‘Servants don’t deserve special thanks for doing what they are supposed to do.  And that’s how it should be with you.  When you’ve done all you should, then say, “We are merely servants, and we have simply done our duty.”’  St Luke 17.9-10  (CEV)

These words of Jesus to his disciples may seem a bit harsh.  The point he is making to them—and to us—is that we are to do something simply because it is the right thing to do, not because we expect some kind of applause or reward for doing it.  Jesus knew human nature.  We are prone to asking the question, “What are we going to get out of it?”   Jesus calls us to do the right thing without thought for ourselves.  That’s a big challenge, but one that we can accept because of God’s gift of the Holy Spirit within us.

FOOD DRIVE RESULTS:  The mountain of food you helped to build with your generous donations topped out at 1,315 pounds!  That’s 350 pounds more than we have ever collected.  All praise to God, for giving us hearts of compassion for the poor and hungry, and the will to do something about it.  Thank you!

‘JESUS AND THE GOSPELS’ is the title of my current Sunday morning adult Bible class.  This college-level class on DVD will help you to understand the process that lay behind the writing of the four gospels.  We view a 30 minute lecture and follow it with questions and discussion.  Whether you’re a new Christian or a seasoned one, this excellent series will bring you growth and depth in understanding of the heart of our Bible, the story of Jesus.  This week’s topic:  “Why Compose Gospels?”  We meet from 8:45 – 9:45am in the Commons Room.  Join us!

REACHING OUT:  Renee Albrecht, who is recovering at home now from her broken leg, would very much appreciate phone calls and visits from her dear friends here at Redeemer.  She is going to receive home health care, but being alone isn’t much fun, and she dearly loves her Redeemer friends.

ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, a team of about 12 youth and adults, will be here at Redeemer on the weekend of October 12 – 14.  Their mission is to help Redeemer in our witness to the neighborhood.  On Sunday, Oct 14, they will help to lead our worship.  Please see the entire weekend schedule for details, and plan to participate as you are able.  One thing is especially urgent right now: we need host homes to house this OAC team overnight Friday and Saturday, and also to feed them breakfast and transport them back to Redeemer.  If you can help, please contact Jonet Schutz and sign up on the bulletin board.

OREGON PASTORS CONFERENCE takes place next week, October 9 – 11, at Cannon Beach.  I will be attending, and will be not be in the office those 3 days.  If you need urgent pastoral care, please contact the church office or one of our Elders:  Fred Gargiulo, Lloyd Bauer, Glenn Edwards, Rick Crawford, and Bob Kosta.

STEPHEN MINISTERS AT WORK:  Just a reminder that our trained Stephen Ministers here at Redeemer—Etta Mae Hitchcock, Grace Lowe, Kathy Lisle, and Lydia Farris—are quietly at work doing one-on-one confidential ministry with congregational members who are experiencing life issues and challenges.  Please keep them, and their care receivers, in your prayers.

SAYING THANK YOU:  A true servant in our midst is Etta Mae Hitchcock, who for many years has served as our congregational Treasurer.  This is not an easy job, and it gets more complicated every year.  Please take a moment to acknowledge the countless hours that Etta Mae puts in to keep Redeemer on a level financial keel by saying ‘Thank You” to her.

NEW JANITORIAL SERVICE TO BEGIN SOON:  Your pledges towards contracting our cleaning to Total Solutions will make it possible for them to begin weekly service soon.  Remember that these special pledges, dedicated to janitorial service, are second mile giving, in addition to our giving to support the general budget!

REFORMATION SUNDAY, OCT. 28:  This is a great festival of the church, and we hope that you will make a special effort to be here for worship on that day.  During our Reformation Day worship, we will joyfully commission Bob Kosta as a licensed deacon in our congregation, called to serve Redeemer and our community with the good news of God’s love in Christ through specialized ministries developed by the congregation.  The color for the day is red, and we will be using the liturgy of Holy Communion from our previous hymnal (also known popularly as Page 15).  One more thing: we invite you to make this a dress up Sunday!  Put on your finest clothes and together we’ll celebrate the amazing grace of God to the world as we “lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim”!