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SUNDAY READINGS
Ezekiel 34:11-17
Psalm 95:1-7
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Matthew 25:31-46
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November 21, 2008
From the Rector's Desk
We have moved past the agitated excitement of early November and are just days away from our national holiday of giving thanks. I wanted to let the dust settle from the election before providing some reflection, and in the light of next week's observance I thought it might be time.
The day after the election, as you recall, was one of elation for some, and concern and disappointment for others. Much had been invested, on both sides, to secure victory and a mandate from the people, and moving through those emotions requires some perspective. Certainly I think we would regard the election and its outcome as historic, whatever you think of particular policies and possible directions. I spent some time a week after the vote with some Christian African-American friends of mine, who celebrated how much this decision means against the backdrop of our national story with race. I also see this as a significant development, and one that could hopefully encourage ongoing racial healing at home and as a witness to the world. But what might we say about faith and the election, especially as we find ourselves in a variety of positions, politically, on the outcome?
 Part of our response involves seeing God as sovereign, meaning that God is ultimately in control, working in human affairs to bring about his purposes. Usually the winners in any election have no trouble affirming this position, but we must all be humble in our attempt to 'read' sovereign actions. We can't see all ends, and our trust is required. The scriptures proclaim that God uses all manner of agents to bring about His will, and that the directions of human history do not take Him by surprise. The book of Daniel is really about God's reign over the human story, and is summarized in chapter 4: "The Most High (God) is sovereign over the kingdoms of men." The Apostle Paul echoes this in writing to those Christians living in Nero's Rome, insisting that "there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1). We may pause at this, noting the atrocities that governments have inflicted on humanity over the millennia—including Nero, as just one infamous example—but human regimes have always proven to be temporary, while God's kingdom keeps on coming at us. Some may hesitate, but we must affirm that God is sovereign and trustworthy—whether we rejoice or recoil when the votes are counted.
Secondly, it is imperative that we be praying for our incoming President and his government. These are very difficult and uncertain days, not just in our own country but around the world. And as people of faith we desire to see God's peace and justice prevail. Prayer is vital to that end—actually, it is required of us. As St. Paul was mentoring Timothy in faith and leadership he urged him "...first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." This exhortation is included in instructions for worship for the whole church, and it ties prayers for our leaders to the larger mission of the church, of calling people to salvation in Jesus Christ. So it's important that we be praying diligently for those in authority, especially President-Elect Obama, and leaders of other nations.
In addition to prayer it's our responsibility to work for the good—to proclaim truth and seek what is right. As disciples we carry out, with God's help and power, the mission of Christ to transform and redeem. Speaking through Jeremiah God told his people that they were to seek the peace (the welfare) of the city into which they had been placed as exiles—though it was not their true home they had a cultural mandate to labor for the common good. This doesn't necessarily mean, as some have interpreted it, establishing a Christian society or theocracy. But it does mean that we are to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, work to protect the innocent and infirm, and stand with those who have been plowed under by the greed, appetite and self-interest of un-just society.
We also are called to give thanks to God for the many gifts we have already received, even as we pray and work. That includes those tied to the nation's blessings but also to the many relationships God has provided to us throughout the world. We have several nationalities represented among our families at Church of the Redeemer and we have a unique relationship with the Anglican Church of Rwanda, for which we are very grateful. We have sent people into ministry from our church to places overseas and we rejoice to see how God is renewing the church globally. And we thank God, especially, for the gift of Jesus Christ who calls us to citizenship in his kingdom, even as we journey to the city "whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10).
My thoughts and prayers are with you and those close to you as we move through this weekend and into the Thanksgiving holiday next week. May it be a safe one, full of gratitude and joy.
I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday, and on Thanksgiving morning.
With thanks to God,
Jay
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
COR@9—Discover Redeemer
This week COR@9 continues with an important opportunity for those new to Redeemer. The Discover Redeemer course is a four-week series that offers our story as a church, shares our vision and mission, and provides teaching on our beliefs. It's a great way to engage with the heart of Redeemer, and to ask questions that may be on your mind. We'll have the coffee on, as well as some treats from Deerfield Bakery. We'll see you this Sunday at 9am in the Fellowship Hall.
Youth Announcements
Tonight, Friday Nov. 21st, we are having our DATE DAY. Please pray for us that this would be a time for the generations in our church to come together and serve.
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
Thank you for your prayerful response to our end of year need. Historically most of our support has come in the last quarter of the year, and that is true this year, as well. The work of God continues to move forward and in these difficult times we are called on to provide even more spiritual support and direction to a growing number of people. So we give thanks for the faithfulness of God's people.
Tithes and offerings needed Oct-Dec — $150,000
Last week's offering: $17,486
Remaining amount needed by year's end: $93,000
Note from Steve Yukel, our Treasurer: If you're considering a year-end contribution, you might want to think about donating appreciated stock. There are significant tax benefits, and the process is almost as simple as writing a check. We have experience in this area and can help you through the process. If you're interested in finding out more, please contact me at 847-832-1228 or say820 [at] yahoo.com.
Coming Up . . .
— Church of the Redeemer will have a Thanksgiving Day service at 10am at Redeemer Lutheran Church. This informal communion service will provide an opportunity for us to give thanks to God in advance of our family meals together.
— We will be making the church ready for Advent on Saturday evening, November 29th at 6pm. This was a more involved event last year, but since it is Thanksgiving weekend and families are traveling, it will be more modest. Gather at the church to help change colours, decorate, etc and offer some prayer for the Advent season in this Hanging of the Greens event. Then we'll head to Starbucks.
— On December 7th at 6pm Church of the Redeemer will offer to the community a Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols. This traditional service will feature readings that promise the coming of the Messiah, and music that responds to each reading. The music will vary, utilizing our worship team, choral group and congregational singing of worship songs and hymns.
Special Note about Worship in Wheaton
On December 3rd at 7:30pm the leaders of the Anglican Common Cause Roundtable, of which the Anglican Mission is a member, will be gathering in Wheaton to officially sign the Jerusalem Declaration. That is the statement that emerged from the Global Anglican Future Conference earlier this year in the Holy Land. You are invited to attend this service, to be held at the Evangelical Free Church on Roosevelt Rd. in Wheaton.
Service note:
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and the worship service in Wheaton on December 3rd, we will not have our Wednesday evening prayer for the next two weeks. Please remember to pray, however, for the many needs our of congregation, community and world.
Redeemer-Northwestern
Church of the Redeemer is connected to a student church based at Northwestern University. There are opportunities for connection and need for mentors from our congregation in Highland Park. If you are interested, consider attending a dinner this Sunday evening, following their worship service at 5pm at Swift Hall (the Psychology Building) to meet students.
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
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