August 20, 2010   ~   Text Version

Alpha at Redeemer

A number of years ago a church in London developed a low-key, conversational approach to sharing Christian faith with those who have questions, who don't yet believe, or who desire to have their faith strengthened. Hundreds of thousands have gone through the course since, with countless people coming to know Christ and walking in faith. In the last several years Redeemer has been offering this opportunity whenever possible, and this fall we will once again step into the wonderful discovery of Alpha. We will actually be connected to three different courses.

One is Youth Alpha, being launched this Sunday and running each Sunday morning at Redeemer at 9am. Dan and Kari Hanlon will be serving as leaders.

An 'adult' Alpha will be offered beginning in September. We still have a number of details to work out on this, so pray for leadership, a location, and of course, people to attend. Alpha is a program of invitation, and only functions when we bring people (just as people brought others to Jesus). You'll be hearing more about this.

Also we are supporting a city Alpha, to be offered for juvenile ex-offenders, gang involved youth and teen moms. This course will be led by Jonathan Greener, beginning next Friday.

Stay tuned for more details, pray about these important outreaches and begin to think now about how you can connect.

Confirmation

Register now for our confirmation class to begin on September 12. This will be a time of preparation in advance of Bishop John's visit October 24th. The class will be discussion with outside reading assignments. As mentioned last week in this update, there are some pre-requisites that are important, so keep that in mind as you consider what to pursue at Redeemer this fall. Discover Redeemer and Alpha are both being offered in the next several months.

Talk with Jay or call the office for more information.

Children's Ministry Needs

This Fall, our Children's Ministry will be in need of additional teachers and helpers to join in the work God is doing among our children. As our Children's Ministry seeks to create space where little ones can encounter God, we also seek to equip and empower caring adults to join with our children on this journey. It is a joy and a blessing to witness and–by the grace of God— facilitate such encounters. Please prayerfully consider serving our children and families in one of the following ways:

— Prayer Support: Pray for our children, families, teachers and helpers each week
— Nursery Care: Nurture, play and pray with the littlest members of our Redeemer family
— Teach or Assist in 2 – 4 year-old Class, or 5 yrs – 5th grade Class: Teachers commit to serving for one-month at a time; assistants rotate on a weekly basis

If you are interested in finding out more, or if you have any questions, please contact Emily (emily.cool.greener [at] gmail.com).

This week our children will be learning about:??  The Tree of Life (Revelation 22:1-5)

Ramadan

Muslims throughout the world, including those here in the Chicago area, have just entered the month-long season of Ramadan, a time of daily fasting to observe solidarity with the poor. Please visit our welcome table for some resources on how to pray for our muslim neighbors and offer Christ's love.

Coming Up . . .

— Saturday, September 11, 9:00 – 10:30 am – Children's Ministry Training Meeting??
— Sept. 12, our All Church Picnic. We decided to move this a few weeks later to be able to welcome those who come after the school semesters resume.??
— Sept. 12, Confirmation Class begins, 9am??
— Saturday, October 9, Growing Leaders Gathering??
— Saturday, October 16 – Parents' Night Out (Kids' Journey to Rwanda)
??— October 23rd, our Sonrise Benefit
— October 24, Worship and Confirmations with Bishop John Rucyahana ??

Please pray for . . .

— Alpha courses that we will offer this fall
— safe transition back to school in coming weeks
— new small group opportunities at Redeemer
— those who will enter process for Confirmation
— our brothers and sisters in Rwanda