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SUNDAY READINGS
Isaiah 65:17-25
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
John 3:23-30
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December 12, 2008
Singing the Season
Music and readings of the Advent season resounded Sunday night in a church full of worshipers who had come to reflect upon and celebrate the promised incarnation. A Service of Lessons and Carols was enthusiastically received as an alternative to much of the focus of the holiday season. "This was deeply needed, and fed my soul tremendously," offered a worshiper from Evanston. Another person reflected that 'it was much different than I had imagined. It was such a peaceful and powerful presentation of the Gospel that settled and calmed my life".
The service was built upon nine readings from scripture that reveal our need of God's salvation and the promises of that salvation, culminating in the coming of the eternal Word of God (from John's gospel). Music responded to the readings, from congregational hymns and carols, to music led by the worship team, to a choral group pulled together just for the evening. A highlight was the use of the Martin Ott pipe organ—silent since Church of the Redeemer began using the space over a year ago. Young and old were captivated by the use of the organ's unique bell system on the final hymn. The 'Zimbelstern' or cymbal-star feature is modeled after European organs of the 17th century, in which a star-shaped wheel rotates to ring bells while the pipes are played. The star on the organ case indicates that Redeemer's organ is equipped with this feature. "I knew it had to be there somewhere," said guest organist Nathan LeMahieu, "It was just a matter of finding where it turned on." We're hoping to have Nathan return from time to time throughout the coming year.
Based on a service from King's College, Cambridge developed in the early 1900's, the combination of readings, prayers and music is now presented in churches around the world every December, and was adapted for use at Church of the Redeemer by Chris Marchand and Amanda Holm. "For me, Lessons and Carols was one of the highlights of my time here at Redeemer," noted Amanda. "Toward the beginning of the service, something about the combination of the organ playing, the light of the candles, and the sight of the full sanctuary made me overwhelmed with gratitude at how the Lord is pouring his blessings out upon our church and our ministry. The beauty of that evening will stay with me for a long time."
Amen.
Where Love Is
This Sunday, as part of our 10am worship, our children will present a special reading for Advent. "Where Love Is, God Is" is an adaptation by Michelle Van Loon of a Russian folk tale, popularized by Leo Tolstoy. Our children have chosen this reader's theatre format instead of the traditional 'pageant' and have been working together for a number of weeks. We're looking forward to being led in the joy of Advent longing by our children at Church of the Redeemer. Please come and be a part of this special time of worship.
Time to Share
There are many needs around us, not only at this time of the year, but in the cold of winter and in the shadow of Christmas expectations want is even more keenly felt. We may not be able to meet every need, but there are things we can do. Because of that we are currently engaged in a coat drive with Love Inc in Lake County, and we encourage everyone to do what they can. Even our children's classes are collecting good mittens and gloves to donate.
The coat drive continues 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.
Stewardship at Year End
While Advent may mark the beginning of the church year it marks the end of our fiscal year, which runs with the calendar. So by the end of December it's important for Church of the Redeemer to be able to meet all of our financial obligations and begin 2009 in a strong place for growing ministry.
Like you, I have been receiving letters asking for financial help in these tough times from various groups and ministries—most of them doing outstanding work, and I encourage you to consider their requests. But the local church stands in a different place. It is not another religious 501(c)3 organization, but it is the primary place of ministry for the people of God, and the community where we are called to invest our tithes and our lives. It forms the center for worship, formation and evangelism in the Christian community, which is why the scriptures call for such a high level of commitment and devotion toward the church and supporting its work (Malachi 3, Acts 2 and 4, 2 Corinthians 9, etc). Giving to the work of the Lord at Church of the Redeemer is a sacred trust and opportunity, and it is part of our spiritual growth and obedience to God. That may sound 'heavy', but it's responding out of gratitude to God's goodness and generosity that leads to joy and freedom in our lives. So it's a vital discipline for each Christian.
We've seen God move among us this year as we are growing, as we have reached out in various ways to the communities around us, and as new groups and ministries have emerged. New life is being breathed into our fellowship and new faces are seen among us each week, even as connections among us are strengthened. We are being made ready to move forward in our journey as a congregation—prepared for what God has in store for us to be and to do.
So together, as we look at year's end, let us pray and ask God to direct—being ready to respond, according to what each of us can do. Then let's give thanks for God's goodness and that he has called us to be his own. 2008 has been an exciting year for our church, and we look forward to what God has in store for us as we soon begin another year of serving together.
Blessings—Jay
Offering last week: $18,117
Amount still needed by year's end: $58,755
Advent Resources
To enrich your observance of Advent, here are a few publications.
Watch For The Light: Readings For Advent And Christmas
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, et al.
Advent and Christmas Wisdom by Henri Nouwen
Check out our web site for out-of-print devotionals from Henri Nouwen on the season of Advent.
Christmas Eve Worship
Advent doesn't last forever—soon it will be Christmas, and we will be celebrating the birth of the long awaited Christ child. Since we have taken the time to get ready during Advent, we don't observe Christmas for only a day, but a season. In fact, the Church celebrates Christmas until January 6th, so there will be plenty of time to sing those well-loved carols that we have not included in our Advent worship.
There will be a family worship service on Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 6:30pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church. This will be a communion service, and it will be preceded by the singing of Christmas carols, starting around 6pm. This is our main Christmas service, as we do not usually schedule a service on Christmas Day so that our staff may be with their families.
Wednesday noon services will not be held on the 24th and the 31st.
Notes...
— we're currently working on a new church directory and hope to have it out to you in the New Year. Though we started this earlier in the year, our office transition and our growth over the summer/fall made it necessary to wait a little. But it's coming soon, so thanks for responding to any requests for information from our office.
Please pray for . . .
- The mission and vision of Church of the Redeemer
- God's provision and will in these days
- Our Redeemer staff and other leaders
- Those in need in body, mind and spirit
- Those far from God, that they would receive the Saviour in this season
- For integrity in our elected leaders, and for just leaders around the world
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