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SUNDAY READINGS
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-12
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
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February 6, 2009
From the Rector's Desk
As we move past January and into a new month, I would like to offer my reflections on three significant events for us, and take them in reverse order.
It has been very encouraging to have the former Primate of SE Asia and his wife, Julia, with us for a few days. Archbishop Yong is a man of humility, insight, biblical and pastoral care and courage, and humour. It can be very helpful to have people in our midst from outside of our context, as they can be sensitive to the things we have become accustomed to and can gently (or not so gently) lead us forward. Of course, they have their own cultural and personal proclivities, as well. Both Archbishop Yong and Julia have challenged us to think about the things that hinder us in my lives of following Christ. He spoke on Sunday of the 'giants' they face in Malaysia... the giants of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and multiple indigenous religions. They are surrounded by these and have to make a decision: either to withdraw into a 'refuge' and 'safety' mentality, or like Joshua and Caleb, to claim the land given to them by God. This is not easy, and it requires deep commitment, singular focus and much prayer and listening. We face our own giants—materialism, workaholism, obsession with sports and leisure (when we're not knocking ourselves out at work), individualism and other pursuits that draw us from time with God and each other. It seems that we are driven people from the moment we get up to the exhaustion at the end of the day. I'm not pointing fingers here—I am struck by my own ability to make peace with giants. Naturally, the Yongs never pointed out these things, being too polite and humble to do so. But their visit here has left me greatly encouraged, and somewhat unsettled.
Archbishop and Julia were in Chicago following the AMiA's Winter Conference, attended by about 1200 people, including myself and several of our staff members. This is always an encouraging time of worship and challenge to mission in our churches. This year, especially, as the fabric of Anglicanism (and Christianity) continues to be re-woven in North America and elsewhere, that commitment to mission was at the fore. Time was given to reflect on the life of the church as we raise up younger leaders and reach out to the generations that are coming up. We have a real blessing and opportunity at Redeemer because we are living into this already, although there is much we can do to intentionally strengthen relationships and understandings. Mission for us must include mission that is multi-generational, with a particular sensitivity to youth and young adults, as well as those beginning families, entering the workforce, in graduate school or college, etc. Many churches have to imagine what that would look like. We just need to look around us and celebrate those God has brought into our community, then ask how we can do this better, with God's help.
Our time at Winter Conference was also marked by a clear commitment to and appreciation for our leadership in Rwanda and in America. As you read and hear news reports on the many proposed changes in Anglican alignments in North America, know that we have a special calling as an outreach of the Anglican Province of Rwanda. We will continue to be under the courageous leadership of Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini (who was with us recently at Redeemer) and the Rwandan House of Bishops, as well as the leadership of the Anglican Mission. This is where God has sovereignly placed us as a community, and the base from which we live out the Gospel in the North Shore. I will share more on this later, but at this point, please know that nothing has changed in our relationship to Rwanda, and that they need our prayers.
Winter Conference came just after our Annual Celebration, and it was a great celebratory event. If you were not with us, then I would encourage you to contact our office for some of the information that we distributed, but I regret that we aren't able to pass along the sense of what it was like to enter into that meal and time of fellowship, testimony, remembrance, and looking ahead. The sharing from Graham and Jules Cole helped to summarize much of what God is doing in our midst, with a renewal of worship that leads to new life in Christ, as they told of their friend from Australia who found the Lord last year at Redeemer, through worship, preaching and the witness of others.
Deep thanks go to Paula Sershon for preparing the delicious entrees, and for Brocki Murphy in planning and organizing the event. Brocki also worked extra hours to have our church directory available in time for the luncheon, and they look great. Please pick one up at the welcome table if you have not yet received one.
I'm out of town for a few days of rest, for which I am very grateful. I thank God for you and that we are on this journey together, following the Lord.
Peace,
Jay
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
Meals of Mercy
Meals of Mercy is a wonderful ministry here at Church of the Redeemer providing meals to attenders during challenging times of life... a new baby, sickness, moving, etc. If someone wants to provide a meal, knows of someone who may need a meal or if someone would like to request a meal please contact Julie Battaglia via phone (224.595.1152 or 847.480.1152) or email (battaglia.julie [a] gmail.com) or Brocki Murphy at the church office.
Special Thanks
Belated thanks... a special thank you goes out to Paula Sershon for cooking and providing the delicious entrees at our Annual Celebration two weeks ago. Thank you, Paula! Your service, talent and patience are much appreciated!
Christian Beginnings
Christian Beginnings has been providing over 30 years of Christian based preschool and full time daycare education to Deerfield and the surrounding communities. They currently have enrollment opportunities for the 2009-2010 academic year in our preschool two (not required to be potty trained), three and four year old as well as our junior kindergarten classes. We also have limited availability in our two, three and four year old full time day care program. Our full time program is available to working families Monday through Friday from 7am-6pm. We require a minimum commitment of 3 days a week. Also, our 2009 part time Summer Camp enrollment begins soon! Call or email the school to learn more about our programs at (847) 945-5140 or email ChristianBeginnings [a] comcast.net. We are located at 824 Waukegan Road in Deerfield.
New Small Group Forming for Young Adults
As we heard at the Celebration Dinner, discipleship is a continuing priority for us in 2009. At Church of the Redeemer, small groups are one important way for us to grow deeper in the Lord and closer with one another. A new small group for young adults is currently forming and will meet each Tuesday night. Come join us at 7 p.m., beginning February 10! For more information, contact Amanda Holm or Janni Firestone.
Discipleship at Redeemer
Some of you have recently expressed an openness to growing deeper with Christ, and others are interested in helping to encourage us as a community moving together on that journey. None of us has "arrived", but if we are in Christ then we are on the journey. Right now there are three ways you can contribute to our efforts to be more focused on discipleship this year.
— 1 — Come to a 'brainstorming session' and/or join a team to look at the tapestry of ways Redeemer can be engaged in discipleship.
— 2 — Send Jason a list of books and resources you have found helpful (this could also include people you know) to add to a list related to the subjects of discipleship and spiritual formation.
— 3 — Pray that as a community we will discern the ways Christ would have us move toward Him this year.
Contact Jason Miller by email or at 847-274-5532.
Stewardship Update
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: $2,684
Ministry with Youth and Children
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
— Some Alpha groups are starting up in the next month and we would appreciate prayers that those invited would be interested and available to join these groups. Please pray also that through the Alpha groups those who do not know Christ personally would come to put their faith in Him.
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
- Julie Babarik and family as they mourn the loss of Julie's father, and others who have lost loved ones
- For Alpha, outreach and other ministries at Redeemer
- St. Michael's parish in Rwanda, Rev. Agnes Kamashara and Sonrise School
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