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SUNDAY READINGS
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
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November 25, 2009
From the Rector's Desk
This week we give thanks as a nation. That's a pretty good idea—especially if we mean it. It's proper to set aside a day, as President Abraham Lincoln did in 1863, to note God's blessing even in the midst of struggle—then a terrible civil war. But as Christians we live every day out of a foundation of gratitude that ultimately transcends circumstance and national identity. Our thankfulness comes not just in response to material blessing—important though that is for expressing gratitude, but from a much deeper awareness of whose we are.
It's tempting to measure our lives by the marks we see around us: how we're doing in our jobs, the success our children may be achieving, our status in the social groups to which we belong, even the growth of ministries at our church. This is how most people approach the question of blessing, and whether or not they are experiencing it. If those things are good, then there is much to give thanks for, if not, then it's a rather lean year. It's to be expected in a world that tends to see the glass half empty (if that) and only hands out praise for the most notable achievements.
Our thanksgiving as God's children comes from a very difference place. The measure is not a shallow one, circumstantial and fleeting, but a very deep and immovable reality based in what Jesus has accomplished for us. Thankfulness is a mark of our spiritual growth and fullness in the Lord. The imprisoned St. Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (Colossians 2: 6-7). The Christians in this ancient city were bearing fruit, but they had begun to pursue other strange teachings; spiritual insight that added to the work of Christ, and led them to worship angels and follow certain ascetic practices. Paul calls them back to the heart of the Gospel, to live out their lives as disciples expressing the fullness of the Christian hope. In chapter three he outlines some of these markers—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. He calls them to love each other and to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. Then he caps it all with a clear and succinct command: And be thankful (Col. 3: 15). "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17). As the Christians in Colossae rehearsed the great blessings of Christ in their lives, thankfulness took up residence.
Brennan Manning has noted that the main differences between Christians today are not theological, or political, but between those who are aware and unaware. "When somebody is aware of that love—the same love that the Father has for Jesus—that person is just spontaneously grateful. Cries of thankfulness become the dominant characteristic of the interior life, and the byproduct of gratitude is joy. We're not joyful and then become grateful—we're grateful, and that makes us joyful". True gratitude then enables us to be as Christ in the world, offering joy and peace, encouragement and healing.
I admit that I can be drawn into evaluations of myself and others that are less than 'grateful', especially as I shut down my awareness of the blessings I have in the Lord, and the identity that I enjoy as his child. It's then that I focus on the apparent 'lack' in situations and people, becoming negative and paralyzing my ability to encourage and give life. I suspect I'm not the only one. But when my awareness is open and growing, then I see the fullness of life, the beauty and goodness that God gives, and the riches of his mercy, in spite of circumstances. Only then can I best express the life of Christ and the gratitude that he gives, even when there is trouble all around—and that is contagious. I believe we're more who we are made to be the more thankful we become.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving—Thursday, and each day.
With gratitude,
Jay
The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org
Thanksgiving Service
Please join us Thursday morning at 10am at Redeemer Lutheran for our Thanksgiving worship service. This will be about an hour and 10 minutes, and will include singing of traditional newer Thanksgiving hymns and songs, an exhortation, and Eucharist (which means "thanksgiving").
Advent Worship
The first Sunday of the new church year is November 29, as Advent begins. Help us to welcome this season through our worship and serving together:
Hanging of the Greens
The children of Redeemer invite you to attend our third annual "Hanging of the Greens" on Saturday, November 28th, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Redeemer Lutheran sanctuary. Traditionally, decorating churches and homes with wreaths, garlands, and other greenery is a way of preparing these spaces (as well as ourselves) for Advent. Join us for a special time of fellowship as we "spruce up" our church building and usher in this special season of waiting and preparing once again for the birth of Christ.
After decorating the church, we will enjoy a potluck dinner together. For more details, contact Brocki in the church office (redeemer at redeemernorthshore.org, 847-681-2872).
Advent Lessons and Carols
Once again this year, Church of the Redeemer will offer to the community a Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols. This traditional service will feature readings that promise the coming of the Messiah, and music that responds to each reading. The music will vary, utilizing our worship team, a guest organist, special choral music, and congregational singing of worship songs and carols. Join us at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 6th, at Redeemer Lutheran. For more information, contact Amanda Holm (zaholm at gmail.com, 951-256-0124) or Chris Marchand (cmarch34 at gmail.com, 309-648-7703).
Stewardship Update
Please pray for God's provision and our openness as we seek to meet our budget by year's end. Giving is a spiritual enterprise, not just a matter of numbers, so prayer is foundational as we learn to trust God, especially in uncertain financial times. Church of the Redeemer is a place where people are meeting God, where we are growing in multiple ways and where we are sending people into mission. Thank you for giving sacrificially to invest in work that will transcend time and place.
Tithes & Offerings last week: $4,159
Amount still needed: $87,332
Please pray for . . .
- The mission and vision of Church of the Redeemer
- Our growth in prayer, discipleship and outreach
- Those who are traveling this upcoming holiday time
- Those who need healing, employment, and other provision
- Our financial need at year's end
- Our staff and leaders as they plan and pray for work in the next year
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