Church of the Redeemer Update

As we draw closer to Holy Week we continue to reflect on the disciplines of Lent. In past reflections we have looked at prayer and fasting, and today we turn to one that is vital to our spiritual health, yet often overlooked. Perhaps almsgiving is misunderstood because the word itself seems archaic and distant in its meaning—it's not a word you'll hear at the local Starbucks in general conversation. The words 'alms' can be traced back through Middle and Old English, Latin and Greek to its association with mercy and pity. It relates to giving—not just generally to the work of the church—but specifically to those who are poor, as we express the love of Christ in mercy to those in need.

Sometimes the call to give to the poor can be eclipsed in the church by appeals to build programs and facilities—things that can be vital to the work of the kingdom. But we must not do that to the neglect of giving alms, and Lent is an appropriate backdrop of that reminder.

The scriptures consistently speak of the danger of wealth and the ways that it can draw us away from God and the economy of God's kingdom. "Money is muscle," as Bishop Murphy is fond of saying, and it is important that resources be released for the work of the church. Almsgiving, as part of a larger practice of stewardship, helps to protect against the kind of charity that will only benefit ourselves, in the end.

Jesus told his hearers not to be caught up in worry over finances and material provision, but to place ultimate value in heaven and eternal things. "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes and no moth destroys" (Luke 12:33). The giving of alms is a spiritual discipline because it helps to counteract the value system that we live in and work in every day... that calls us to earn more, do more and spend more to underscore our value as people. And apparently God takes note of that.

In Acts 10 we meet Cornelius, a Roman centurion who was a devout man, seeking to know the truth of God. In response to his prayers he is visited by an angelic messenger who declares, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor (or alms) have come up as a memorial before God". St. Paul commends those who give to the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15) and mentors Timothy to compel the rich to be content and to give to those in need (1 Timothy 6).

There are numerous other directives in scripture requiring us to help and sustain the poor, including the many sayings of Jesus on this subject. So how do we enter more fully into this discipline that it might become part of our lives as a community throughout the year, especially as we face economic uncertainty?

Here are a couple of 'handles':

— One way we can be engaged in almsgiving is through the Rector's Discretionary Fund. Contributions to this fund at the church are used to help those in need—often in our own congregation, as well as those in the broader community. Giving in this way really does separate the right hand from the left (Matthew 6: 3-4).

— we can also give alms by being aware of needs around us, and responding as we are able. This might include buying groceries for someone, or helping with a utility bill or medical expenses. If we don't know any people in financial need then it may be time to intentionally expand our circle of friendships and acquaintances. During Lent this year we can donate food to help the immigrant family from Rwanda that we are assisting as they journey towards stable life in our country.

— children suffer most from poverty, and there are a number of ways to support and assist at-risk children, domestically and abroad. Sponsoring a child through Compassion International, for example, not only provides for wholistic development, but enables sponsor and child to establish a relationship over time.

— fill in the blank with your own ideas... I would love to hear them and pass them on.

May we grow in our awareness of need, and the call to enter into caring more deeply and tangibly.

Blessings and peace,

Jay

The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org

We are currently collecting food for the Mukundente family from Rwanda. They came to America a number of years ago through contacts at Church of the Redeemer, and our ongoing connection, friendship and help is important to them and to us. Here are some suggestions on food items:

Vegetable oil
Sugar
Flour
White vinegar
Evaporated milk
Apple sauce
Ramen noodles
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels)
Rice
Beef Hotdogs (no pork -some of them have allergies)
Bologna
Tea

Chicken Vegetable Soup
Beans (variety canned or dried)
Bread White and wheat
Peanut Butter
Tomato sauce
Pasta
Potatoes
Apples
Onions
Juices (apple and berry and mango type mixtures)
Cleaning products: bleach, glass cleaner, Pinesol)
Laundry detergent

* You can also donate Aldi gift certificates or support their other needs through a check to Church of the Redeemer, designated for their help.

When it comes to fashion, have you ever wondered what is involved in the design process? What takes place from the inception of an idea to the actual clothing found in the store? Jules Cole, a fashion designer, will be speaking on this very topic on March 21st at Julie Battaglia's home from 11:00-1:00. Jules trained as a fashion designer at East Sydney College, in Sydney, Australia. At the age of 20 she had her first job as a fashion designer. Jules has worked as a designer for many companies, had her own design business and now teaches in Fashion Design programs at the International Academy of Design and Technology and Harper College.

This will be a fun and interactive time of learning a bit more about fashion, color, trends, the design process and much more. This will be an excellent opportunity to welcome others to the Redeemer community! Begin thinking about whom you could invite to this event, as we seek to extend welcome to those in the NorthShore area.

RSVP: reed.katel[a]gmail.com

What is whirly ball? Players ride an electrically powered bumper car, playing a unique part basketball, polo and jai lai game. It's a blast! Everyone who tries, loves it! Check it out!

Time and Place: Meeting at the Battaglia's at 3:15 pm. Our time is scheduled at 4:00 pm in Vernon Hills. We'll meet at the Battaglia's and then travel to the Whirly ball court!

Cost: $20 a person
RSVP: Ryan's Email or Phone

The children's ministry is continuing to engage in Lent through prayer and giving!

Prayer
The prayer requests from our Redeemer family are continuing to come in! The children are praying for them during our children's worship time, and families are also encouraged to take some home, pray for the needs over the course of the week, and return them the next Sunday. This is a great way for families to bring further prayer into the home during Lent.

Giving
Redeemer Kids is heading up a food drive, which will give children an opportunity to give during this season. Everyone at Redeemer is invited to participate in this event, which will run through Easter Sunday. The goods will be given to a Rwandan family who has a long standing relationship to Redeemer and has some food related needs. A list of grocery items can be found in this Redeemer update. Donations should be brought to Redeemer on Suday mornings.

Michele Becker wrote the following paragraph, which will introduce you to the family if you have yet to meet them or hear their story. Please let Allyson Entner know if you have any questions about the above opportunities.

Claire, a young 21 year old Rwandan Refugee arrived in Chicago in August of 2000. She brought along her two young children and her 12 year old sister, Clemantine. In addition, she was expecting her third child. They spoke no English. Church of the Redeemer greeted them at Chicago O'Hare and we have been partnered with them ever since providing support in various forms. What a journey it has been! Claire and Clemantine had been refugees, moving from camp to camp from the onset of the Genocide in 1994 until they were granted asylum in the United States in August of 2000. In the spring of 2001 Claire and Clemantine were able to contact their family. Each side had believed, in the ensuing 7 years of chaos, that the others had perished in the Genocide. In the meantime, the youngest children were enrolled in day care, Clemantine enrolled in school for the first time in 6 years and Claire was able to get a house keeping job at the Wyndham Hotel. In the spring of 2006 Clemantine, now in high school, won an Oprah essay contest about why Ellie Wiesel's book "Night" is still relevant today. Oprah reunited Claire and Clemantine with their family on the Oprah show - a COMPLETE surprise for the two girls! Claire, Clemantine, their parents, and their three siblings spent one blissful week together here in Chicago. Two years ago Claire was able to arrange for her mother and the youngest of her two children to come to the United States. The mother now has permanent legal status and is learning English. Last Christmas Claire was able to arrange for the father to also come to the United States and the paper work for permanent legal status has been filed. Despite having legal status to work in the US, finding employment without English skills and appropriate education and training is very difficult. In the meantime, Claire supports 9 people on her meager salary. The costs are staggering - housing, public transportation, health, food. One thing is certain - they are filled with HOPE and JOY and lead a deeply spiritual life, never ceasing to give thanks to God.

Church of the Redeemer is now offering three Alpha opportunities, with the latest having begun Tuesday night. It's still possible to be involved with this Alpha meeting on Tuesdays at the Rosengren home. Dan Becker is the leader of this Wilmette-based group and about a dozen people are involved! Please pray for those who are leading and experiencing this time.

Pray also for our Alpha in Gurnee on Sundays, and on Wednesday mornings with the Women's Bible Study. These are vital and important times of outreach and discipleship, calling people to faith and to leadership.

Thank you, and thanks be to God, for generosity in giving to Kingdom work through Church of the Redeemer. This has enabled us to meet our budget for the first two months of 2009. We will continue to report our progress, even as we all are praying and seeking God's will for our giving and stewardship of time, energy and abilities.

Average amount needed each week: $6,600

Last week's offering: $4,419

— During Lent we continue with our Wednesday night prayer gatherings, which conclude with the service of Compline. Please join us Wednesdays from 7-8pm at the EC Church in Highland Park.

— We will offer prayer at the end of our Sunday worship services during Lent. Please take the opportunity to enter into this time.

— Pray for our staff, who will be on retreat next Friday at St. Mary's in Mundelein.