January 21, 2011

Don’t miss the vitality of our Annual Celebration this Sunday, immediately following our worship. This is for all those who would say “Redeemer is my church—I belong here”, even if you have only been attending a few Sundays, or one Sunday. It’s a great way to learn more about our community and vision if you are a newcomer, or a long time worshiper here. We’ll share a potluck lunch, hear some inspiring perspectives, learn more about the outward vision for the year ahead and conduct some business (electing new Vestry members and budget). We’ll get everyone out in plenty of time for the big kickoff!

COR@9’s New Season

Redeemer’s education hour resumed last Sunday with an introduction to the major themes and storyline of the Hebrew Scriptures. Please join us every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. to explore the riches of the story of God and his people, the story that is now our story too. Coffee and continental breakfast are provided.

Anglican Mission in the Americas Winter Conference

It’s the major gathering of our church planting movement in North America, as we gather with our church leaders from Rwanda and other clergy and lay participants from across the country at Winter Conference. Marked by dynamic worship, teaching and encouragement, this annual event is open to all who want to see what God is doing through the Anglican Mission, and to catch the spirit of the ancient and future church.

When: Feb. 9-12 (Wednesday through Saturday)
Where: Greensboro, NC

A number of people from Redeemer will be in attendance, and we invite you to join us if you have the opportunity. For more information visit the website:

http://www.theamia.org/new/winter-conference-2011/

Newcomers' Lunch

Sunday February 27, we will be having the first Newcomers’ Lunch of 2011. We’re trying a slightly different approach this year: we’re looking for table hosts. The table host (this could be an individual, couple, family, group of friends, etc.) would be expected merely to share about some of their experience at Church of the Redeemer. Please send an email to Todd Hains (toddhains@gmail.com) if you’re interested.

Choosing Great Children’s Books

Parents of young children — How do you pick great books to read aloud? Are libraries a little overwhelming with so many choices? A group of teachers and librarians want to share with you their enthusiasm for great children’s books! Join us at the church on Saturday, March 12, 9:30 – 11:30 for terrific recommendations for your young listeners and readers. All are welcome and nursery care will be provided. Contact Emily or Kate Johnston-Legg for more information.

Gift Cards given…

At the end of December gift cards were collected to help families in the Highwood community who have students at Oak Terrace Elementary School with whom Dan Hanlon works. The staff wanted Church of the Redeemer to know how those donations are being used. Instead of simply divvying them up, they are being used as specific needs arise. Two cards were given to help families who are in need of food. One of these in particular went to help purchase food so that the family could celebrate the recent baptism of their son. Other gift cards are being used to provide meals made by Oak Terrace teachers for a large family with very limited resources. Thank you so much to all those who contributed! We’ll soon be sharing more ways to connect with this school.

COR Youth

Last week we began a new journey, “Lives of the Redeemer.” Dan Becker joined us to share some of his story and give us the chance to learn more about how God has been shaping him throughout his life. We are so thankful for Dan’s ministry to each of us during that time. This week we begin our journey exploring the lives of Old Testament people. Next week we will look at Abraham’s story, interacting with the biblical text as we seek to discover who he was, what his story reveals to us about God, why his life matters and how his story speaks into our lives today. All 6th – 12th grade students are encouraged to participate each Sunday at 9 a.m. in the youth room. A light breakfast is provided.

Open Eyes – Open Hands

Much of the encouragement and challenge of the Gospels is that we learn to see with eyes of faith. It’s only in that way that we can glimpse what God is doing in the many areas of our lives and in the world. Our finance is one area where we can learn to see with new eyes—eyes of faith that reveal God’s unique provision. And as we see how God provides, we open our hands to receive and to give. The start of a new year is an appropriate time to seek the gift of new eyes, and open hands, to understand, to perceive and to be able to bless the work of God through our participation in his faithfulness. Let’s pray for growth in that sensitivity and obedience in this year that we might have opportunity to do things for the Kingdom that we have not yet even thought about. God Bless that work in us.

We’ll be sharing more on faith giving during our Annual Celebration.

Tithes & Offerings for January 16, 2011: $3,921 
Average amount needed each week:  $7,000

Please pray for…

— All those in need of provision (jobs, health, peace, etc)
— Our Annual Celebration and the business to be conducted there
— Students as they head back to school for the new semester
— St. Michael’s, Sonrise School and the Shyira Diocese