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SUNDAY READINGS
2 Kings 5:1-15ab
Psalm 42:1-7
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Mark 1:40-45
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February 13, 2009
Alpha—Coming Again to Redeemer
The Alpha Course has been used in multiple thousands of lives around the world to present the story of God's grace and the truth of Jesus. Church of the Redeemer offered one Alpha opportunity last fall that is now branching out in order to bear more fruit. We anticipate 2-3 different Alpha options to begin in the next few weeks.
Helpers are needed to pray, support and cook for these important outreach settings. Please consider stepping forward to be a part of something that will lead people to Christ. Contact Ricki Rosengren at rickirosie [a] sbcglobal.net.
FaithSteps—Reflections from the Journey
Dear Redeemer,
Before I came to church of the Redeemer, church was a burden to me. I could not see why God was so crazy about church. All those verses about the church being God's bride and the church being a family, I simply brushed off my shoulder. Then, I came to church of the Redeemer. I saw the church alive for the first time in my life. I finally understood the meaning of fellowship. God met me at Church of the Redeemer and showed me that everything deserves a second chance. He taught me a priceless lesson about the church... that a church is a body rejoicing with each other, crying with each other, and laughing with each other. Now, the church is my second family. I feel safety I cannot feel anywhere else in my life in that church. Church is a special treat for me starting each week with a positive experience. As Redeemer grows as a church, I feel as though I grow in unison with my faith. I will never look at a church the same way. The members of Redeemer are there for me through thick and thin and I for them. There seems to be an unspoken promise among the members of the church to be there in times of need and trouble. The vibrancy, life, security, and hope that Church of the Redeemer brings to my life are feelings that will never be forgotten.
Send your own notes to redeemer[a]redeemernorthshore.org
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
How do we live as faithful stewards in the midst of tough financial times? As those who trust the provision of God we make decisions to live more simply and authentically, and we live in sensitivity to the needs of others. As we pray and give we are making a witness to ourselves and the world about the nature of God's provision. Randy Alcorn, who has written several books on biblical stewardship, says that how we respond to these times is actually part of our call to evangelize.
"For one thing, in tough times Christian charity is needed all the more. For another, the testimony of that giving is even more profound. Giving in tough times tells the world that it is God's providence, not a large checking account, that is the source of our sustenance and security."
We may be tempted to hold on more tightly to what we have, but our giving proclaims what we believe, and it helps to lessen the hold that things have on us, even as it breaks our fear over what will happen in the economy. As a community of faith let's continue to seek God's provision and give openly to that Kingdom work in our midst. Thank you for your faithful and consistent stewardship at Church of the Redeemer.
Average offering needed each week: $6,500
Last week's offering: $ 2,618
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.
Calendar
Please note a couple of upcoming events:
— Youth Broomball Tournament — Friday February 13th.
— Ash Wednesday, February 25th. Services at 12noon (Evangelical Church HP) and 7:30pm (Redeemer Lutheran)
— Growing Leaders — 9am Saturday, March 7th
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
- Our new Vestry, and their first meeting next Tuesday
- For Alpha, outreach and other ministries at Redeemer
- Mike Niebauer and Redeemer-Northwestern
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