In this issue:

Back to School
Redeemer Garden and the Free Farmer's Market
Auction for Sonrise
Bidding 'Fare Well'
The Marriage Course
Upcoming Dates
Praying/Sharing
Just Being Social
Stewardship
Please Pray For...
 

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This Sunday's Scriptures

Genesis 37:1-4,12-28
Psalms 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
 

Back To School

As we continue to seek ways to reach out and serve our community in love, we are developing a partnership with Oak Terrace School in Highwood.  This diverse elementary school is in our community, and serves many low-income students who are in need of quality school supplies.  We will collect school supplies this Sunday, August 7 and next Sunday, August 14.  The items will be delivered to Oak Terrace school in preparation for a free "shop" where parents will come to select school supplies for their children.  Through this simple act, we can strengthen Redeemer's relationships with surrounding neighborhoods, enable children to experience a positive learning environment, and share the love of Christ with others.
 
Please consider donating any of the following items: No. 2 Pencils (sharpened, if possible); Crayola crayons; Crayola washable markers; rulers; safety scissors; pocket folders; and spiral notebooks.
 
May these gifts enable children to experience the love of Christ, and continue to form us in the image of the One who gave all.
 
Then on Sunday, August 21^st we’ll pray a blessing for students, teachers and all who do the important work of education during Backpack Sunday.  Bring backpacks, briefcases, etc and we’ll bless those for the year’s labors ahead. 
 

Redeemer Garden and the Free Farmer's Market

As the height of summer is truly upon us, our garden is producing a bountiful harvest.  While the garden may not be the height of aesthetic wonderment, our produce is making a difference in the lives of our community members.  The first Free Farmer's Market, hosted by the Manna Garden Initiative at Trinity AME Church in Waukegan, was held last Friday, July 29.  It was a HUGE success, with over 175 attendees receiving over 3,000 lbs. of fresh produce!  Donations came from a number of local churches as well as Peapod, Whole Foods, and other organizations.  This Free Farmer's Market will continue each Friday in Waukegan from noon until 5 p.m.  If you would like more information, please see the handout on the welcome table at church, or get in touch with Emily: emily.cool.greener@gmail.com.
 
Please be in prayer for our ongoing efforts to provide our neighbors with healthy food options, and consider getting involved in one of the following ways:
     • Help protect our garden from critters (mostly deer, it seems), who have been helping themselves to all our hydrangeas, sunflowers, tomatoes, and peppers (*email Emily)
     • Weed the vegetable area of our garden (Sign up for a slot at: http://mealbaby.com/viewregistry/524300)
     • Volunteer at the Free Farmer's Market, or transport our weekly harvest
     • Help demonstrate healthy ways to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables at the Free Farmer's Market 


 Auction for Sonrise

On October 22^nd, we are having a silent auction to raise money for Sonrise School in Rwanda.  We’d love to have your participation!  Throughout the next couple of months, we will be collecting items to be displayed at the auction – and it can be anything from a homemade meal for two . . . to a weekend at your vacation home!  Be thinking about what you’d like to donate, and watch for further details in the coming weeks.  Want to be involved in planning as well?  Contact Christy Glick at clglick@gmail.com. 
 

Bidding 'Fare Well'

Last Sunday during our worship we said goodbye to Graham and Julie Cole, who are moving to Birmingham Alabama.  Graham will be the Anglican Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School, www.beesondivinity.com and Jules is working on a second book of fashion design and construction.  They have been an important part of Redeemer for a number of years, and will be greatly missed.  Graham shared some thoughts about our community: 

“We leave Redeemer with tears of joy. There are other ways to leave a church. There are healthy and toxic workplaces, marriages and friendships. So too churches. A healthy - not necessarily perfect - Anglican church:
- has God centred worship
- is committed to Scripture
- follows Christ and relies on the Spirit
- taps into a rich tradition of welcoming and hospitable pastoral care
- values congregational prayer
- has a sense of the aesthetic
- looks beyond itself in mission to the world for which Christ died
- but does not neglect the individual.
 
Redeemer has been such a church for us and we are so very, very grateful.”
 
Graham and Jules Cole 
 

The Marriage Course

Would you like to take the Marriage Course this fall?  It is an opportunity to invest in the future of your relationship through dinner and conversation.  For more information, please speak with Ricki Rosengren. rickirosie@sbcglobal.net.


Some Upcoming Dates
 
--August 21                         Back-pack Sunday (see details above)
--Sept. 11                            COR@9, begins.   One.Life by Scot McKnight
--Sept. 18                            Church Picnic
--Oct. 1                               Growing Leaders Gathering
--Oct. 9                               Newcomers Lunch
--Oct 22                              Rwanda Auction 
--Please note...the Thursday evening Bible Study that takes place at the home of Helen Bass will NOT be meeting during the month of August.


Praying/Sharing
 
Our prayer time on Wednesday night was a welcome opportunity to pray together after the many happenings of the summer months.  Instead of a ‘teaching’, we encouraged one another by the sharing of personal testimonies and stories of how God has been leading us and providing for various needs.  It was also a beautiful time of worship with Holy Communion and healing prayer. Join us the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm. 



Just Being Social
 
Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/RedeemerChurchHP.  "Like" our page to stay connected with Redeemer throughout the week.
 


Stewardship

Thank you for consistently praying and giving.  Income is currently trailing expenses at Redeemer, which are a little under budget.  So thank you for seeking God on behalf of this financial need, and responding as the Lord provides.

Tithes & Offerings for July 31st were $7,556
Weekly Amount Needed: $7,100
 

Please Pray For…
 

· Dan and Kari Hanlon’s first weeks in Rwanda   www.joyalongtheway.com
 · those in need of employment and other provision
· our staff and leadership as we approach the fall season
· those God is asking us to invite to know Him