, and toward the Biblical model of living in community. Small groups are meant to foster love, acceptance, forgiveness — and the challenge to grow.
New small groups are now forming around the region. If you are interested in learning more and potentially joining a small group, please contact Sallie Vroom, Small Groups coordinator, at sallie.vroom [at] att.net or 847-563-8274. For more information about a specific group, please contact the leader below:
Stewardship at Church of the Redeemer
Tithes and offerings needed Oct-Dec — $150,000
Amount given since Oct 1 — $29,200
Amount Still Needed — $120,800
Last week's offering — $9,296
Notes . . .
— We grieve with and pray for Fritz Thomas and family in the loss of his mother, Katherine. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11am at the Chapel of the Presbyterian Homes in Evanston.
— Our next Leaders Gathering will be Saturday morning, November 15th, from 9-10:30 at the Evangelical Church in Highland Park. If you lead a ministry at Redeemer this is an important time as we seek and follow God's direction as a church.
— We will host a Thanksgiving Day worship service at Redeemer Lutheran at 10am. This will be a more informal time of worship, giving thanks, and receiving communion.
Please pray for . . .
- The mission and vision of Church of the Redeemer
- God's provision and will in these days
- For those elected to serve in government, that they may fulfill God's purposes
- Our Redeemer staff
- Those in need in body, mind and spirit
- Alpha, and other new ministries and opportunities emerging at Church of the Redeemer
- Archbishop Kolini and Freda's visit
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