October 15, 2010

From the Rector’s Desk

I remember vividly the powerful emotions that I experienced on my first visit to Sonrise School. The welcome that the children sang to us, the students we got to know and the outstanding and committed teachers, provided a personal face to something that I had previously only held as a good idea. For me a story became The Story, interwoven with the various chapters of life and how God was crafting it all together, making sense out of disparity, closeness out of distance. It’s a long Story, not one that is told in one brief chapter.

As Jason Miller, Mark Rosengren and I moved from classroom to classroom, longtime head-teacher Jimmy said to the children, “These are your fathers”. That’s a powerful word to an orphan, I imagine, and I realized in that moment that all choice in the matter was gone. We were not visitors, or well-wishers, or motivated friends. We were family—those who had taken on responsibility as representatives of a congregation on the other side of the world that helped to launch the school and gave generous support each year. In that sense there really is a parenting role to our relationship with Sonrise School. Not in a patronizing way, but in recognition that we have a privilege to walk with them, to offer support, to learn from them, and to grow in our own identity as mothers and fathers in faith and deed. I wish every one of us would have the opportunity to visit and experience Rwanda, but most of us won’t be able to—yet we can carry on that divine call to stand and walk with them from a distance.

This is a year-round commitment, but it’s focused primarily in the annual benefit that began in 1998. Over the years this unique event has provided critical financial input to a school that picked up the orphans of the genocide and intervened in a situation that would have meant several lost generations in Rwanda. We are just now arriving (next March) at the first graduation. We won’t be able to measure impact for some time, and the school continues to identify and serve the poorest students in a nation that will struggle for some time, even though it has known tremendous grace.

I hope you will join me at next week’s benefit, and bring some people with you. This is our privilege, and it’s our responsibility. As you know, financial times are tough and it’s been harder to do what we were able to do in the past. But we can still offer something significant that will be essential in the life of Sonrise. We also benefit, as Church of the Redeemer will know spiritual blessing and joy as we continue to remain faithful in our relationships there.

If you are not able to be at the benefit, would you consider a contribution? We have some additional expenses this year in order to bring Sonrise student Richard to share his story with us in person (about $2500). You could help us to meet this. Please also consider a contribution of support for Sonrise School, made out to Mustard Seed Project, or sponsor a student at Sonrise. Remember to cover all of these things in prayer—that’s one of the most important contributions of all. These are all ways to help the vitality of the school and its mission, and our own role as partners or ‘parents’ for the children there.

May God bless our efforts for the sake of his Gospel, as we live out the Story with brothers and sisters in Rwanda, and in our own neighborhoods.

Peace of Christ,
Jay

The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer

jlgreener@gmail.com

 
Sonrise Benefit

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 one week 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 will also welcome Richard Ndekezi, a Sonrise student, who is coming to share his story in person. Please be praying for his travel and time with us in the US.

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
— thank God for Richard's visa
— safe travels for all involved
— significant financial support for the school
— those preparing for confirmation

Parents' Night Out / Kids' Journey to Rwanda

This Saturday is our second annual Parents' Night Out / Kids' Journey to Rwanda! All are welcome; if you'd like to participate or help out, please contact Emily. We are still looking for several adult helpers to work with youth in facilitating games and activities for the children.

What? Parents, enjoy the night out while we take care of your kids! We’ll have games, crafts, and activities centered around the church in Rwanda and Sonrise School.

Who? Parents, bring your children (infants – 5th grade) and their friends! Youth will help facilitate activities and provide child care.

When? Saturday, October 16, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Where? Redeemer Lutheran, 1731 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park

RSVP to Emily Cool Greener: 513-253-6524 or emily.cool.greener [at] gmail.com

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 [at] 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.

Confirmation Sunday

Next Sunday the 24th is a special day of dedication and celebration at Church of the Redeemer. About a dozen people will be confirmed by Bishop John Rucyahana, and he will be preaching in his last official visit with us as the leader of the Rwanda’s Shyira Diocese. Bishop John has been coming to be with us at Redeemer since the early days of our congregation, so we want to show our gratitude for his encouraging ministry among us and his significant ministry abroad in the global Church. As he ‘retires’ he will remain active with John and Harriet Rucyahana Ministries and in his new role as President of Rwanda’s Peace and Reconciliation Commission.

Giving

We’re in the final months of the year, and are counting down to meeting the budget, and finishing 2010 with all of our ministry bills paid. That’s important, and meeting this goal will require gifts of sacrifice (of all sizes) and fervent prayer. Thank you for participating as God directs.

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: $2,565
Amount still needed by December 31st: $119,590

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 something to place on your calendar.

Join us for 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 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
— the Sonrise Benefit for a strong and generous response
— needs for healing and provision in our community
— our year end financial need