October 8, 2010

When people ask ‘what are some of the key connections and ministries at Church of the Redeemer?’ it’s not hard to answer, especially considering our longstanding relationship with the Sonrise School in Rwanda. Our annual benefit, now beyond a dozen years, enabled the school to open and to grow and thrive, as it now serves over a thousand of Rwanda’s children, including many of the neediest in the country. This is a unique God-given relationship and privilege that we desire to share with others. Now just two weeks away, we want to continue our strong showing in support of Sonrise’s work.

Please finalize your plans to be at the Renaissance Hotel in Northbrook October 23rd for our benefit with Bishop and visionary leader John Rucyahana—his last benefit with us before his retirement. Invite friends to hear one of the rare religious leaders in the world who, in the power of the Spirit, has called hope out of terrible suffering. We also expect to welcome Richard Ndekezi, a Sonrise student, who is coming to share his story in person. Please be praying for his visa to be issued so that he will be able to travel.

On Sunday the 24th Bishop Rucyahana will worship with us and do confirmations, in his last visit to Redeemer as a Bishop before his retirement in November. Plan now on being a part of the whole weekend, and inviting others to join in this inspiring opportunity.

Pray for:

— a good response
— a VISA for a student from Sonrise that we have invited to attend
— safe travels for all involved
— significant financial support for the school
— those preparing for confirmation
 

COR@9 Announcement — Spiritual Gifts

For the past couple of years, we have sensed God calling us to grow in the vital area of discipleship, so we have intentionally been building and strengthening ministries intended to grow disciples. COR@9 (“Church of the Redeemer at 9 a.m.”) has been one important ministry that has emerged in response to Jesus’ call to each of us, “Come, follow me.” This Fall, COR@9 returns with some specific teaching and discussion around two areas that are integral parts of discipleship: spiritual gifts and spiritual practices.

If you have been in the church for any length of time, you have probably heard the term “spiritual gifts” a number of times. You might have even taken a spiritual gifts inventory. However, did you know that spiritual gifts are not just for “super Christians” or “charismatics,” but a fundamental part of being the body of Christ together? In other words, did you know that spiritual gifts are not a spiritual “upgrade” option? Could you answer the question, “why are spiritual gifts important?” Do you have a sense of how the Spirit has uniquely gifted you to serve His people? Are you actively using your gifts at Redeemer? 

If not, come and grow with us as Dana Harris leads us in understanding and living into Spiritual Gifts together. Beginning October 31st and lasting for four Sundays, we’ll engage with Scripture and hear from one another as we seek to strengthen one another and our common ministry. For more information, please contact Pastor Amanda (zaholm@gmail.com or 951-256-0124).

Clothing Drive

Beginning Sunday, October 17th and continuing through Sunday, November 14th Church of the Redeemer is sponsoring an all winter clothing drive (including outerwear) for our neighbors in need. Love INC (In the name of Christ), a Christian ministry whose mission is to mobilize the Church to transform the lives of communities and individuals in the name of Christ, will be overseeing the distribution of these gently used items in cooperation with Village Church of Gurnee. Prayerfully consider donating "gently used, clean" winter clothing as well as winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves and the like for all ages. Items can be placed in two marked boxes located in the foyer. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Babarik at dblaw7 [at] gmail.com or 847.360.3300 or 847.244.3236.

End of Year Stewardship

If you were in our worship service Sunday you heard an update on our financial need, shared by our Sallie Vroom, our Vestry’s Junior Warden. Sallie had been distributing mustard seeds among the congregation, as a picture of our faith and trust in the Lord’s provision. Here are a few more facts:

Our annual budget is right at $352,000. Through September offerings have totaled $222,000, leaving us a fourth-quarter goal of $130,000. This is a sizeable amount, yet in keeping with our giving pattern in previous years. But we take nothing for granted. Prayer is vital and necessary, as is listening to how each of us may be asked to participate. Some large financial gifts are needed, as are other expressions of generosity, but everyone has a part to play in supporting the kingdom work at Redeemer.

Have you experienced God’s gracious generosity in a unique way? Have you seen needs met that grew your faith in God’s goodness? Please share your stories as a means of encouraging our community in faith and generosity. Thank you for sharing your life and resources openly before the Lord.

Amount last Sunday: $7,845
Amount still needed by December 31st: $122,155

Welcoming Newcomers…

New to Redeemer?

If you’re new to the Redeemer scene, that’s great. You are not alone. We want you to feel welcomed and invited to a place where you feel you truly belong. To help that journey, we have a couple of things to place on your calendar:

— Newcomer’s Lunch, following worship on October 10th, this Sunday. Come meet others who are also new, and hear from Father Jay and other leaders about the calling and ministry of our church. Many of you have been settled into life at Church of the Redeemer for some time, so it may seem odd that we're inviting you to a lunch for welcoming newcomers. Others may have only visited us once or twice and could be thinking "Boy, are they quick!" The truth is, since we haven't held a welcome lunch for nearly 18 months, we're casting a fairly wide net so that anyone who might be interested is included. So, whether you've been attending Redeemer for 18 months or 18 days, if you're interested in sharing a simple meal and learning a little more about Redeemer, please join us on Sunday, October 10, after the service. There will be a few speakers to talk BRIEFLY about our worship, community, and global connection, plus time for Q&A with members of the staff and vestry. If you'd like to attend, please RSVP to Brocki Murphy at redeemer@redeemernorthshore.org by Thursday, October 7. We'd love for you to join us!

— Discover Redeemer, over a light lunch for four Sundays beginning Oct. 31st. Come and learn more about our story, the things we believe and practice, and the vision that God is releasing here.

Calendar

— Saturday, October 9, Growing Leaders Gathering??
— Sunday, October 10, Newcomers Lunch
— Saturday, October 16 – Parents' Night Out (Kids' Journey to Rwanda)
??— October 23, our Sonrise Benefit
— October 24, Worship and Confirmations with Bishop John Rucyahana ??
— October 31, COR@9 resumes with teaching on Spiritual Gifts
— October 31, Discover Redeemer, during lunch

Please pray for . . .

— our mission to call people to Jesus
— our leaders' gathering this Saturday
— the Sonrise Benefit for a strong and generous response
— needs for healing and provision in our community