Midweek Reminders from Pastor Joel     

‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble…  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.  God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved.’   Psalm 46.1, 4, 5

This Reformation Sunday Psalm took on a new aspect for me when I read it today.  I guess my mind is on those who face the oncoming onslaught of winter with very little food, housing problems, and lack of warm clothing.  It hit me that in this city, Salem, “there is a river” that runs through it—the Willamette River.  In Portland, the Willamette River also runs through the heart of downtown.

But how is God “in the midst of the city”?  The city, with all of its suffering poor, addicts, hungry, homeless?  Very close to the river here in Salem, right by the bridge, is Union Gospel Mission.  Close to that same river as it flows through downtown Portland is the Gospel Rescue Mission.  These are places where God is “in the midst of the city” in a very real and vital way. 

As we receive appeals in the mail from agencies like UGM or PRM, don’t just toss them in the recycling and assume that other people will help.  You, the people of God, are also in the midst of the city.  As followers of Jesus, we are called to give, to help, to provide for the weak and vulnerable.  It’s a great privilege to partner with Jesus, and the agencies representing him, in this ministry.

CHILI DRIVE:  Here’s a perfect way to help.  Marion Polk Food Share’s ‘Make A Difference Day’ is this coming Saturday, Oct. 25.  We’ve had a canned chili drive going, and if you haven’t yet contributed to our small mountain of chili cans, you can still do so.  Please bring your donations here to the church and add to our contributions to MPFS.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY / THRIVENT BUILD:  Here’s another great way to partner with others in a ministry of housing for the poor.  There are two dates assigned to Redeemer to help with the construction and preparation of low-income housing:  November 3 and December 1.  Joy Anderson has posted a sign-up sheet for both dates.  If I, stupid as I am about how houses are built, can help, certainly you can too!!  Sign up as soon as possible.

REFORMATION SUNDAY, OCT. 28:  Come to worship with eager hearts and souls this Sunday, as we celebrate Reformation!  A special feature of our worship is the Commissioning of Bob Kosta as a Licensed Deacon here at Redeemer.  Following worship, we’ll have a cake / coffee / punch reception in Bob’s honor.  The color for the day is red, so see if you can wear something red.

‘JESUS AND THE GOSPELS’, my Bible Study class, continues each Sunday morning at 8:45am in the Commons Room.  This DVD-based class consists of a 30 minute presentation on DVD, followed by class discussion.  We’ve just begun the section on the first gospel written, the gospel of Mark.  Grab some coffee and join us!

SAYING ‘THANK YOU!’:  I don’t think Lutherans could survive without their coffee.  How does that ‘juice of life’ happen to be ready for you on Sunday mornings?  Well, Charlie and Jackie Jacobs faithfully set it up and make sure it’s fresh-brewed and hot when you stumble into the church building bright and early on Sundays!  Where does it come from?  Well, George Porter graciously has been buying and donating the coffee for many years.  Tell the Jacobs and George “Thank You!” when you see them!

TIME CHANGE COMING SOON:  This year, by Congressional legislation, we ‘Fall Back’ into standard time at 2am Sunday, November 4, NOT on the last Sunday of October, which has been the Sunday up until this year.  So don’t set your clocks back this weekend.  Wait until Saturday evening, Nov. 3, and then do it.

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We Wish You God's Peace and Blessing

Sandy Cooper, Secretary
Redeemer Lutheran Church
503-393-7121
4663 Lancaster Drive. NE
Salem, OR 97305
office@redeemer-lcms.org