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SUNDAY READINGS
Isaiah 53:4-12
Psalm 91:9-16
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45
Missed the sermon on Sunday? Want to hear it again or share it with a friend? Redeemer has a podcast. Subscribe or listen from the web. New episodes follow weekly.
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October 16, 2009
From the Rector's Desk
This week I would like to use this space to strongly encourage and invite us all to engage with the unique opportunity of the Sonrise Benefit, next Saturday night. In the middle of busy schedules, competing events and demands on our time and resources, it's sometimes hard to make decisions about those things that are absolutely necessary and those that are simply good things. I'd like to suggest that the Benefit falls into the first category.
Last Sunday Fritz Thomas shared some perspectives on this banquet, that it is both an opportunity to give, and to give thanks. I appreciate that in a number of ways, largely because it makes this event an act of worship. As a banquet we have sought to make it a place to bring friends and colleagues and introduce them to our relationship with Rwanda. But it's more than that. It's something that helps us do the work of mission, both towards Rwanda and our neighbors. In that way it is an act of worship and witness, even as it is an act of mercy.
I must admit that when I first came to the Northshore several years ago I didn't 'get' the banquet. Its appeal was foreign to me, as I hadn't recently been part of a culture that celebrated in quite this way. But as I attended and heard people's stories, especially those who had been invited into the partnership with Sonrise from outside of Redeemer I began to understand how important this is. That appreciation was strengthened this summer as Jason, Mark and I spent time at Sonrise and saw first hand the work there and the fruit, half a world away, of this annual event. The work begun a decade ago by a small group of faithful Redeemer people is still so important, as these children have a long way to go, and so do we.
We may not always do a banquet. In fact, we're investigating some other options next year, as the culture here shifts, as well. But next Saturday we will gather to celebrate, experience Sonrise through video, and hear first-hand from one of the church's most unique and influential global leaders. And we will bring our offerings for these children and this school that God has linked us with. I do hope you will be there, and that you will invite others to experience the joy of journeying with the Lord through Sonrise.
Please send in your requests for space at the benefit as soon as possible, so we can have an accurate count. Our deadline is next Tuesday.
To hear more about giving, tune in to last week's sermon on Jesus' encounter with the rich man in Mark 10: 17-31.
I look forward to worshiping with you this week, as we encounter together the Risen Lord.
Peace of Christ,
Jay
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
Other Rwanda Notes...
Our Missioner for Rwanda, Matthew Andris, is now settling in to his new location of Kigali and his work with International Justice Mission. Matthew is also serving as a link between Redeemer and our partnerships in Rwanda. To read his first musings please visit our Rwanda blog. http://redeemernorthshore.org/rwanda/
You can communicate directly with Matthew via email — mandris at gmail.com
Children at Redeemer
Emily Cool Greener, Children's Ministry Leader
I am blessed to be journeying with all of you, I am humbled by your servant's hearts, and I am honored to be part of shepherding the little ones at Redeemer. I'd like to share a bit of my heart, and some things I've been reflecting on as I think about how Jesus interacted with children.
At the leaders' meeting a few Saturdays ago, I shared from Matthew 18:1-5, which says: "At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child, whom he placed among them. And he said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes a humble place—becoming like this child—is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
I have been reflecting on this notion of welcoming children in the name of Jesus. Welcome entails nurture, hospitality, and openness to both giving and receiving. But Jesus did not say, "Here is a child. By serving this child, by teaching this child, you become the greatest in the Kingdom." He said, "Become like this little child." As we welcome children, we are told to become like them. What does that mean for us as a church community? Should we play and draw, or make more noise during the offertory? Should we cry without shame, ask questions more honestly, tell others when we need a snack?
By placing a child in the midst of the disciples, Jesus was declaring that children should be welcomed into all our spaces. At Redeemer, we acknowledge that children are participants in the life and worship of our church, and we welcome children by inviting them to serve and share their gifts. I want to challenge each of us to ask ourselves: "How am I listening to the children in our community?" "Where am I welcoming them?" "How am I modeling what it means to follow Jesus, and how am I learning from our children?" "How am I inviting them into the mystery and wonder of our faith?" "Am I praying for our little ones?"
I am thankful to be learning from the children and grown-ups in our Redeemer family, and I joyfully invite you to let me know how I can serve you and your family.
With love and welcome,
Emily
Parents' Night Out / Kids Journey to Rwanda
What? — A date night for parents and a fun night for kids of games, crafts and activities centered around the church in Rwanda and Sonrise School. Sandwiches, snacks and Rwandan food to try are provided.
When? November 7th 2009; 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Where? Church of the Redeemer
1731 Deerfield Road in Highland Park
Who? Parents bring your children and their friends, infants-6th grade
Sundays — Worship and Learning
Several weeks into the fall we are excited by the opportunities to gather together to learn, grow, find connection, and especially to worship.
— Join us at 9am this week as the Story of Jesus in Matthew continues in COR@9.
— Following worship we gather for a light lunch and Discover Redeemer, a way to learn more about our church and explore your own place here. This Sunday is our final week of the course where we talk about specific ways to connect at Redeemer, so please join us.
— Please pray for Alpha, each Sunday evening at 6pm, and for the upcoming Alpha weekend October 31st.
For more information on any of the above please contact our church office or email redeemer at redeemernorthshore.org
Wednesday Prayer
Prayer is a vital part of our life with God, just as it is a vital part of our ministry to and with one another. As the leaders of Redeemer's prayer ministry continue to seek God's vision for this ministry at Redeemer, we have decided to make some changes to our Wednesday night prayer services that we believe will better serve God's purposes for our prayer.
Beginning this month, all-church prayer services will be held twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. These services will begin with music, and will also include times to praise God, to give thanks, to confess, to pray over our leaders, and to pray for one another and for the needs of our congregation. In addition, the prayer service on the 3rd Wednesday of the month will include an evening Eucharist, a special time to gather at the Lord's Table and give thanks, even as we bring our needs before Him.
Next Wednesday will be a Eucharist with healing prayer, and we hope Bishop John Rucyahana will be with us. Please join in.
Even if you have not yet attended one of these Wednesday night services, please consider joining us once or twice a month as we continue to seek God's vision for Redeemer through prayer.
Stewardship
We're now in the last quarter of our year—a time in which we seek God and encourage each other so that we finish well. Throughout 2009 we have remained on-budget in terms of support and a little under budget for expenses, and we are grateful to be in this position. However, a large portion of our support is received each fall, and the budget reflects this. Because of this we'll begin reporting the total amount needed as a year-end goal.
At the beginning of October, we needed to receive $125,000 by year's end to meet our budget obligations. We're thankful that this is a somewhat smaller figure than in previous years, but still significant. So thank you for your prayers and your participation to help us, as a church, to meet this need.
Offering last week: $4,082
Amount Needed by December 31st: $110,681
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 our Vestry meeting Tuesday night
- For our new staff leaders
- For St. Michael's Sonrise School and our upcoming Benefit (Oct. 24th)
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