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SUNDAY READINGS
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
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September 25, 2009
From the Rector's Desk
A friend and teacher once asked me if I knew what was happening when at the consecration of a bishop others place their hands on his head and shoulders? "They're removing his backbone," he quipped. Ironically (if that's the word) this friend went on to become a bishop himself, his backbone pretty much intact, as far as I could tell.
I thought of this odd story as I attended the recent consecration of three new bishops for the Anglican Mission, under the leadership of Rwanda. These men, Todd Hunter, David 'Doc' Loomis and Silas Ng, were set apart for the work of oversight (from the greek episcopos) that will require much strength, courage and faithfulness to the Lord's call—quite a bit of backbone, and heart. After all, the shepherd's crook not only guides the sheep but drives off the wolves.
Many of our church family at Redeemer don't have any experience with bishops, others wish they didn't. But to be under godly authority in the church is to be in a healthy place of order and faithfulness to the Biblical vision of ministry in the church. Like all positions of authority held by human beings, there can be abuse and neglect, but not to have duly appointed and recognized authority in the church also leads to un-health, disease and confusion.
In the New Testament we see the pattern of leadership for the church. Authority flowed from Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, through the Apostles, who were eye-witnesses of the resurrected Lord, sent to release resurrection life as new churches were planted. These churches were led by overseers and elders, and served by deacons and other ministers. In the generation following the Apostles there were leaders, such as Timothy and Titus, who were charged to oversee groups of churches and elders. Timothy was cautioned by Paul not to lay hands on (ordain) others too hastily (1 Timothy 5:22) while Titus was commissioned to ordain elders in all the towns of Crete (Titus 1:5). While they were not eye-witnesses of the risen Lord, and therefore not counted among the Apostles, their work involved resisting false teachers and raising up and ordaining new leaders; clearly missional leadership marked by apostolic power, authority and blessing. Bishops carry forward in the church the witness and missionary energy of the apostles, as well as the responsibility to oversee the ministry of the church's leaders, and through them, the congregations.
Unfortunately too many bishops down through the church's history have been content to rule over settled inherited situations without any thought of opening new areas of their charge to the Gospel, let alone guarding and defending the faith against false teachers. The hen-pecked Bishop Proudie in Trollope's 'Barchester Towers' is a caricature of what many hold in their minds: of inept, aloof and bumbling bureaucracy coupled with worldly privilege. The other image of bishops that people have is also alarming, of those who prey on the sheep themselves for the sake of their own ambition. So recalling a biblical model of episcopal (overseer) leadership is vital for the health and well being of the church.
At the recent consecrations in Los Angeles the three new bishops were charged to know the Holy Scriptures and to teach and encourage God's people through them. They were called to faithful diligence in banishing all false teaching from the church, in private and in public. They were charged to live sober, righteous and godly lives, as examples to others; to promote quietness, peace and love among all people; to exercise discipline in pastoral care. They were consecrated to ordain others (a role unique to bishops) and to be gentle and merciful to the poor and needy.
These men will oversee the churches they help to establish. There are no cathedrals, no diocesan offices, no rich endowments, but instead a call to ordain and send forth. They will oversee their flock while traveling constantly through airports, school auditoriums and living rooms. It will not be glamorous. I recall vividly that the bishop who ordained me, John Rodgers, had a bishop's crozier (the symbol of his role as shepherd) that came apart in three pieces, so it could be carried in a small case onto airplanes. That was a fitting sign that he chose neither prestige nor privilege as a settled bishop, but the releasing of the Lord's work wherever there was opportunity.
The New Testament provides a picture of the expanding church—a missionary church that was planted by the faithfulness of godly leaders through the power of the Holy Spirit. We see this echoed in the work of missionary bishops such as Patrick of Ireland, Jackson Kemper of Wisconsin and John Rucyahana of Rwanda, who were sent to open and pioneer missionary dioceses, not to just inherit them. And in the work of the Anglican Mission we also have the witness of faithful and godly missionary bishops, who ordain, plant, release and guard.
Let us give thanks for godly bishops, especially our bishop Sandy Greene, and pray for their work over us in the Lord.
Peace and joy to you,
Jay
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
Sonrise School Benefit
We're just weeks away from our annual event to help support the work of Sonrise School in Rwanda. Invitations have been mailed, and you can pick up additional invites to give to others, as we continue to welcome new people into the special relationship we have with Rwanda. The banquet on October 24th will feature Bishop John Rucyahana and a video visit to the school filmed this summer.
This is a fundraising event, and it was clear during our visit in June that our support is critical to this school's effectiveness, as it has been since the school was established. So plan on bringing whatever offering you can to bless the work of Sonrise, and be praying for those who come for the first time, as they meet Bishop John and are introduced not only to Sonrise School but to Redeemer Church.
Some things to do now:
- Pray for this event, that it would be faithful to God's call for us;
- If you are able, purchase a table (ten tickets) then fill it with motivated friends;
- If not a table, then invite those you can, who you think will be moved by the story of this school and want to partner with it.
Discover Redeemer
If you are relatively new to Redeemer, or would just like to connect again with our call as a church in specific ways, be a part of this five-week lunch series after worship.
- Be introduced to who we are and where we're headed
- Hear about our story as a church, as a missionary movement, as a people, and our beliefs and practices
- Come with questions, prepared to grow together
Child care will be provided. Please RSVP to redeemer at redeemernorthshore.org
COR@9
Sunday mornings at 9am walk with us through the Gospel of Matthew. This is a focused time of teaching and study and reflection, led by a team of teachers being mentored by Dana Harris and Amanda Holm. It's a rare opportunity to study scripture in a deep way over an extended period of time (September to May). It's not mandatory to be there each week to participate, but it's a good discipline to intentionally set a priority to grow together in commitment to learning and worship.
Growing Leaders
If you participate in leading a ministry at Redeemer then you'll want to be a part of our next Growing Leaders gathering, on Saturday morning, October 3rd from 9 to 10:30 am. This will be a great opportunity to hear from our new staff members, catch their vision, and provide input to next steps. Continental breakfast is provided.
Alpha
The Alpha course has been offered around the world to encourage people in their faith and to introduce others to Christianity. Our Alpha for this fall is now beginning, Sunday nights at the home of Fritz and Liz Thomas in Kenilworth. Bring a friend along to this safe and non-threatening opportunity to explore the deeper issues of life. Sundays at 6pm. For more information contact Ricki Rosengren, rickirosie at sbcglobal.net
Visit the Alpha website
Living Hope Bible Study
Please come and join this group on Thursday, October 1st as they listen to the first DVD of the "Truth Project" series, produced by Focus On the Family. A series presenting a Christian world view by Dr. Del Tackett, a former Air Force General and now President of the Focus On the Family Institute. This group will meet the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month and is considering studying the entire "Truth Project" series.
Trinity Professor, Dana Harris leads this same group in a study of the book of Acts on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month The group meets at the home of Helen Bass, 710 Walden Rd, Winnetka at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome! Call Helen if you have any questions, 847-441-8848.
Giving
God is blessing us as a church, and as a people. Giving to the Lord's work affirms that all we have comes from God, and that it is part of the Lord's character to be generous. We're modeling a family trait, then, as we give our tithe and offerings, as well as time and abilities. May God bless our sacrificial giving in His name to the work we're called to.
As you give, consider several opportunities for additional giving:
— Did you know Church of the Redeemer has a building fund? If you would like to make a gift to the legacy of this church's ministry as we move forward consider this area, particularly in light of estate planning. You may be able to make a significant contribution to Redeemer's future in this way.
— There is also a fund that helps to meet special needs, and it has been busy in this difficult financial season. The Rector's Discretionary Fund serves those that our Rector determines, in the course of his pastoral ministry, need help and support. This fund is currently almost depleted, so thanks for reaching out to others in this way. You can write a check to Church of the Redeemer and designate it as Rector's Fund.
Thank you.
Offering last week: $2,226
Offering needed each week: $6,600
Please pray for . . .
- The mission and vision of Church of the Redeemer
- our growth in prayer, discipleship and outreach
- Those who need healing, employment, and other provision
- For new and returning ministries this fall (COR@9, Alpha, other outreach)
- For our new staff leaders for Children's and Youth ministries
- For St. Michael's Sonrise School and our upcoming Benefit (Oct. 24th)
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