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SUNDAY READINGS
Jeremiah 3:21-4:2
Psalm 130
1 Corinthians 7:17-23
Mark 1:14-20
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January 22, 2009
From the Rector's Desk
Celebrate!
The other day I dropped by the Lutheran Church to pick up something we needed at the office. You may know that there is a Montessori School operating in that space during the week, so it is full of children and activity. As I was going down the back steps to the door, a child burst in from the parking lot, and on spying one of her friends shouted "Happy Birthday, Jeffrey!! It's your birthday today!" She was thrilled for her friend, animated and jumping, probably looking forward to some type of party that was to follow.
As children grow we generally educate the celebration out of them, telling them to be quiet, tone down, and avoid things like 'running in church'. I know this, because I often said these kinds of things to my own children, and usually for good reason. But I do wonder sometimes if we have lost our way when it comes to celebration, or even sorrow? Are we disconnected from the emotions God gave us to help us handle life, and to mark its journey? David danced in procession before the Lord, hardly something good Anglicans would approve of. People tore their clothing in repentance, donned ashes or exulted in great banquets. And they danced—they celebrated the goodness of God, even in difficult times.
As adults many of us have learned the lessons of our higher education that told us to stand apart, evaluate and dispassionately critique (this is true in seminary education, as well). We have walled off much of our emotional expression and can be in danger of becoming 'divided' people, with the permitted exception of sporting events.
The invitation to follow God is deep and requires more than a timid response. Psalm 34 calls us to "Taste and see that the Lord is good"—this is a feasting that invites our full participation, body mind and spirit. It is an authentic existence, not one that is insincerely happy on the surface for the sake of others, but an honest response to life, especially God's goodness and the reality that God's love is real and his victory certain. David danced not because it was choreographed, but because he could not stop his feet.
This Sunday we will give thanks for God's goodness to us through this church that he has called into being. We'll feast together, rehearse where he has led us in the last year, and look with hope to where he is calling. These are difficult times for many, and we are not ignoring that, but we're considering it against God's outrageous provision of grace. It is a time to celebrate and rejoice, and yes, if it strikes you, to dance. I could certainly use the exercise.
"This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes"—Psalm 118:23
Thoro Harris, one of the early Pentecostal hymn writers captured this spirit of joyful celebration in a hymn from 1919. It's not a great work of poetry or high art, but it is a fresh and honest response to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and God's victory over sin and death—divine victory that David celebrated in dance (1 Chronicles 15).
When David danced before the Lord,
The ark was coming up the road;
His wife despised him in her heart;
The ark was coming up the road.
It's coming, hallelujah!
The ark is coming up the road;
It's coming, hallelujah!
The ark is coming up the road.
I do believe without a doubt—
The ark is coming up the road—
God's children have a right to shout—
The ark is coming up the road.
Sing on, pray on, we're gaining ground;
The ark is coming up the road;
The pow'r of God is coming down;
The ark is coming up the road.
I look forward to celebrating with you this Sunday.
Many blessings!
Jay
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
Annual Celebration
We're looking forward to our celebration together this week following the worship service. This will be a potluck meal following the Sunday worship service next Sunday, January 25th. We'll hear some stories of God's faithfulness, look at the opportunities and challenges ahead and select Vestry members. The annual budget will be presented to the congregation, as well. This celebration is for anyone who says "I belong to Church of the Redeemer... this is my church".
We hope you will participate by bringing a dish to share (by last name) —
A-I Dessert for 8
J-R Side Dish/Veggie for 8
S-Z Salad/Bread for 8
If you are a student, please plan on bringing the listed item for your name for 2-3 people. The main dish (including a vegetarian option) will be provided. Please also bring your own dishware & silverware. We would like to be environmentally friendly by not using plasticware. If you have any questions please call or email the church office.
Call for Stories
How has God met you through Church of the Redeemer in the last year? Would you be willing to take a moment and tell us, so we all can celebrate? We would like to have these testimonies in before the end of next week, so we can share them at the annual celebration.
Just write a paragraph or two on how the Lord through our community is meeting you and drawing you forward. You can sign your name or not... and we'll make these available next Sunday.
Email redeemer@redeemernorthshore.org
Thanks for responding as we encourage each other in the journey.
Special Guests
On Sunday, February 1, Church of the Redeemer will have another unusual opportunity to welcome a global Christian leader. The retired Primate of the Anglican Church of South East Asia, the Most Rev. Datuk Yong Ping Chung, will be our guest preacher, and will be visiting Redeemer with his wife, Julia. Bishop Yong provided crucial leadership to his home Province and the Anglican Mission for a number of years. He has been one of the key leaders of the Christian Church in Asia, having served in numerous leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Council of Churches in East Asia, and Chairman of the Anglican Consultative Council in the mid 80's.
The growth of his province came in a region of the world dominated by Islam, which, he says, calls for a very clear and strong presentation of the Gospel. "I come from the most multi-religious area, I would say, in the world. The other religious leaders will respect you if you have a clear understanding and obedience to what your belief is. It is a mistake to think that by pleasing the world we can gain it. You may fool the people for some time, but in a little while, they will ask: 'You don't believe anything. Why should I follow you?'"
Bishop Yong and Julia are greatly used of God to encourage churches and offer challenge, particularly in the area of evangelism. Begin inviting friends now to hear this champion of the Gospel. The story of the tremendous growth of the South East Asian Anglican Church is told in Michael Green's book, Asian Tigers for Christ: The Dynamic Growth of the Church in South-East Asia .
Join us for a conversation with the Bishop at 9am, followed by worship at 10.
Stewardship Update
More stewardship details about 2008 and the budget for 2009 will be available at our annual celebration this Sunday.
Please pray that as people weather this global financial crisis giving to the Lord's work will remain strong as we walk by faith and trust in God's provision. Thank you for your part in supporting the common work and ministry to which we are called.
Last week's offering: $2,610
Winter Conference
Church of the Redeemer is affiliated with the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA), a church planting movement in North America sponsored by the Anglican Church of Rwanda. The AMiA will hold its annual Winter Conference January 28-31—a time not of business and polity, but of encouragement, challenge and inspiration. This year's conference will be in Greensboro, NC, and everyone is welcome. For more information visit www.theamia.org
Ministry with Youth and Children
From Ryan—
Moved the Parents Meeting to THIS Sunday BEFORE Service at 9:20 in the morning. We're going to be discussing two things.
(1) Information about our Summer Trip.
(2) Talking about starting up ALPHA for youth.
From Allyson—
Redeemer Kids has volunteer opportunities available in the following areas:
In the 2 year old - 4 year old class, we are looking for a few individuals to serve as a teacher's assistant. This involves helping to facilitate the lesson on Sunday mornings while creating a safe and loving environment for our young children.
The class for 5 year olds - 5th graders is looking for co-teachers who would work alongside another volunteer in a variety of capacities including music, story-telling, games, crafts, etc.
Both are once-a-month commitments and provide a wonderful opportunity to create relationships with children at Redeemer and invest in their spiritual growth.
For more information about these opportunities contact Allyson Entner.
Notes...
— Some men of the church have begun to gather for breakfast twice a month. Please plan on joining for fellowship and encouragement the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 7am at George's What's Cooking, 350 S. Waukegan, Deerfield. The next breakfast will be February 12th. Contact Mark, battaglia.mark@gmail.com
— Due to the Winter Conference and a few days away for Fr. Jay there will not be Wednesday noon Eucharist services for the next two weeks. Our next service will be February 11th. Evening Prayer gatherings will continue.
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
- Mark Battaglia and others who need employment
- Sallie Vroom, Helen Bass, and others for physical healing
- The Anglican Mission's Winter Conference
- Decisions related to Alpha, outreach and other ministries at Redeemer
- St. Michael's parish in Rwanda, Rev. Agnes Kamashara and Sonrise School
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