Church of the Redeemer Update

On a recent Friday evening, twelve members of Redeemer's music team gathered for an evening of creativity and musical improvisation. The evening began with a meal and lots of laughter as team members unwound from the week. Then the music began, and the musicians played and sang everything from a Bluegrass/Gospel medley to four-part harmony on "O the Deep, Deep Blood of Jesus." As one team member put it, "I guess this is what people did before TV!"

Amanda Holm, one of Redeemer's music leaders, offers her reflections on the evening:

For many musicians, the word "improvisation" creates shivers of fear. It can be a scary thing to leave the printed music and venture out into uncharted musical territory. For many years, I was afraid to improvise - afraid of making mistakes, afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up with other, more creative musicians, and completely lost without chords and notes printed in front of me. However, I'm learning that when I, when WE leave the printed page, some amazing things can happen, and this was certainly evident at our latest Summer Jam.

Chris and I decided to put together these "jam" sessions precisely because we have seen how God can work through musical creativity. We believe that helping our musicians develop and express their own creativity enhances and deepens our corporate worship, for it's no accident that the creative gifts are given to the body of Christ alongside gifts such as teaching and leadership. From my perspective, learning to let the Spirit inspire and work through our creativity goes hand in hand with learning to let the Spirit guide our prayers and our worship.

The Jam itself was a lot of fun! I was thrilled that we had a good group of singers, keyboard, guitars, djembe, recorder, electric bass, and (courtesy of Dan Becker) a variety of percussion instruments, including a washboard, which was perfect for bluegrass. One of the things I appreciated most about the evening was that, unexpectedly, an art form other than music crept in. Jason Miller came with Danielle, and as we played music Jason was inspired to write a couple of poems, which he then shared with our team. Jason's contribution, the intersection of TWO art forms, gave me a vision - or at least a brief, glorious glimpse - of what it might look like to make space in which the creative arts can flourish in the church.

I'm still struck by the power of that vision. Chris and I would appreciate your prayers as we try to be wise stewards of the tremendous musical gifts God has placed in our midst at Redeemer and as we desire to see the music team grow musically, creatively, and spiritually.

— Amanda Holm

The music team's next Summer Jam will take place on Friday evening, August 21st. For more information, contact Chris Marchand (cmarch31 [at] gmail.com) or Amanda Holm (zaholm [at] gmail.com).

Join us for our annual Church Picnic, in the meadow behind Redeemer Lutheran after the morning service Sunday, August 16th. The potluck portion of the picnic will be divided up by last name as follows: A-H Salad for 8, I-P Side-dish for 8, Q-Z Dessert for 8 (college/graduate students may bring a dish for 4).

This year, we've decided to grill hamburgers and hotdogs, so please RSVP by THIS THURSDAY, August 13th, so that we will have an idea of how much to order. Call the church office at (847) 681-2872 or redeemer [at] redeemernorthshore.org. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs on which to sit.

A picnic is a great way to include people who may not attend church regularly in a Redeemer event, so make sure to invite your friends and neighbors!

Join in. Invite others. Feast!

We are working to add a few touches to brighten our church common areas. As we will be renewing these areas, we would love to add some art. If anyone is interested in helping with this project, please contact Melissa Ross (mahross [at] mindspring.com). Also, we have received permission to reupholster the seats of four chairs, and would greatly appreciate someone with experience in this to volunteer their talents (contact Melissa). Thanks!

Summer is often a slow time, and with the travel going on in our congregation, it may be that we are not seeing each other quite as often.

But it's also a time of preparation—of cooking things up for the renewed energy of the fall. Please pray for all that is now is process and in a time of conception and refining. This involves staff transitions—needs for Children and Youth, new things coming to Redeemer in the fall, and the work underway for the Sonrise Benefit in October. Please bathe all of this important work in prayer.

Alpha

Alpha is a growing and vital part of our outreach through Church of the Redeemer. We have offered several Alpha opportunities over the last year, and we hope to continue to call people to life in Jesus through Alpha. Would you like to be a part of making this happen? The fall training day is scheduled for August 22nd at Christ Church in Lake Forest. Contact Ricki Rosengren if you would like to attend, or for more information. rickirosie [at] sbcglobal.net

Cor@9 Returns

COR@9, Redeemer's Sunday morning education hour, will return this Fall with an extended look at the gospel of Matthew. Led by Professor Dana Harris and a team of teachers, this ongoing Bible study will focus on the person and life of Jesus as seen through Matthew's eyes. Mark your calendars now for the COR@9 kick-off with Dana Harris at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 6th, and plan to participate in this exciting opportunity to hear from some of Redeemer's many gifted teachers and to grow deeper in the Lord through studying Scripture.

Do you have a Rwandan Peace Basket similar to the one we use during communion? Michele Becker is looking to borrow some for centerpieces at the upcoming banquet for Sonrise School. Please email her if you own one or more and let her know if you would be willing to let us borrow them for the banquet. We don't need the baskets yet, but simply need a count. Thank you!

— Rem Henry has moved apartments at the Three Crowns in Evanston. For his current contact information please call the office.

— Todd and Brocki Murphy are moving this weekend into the home they purchased in Deerfield. Please pray for them as they continue to settle into their residence. Their new address is:

Todd, Brocki, Jack and Annabelle Murphy
1320 Greenwood Ave
Deerfield, IL 60015
Home: 847-607-8795

— Jay and Susan are on the road this week, participating in a wedding and catching a few more days of vacation before the fall.

— Redeemer Northwestern has a new catechist (lay leader) this fall. Please pray for Jens Notstad and his work on campus. Mike Niebauer will remain connected to the group even as he looks to plant another new church near North Park.