‘The doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of… Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”’ St John 20.19

Note how I abridged the first part of the verse above: “For fear of…” Fear of what? You fill in the blank. So much of our lives is dominated by fear, perhaps more than we realize. It’s a knee jerk response to all the bad news that comes our way daily: the economy, recession, jobs, health care issues, inflation, terrorism, crime and violence, and on and on.

We lock the doors of our homes, our cars, our churches, our hearts: “For fear of…” The disciples knew Jesus had risen. But they were still afraid. Petrified, in fact, that they would be the next batch to end up on a cross.

The power of Jesus’ resurrection peace is not stopped when we go into lockdown mode. I can’t improve on Marty Haugen’s words in the song we sing often:

“Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow,
Give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow.
You who know our fears and sadness,
Grace us with your peace and gladness;
Spirit of all comfort, fill our hearts.”
The risen Christ penetrates our fearful hearts with his presence and his words: “Peace be with you.”
OUT OF TOWN: Diane and I will be flying to Houston this week for my daughter’s Masters recital at Rice University. We’ll be away from Friday through Monday, and I’ll return to the office April 1. My Sunday morning responsibilities will be covered by Bob Kosta, our Licensed Lay Deacon, who will be leading worship and Bible study. If you have a need for urgent pastoral care while I’m away, please contact one of our Elders: Fred Gargiulo, Lloyd Bauer, Bob Kosta, Glenn Edwards, or Rick Crawford.

BOARD MEETINGS have been moved to the first Monday of April, April 7. This is because of the tight budget process we’re now in, preparing for the fiscal year 2008 – 2009. Congregational Budget Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, after worship.

PIE SOCIAL: Saturday, April 12, starting at 6pm. Be there for a great time, great pies, and a great cause! If you have a talent to share, or just want to help in some way, please contact Roy Tulee, the organizer.

CONSECRATED STEWARDS 2 gets underway this coming Sunday, March 30. Once again, Ryan McIvor from District Office will be our Guest Leader. Jan Shearer heads a dedicated and talented Leadership Team here at Redeemer. This is an 8 week process, with most of the emphasis coming the final four weeks leading up to our Consecration Sunday on May 18.

THANKS!! I know that I speak for the whole congregation when I say THANK YOU to all who helped with our Holy Week and Easter Sunday celebrations. Too many people to mention, but please know how deeply all of us appreciate your efforts that contributed in so many ways to a rich and meaningful week.

+ + +

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