August 27, 2010   ~   Text Version

From the Rector's Desk

We're entering a time of transition in our lives, from summer to the routine of autumn, from more leisure time to work, and from summer vacation to classes. Over the next few weeks we'll step into this more and have to negotiate new timetables, expectations and relationships. Of course, for some, every month is pretty much the same as the others, but even there we experience ebb and flow. At Redeemer we are moving through a time when people travel and are away, to a period where we connect again and welcome new faces to our worship and community.

As part of this transition I wanted to offer a few (random) thoughts of my own, before the long days are gone.

Month Away

I'm very grateful for the break I was able to take in July. It was good for me and Susan to have focused time together not interrupted by weekend responsibilities. Often I have taken my vacation a week at a time, and ended up being here on more Sundays than I would if I actually worked another type of job. While that's to be expected given the nature of my call and employment, breaks are needed for both the clergy and the congregation. So by taking a whole block of time I had Sundays free, where I worshiped with other congregations as a parishioner, and not a leader. It was really good to sit in the sanctuary here at Redeemer and worship along with others on one of those Sundays. I came and left pretty quickly, but valued the time as a worshiper among the people. Thank you all for that opportunity.

Anglican Mission Midwest Network

I mentioned last Sunday that our local AMiA pastors recently met in retreat with our Bishop, Sandy Greene, to re-launch a church network in the area. Rather than Dioceses, the Anglican Mission has sought to establish networks of churches across the country that would plant new churches, strengthen existing churches and partner with other churches in the work of the Gospel. I want you to know that I see this as a tremendous development and I was very encouraged by our time together. As a church we need this partnership, and as a pastor I need the connection to other clergy. Our first work together will be to plant a new church in St. Paul, Minnesota. As we work together over time there will be other new churches in which Redeemer will participate. My personal desire is that our emerging role of mentoring and releasing leaders will feed into this plan, and we will see effective strategy for mission in our area tied to the AMiA. The Rev. Stewart Ruch of Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton will serve, initially, as our Network Leader. Please be praying for this new and important chapter.

Participating churches:

Church of the Resurrection, Wheaton (Glen Ellyn)
Church of the Redeemer, Highland Park
Church of the Savior, West Chicago
The Light of Christ Anglican Church, Kenosha , WI
Church of the Cross, Minneapolis

A Cup at a Time

The fall could be a time of many new faces at Redeemer. Perhaps you are new here, yourself, and would like to know more of our community and vision. I would love to share more with you in person, and hear of your own story and journey over a cup of coffee. Just send me an email or contact the office to make an appointment. I look forward to getting to know you better, regular or decaf.

We will also offer, once again, our series to introduce Church of the Redeemer and its ministries to those who are new among us, or who haven't yet gone through the course. Discover Redeemer will be offered during lunch on four consecutive Sundays beginning October 31.

Jay+

The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
jlgreener [at] gmail.com

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, running now each Sunday morning at Redeemer at 9am. Dan and Kari Hanlon are 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.

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. Confirmation is an important step for the mature, baptized Christian, reflecting a desire to be committed to Christ and to the Church, which is signified by the laying on of hands by the Bishop.

Please contact our office to sign-up for the classes that will be help each Sunday morning at 9am.

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).

Sonrise Benefit

We're now about two months out from our annual Sonrise Benefit, the major single supporting effort for Sonrise School in Musanze, Rwanda. Please be asking people now to set aside the date of Oct. 23rd to join you for this important night. It will be the last one involving Bishop John Rucyahana, the visionary leader who launched the school. We'll celebrate by bringing one of the older students from Rwanda to our banquet to share with us their own story.

Sonrise's first graduation has now been planned for late March, 2011. Invitations to the benefit will be mailed Sept. 7, but you don't have to wait to begin inviting people to participate. Be praying for the effectiveness of this time.

Join the Millers on Church of the Redeemer’s Ride for Refuge Cycling Team

On October 2, the Miller family will be leading a team in the Ride for Refuge, a bike ride in Geneva, IL that aids those who are physically, spiritually or economically oppressed. This year we will be riding on behalf of Church of the Redeemer’s Rwanda connection with Sonrise School. 70% of the funds we raise will go directly to Redeemer for this purpose. However, we need to raise a minimum of $2,000 for this to happen. The remaining 30% will benefit the work of International Teams, a multinational organization that brings people together to help the oppressed.

Would you consider joining our team—either as a fellow rider—or by making a contribution? You can do so at our team’s Ride for Refuge website. If you have questions, please see the site or talk with us.

Giving

Thank you for living in such a generous and open way, as we grow together as a church. The biblical principle of stewardship calls us to give from joyful hearts according to faith and ability. That means not every gift will be the same, but will reflect similar sacrifice. Thanks for praying and giving sacrificially. Each summer we run behind our needs, in terms of income, and then have to catch that up in the fall. This year has not been different, so we pray for God's provision, released in various ways through each of us.

Offering last week: $4,238
Average amount needed each week: $6,700

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??
— October 2, Ride for Refuge (Geneva, IL)
— 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