Midweek reminders
‘Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.’ Isaiah 42.1 ‘This is my son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ St Matthew 3.17
It’s clear that God’s words to his Son, Jesus, at his baptism, intentionally echo his words to his beloved people Israel hundreds of years before. We are God’s beloved, united with Christ in our baptism, declared by our heavenly Father to be well pleasing in his sight.
What a declaration of love! Sinful though we are, we are washed and forgiven in Christ. What pleases God most is when we live in love, as Jesus loved us—giving and forgiving, serving and sacrificing toward one another.
LOVING RELATIONSHIPS: During Epiphany and Lent, we will focus intently on how we as a congregation can grow in what it means to love one another. I will continue to incorporate this theme into my preaching and teaching, and our Health Team will be coming up with opportunities to strengthen our loving relationships here at Redeemer. Please commit now to do what you can do, personally, towards reaching out to love your fellow members in specific, concrete ways. God will bless our efforts.
ADULT SUNDAY CLASS: My Sunday morning Bible class continues to look at “Jesus and the Gospels,” a DVD-based series that explores the portraits of Jesus in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Currently we are engaged in looking at Luke, and we invite you to join us even if you’ve not been part of the class. Each 30 minute viewing segment is complete in itself, followed by time for discussion. We meet each Sunday at 8:50am – 9:40am in the Commons Room. Coffee and refreshments are always available.
OVER FIFTY FOLK convene next Wednesday, January 16, at 12 noon for their monthly potluck and fellowship. We invite you to join us! Questions? Contact Bunny Zeller or the church office.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is set for Sunday, January 27, following worship. An annual report covering all aspects of our church’s ministry and mission for 2007 is being put together by our leaders, and copies will be given out at the meeting. According to our new schedule of Congregational Meetings, the next meetings will be on April 13 (Budget) and June 22 (Elections). Since we’ve reduced the frequency of our meetings, it’s even more important that you plan ahead to participate. Thanks!
FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES begin this coming Sunday, January 13, for 5th grade children and others who may have missed these classes previously. David Gerecke is the teacher. Classes will conclude on Palm Sunday, March 15, when the kids have their first Communion during our worship.
DATES AND EVENTS TO NOTE
- Jan. 14, 7pm…………Board meetings
- Jan. 21, 7pm…………Council
- Jan. 23………………..Deadline for submissions for Annual Report
- Jan. 27, 12 noon……Congregational Meeting: Annual Report and celebration of ministries
- Feb. 6, 7pm………….Ash Wednesday worship
- Feb. 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12……..Soup Suppers and Midweek Lenten Worship
- March 15……………..Palm Sunday and First Communion
- March 23……………..Easter Sunday
- April 1 – 3…………….Oregon Pastors Conference, Eugene
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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
