Pastor Joels mid week reminders for December 1, 2009
This entry was posted on 12/1/2009 7:53 PM and is filed under Mid-Week Reminders.
'I thank my God every time I remember you, constantlypraying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because ofyour sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.' Philippians1.3-5
I think I know what Paul means. It's amazing to mostpastors how God's people respond in faith and joy to the challenges ofliving out our Christianity, both in our individual lives and as acongregation. When I reflect on all that we're doing as a faithfulexpression of our love for Jesus, I am grateful. Just think of thechallenges and opportunities to which we, the people of God atRedeemer, are responding: FOOD BOXES for 35 families thisChristmas... FENCING for our community garden... FOOD eachweek for the hungry and poor... DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY GARDENfor families to grow their own food... MINISTRY TO MILITARYboxes being filled and mailed to those away from home and family... KNITTINGPRAYER SHAWLS for those who are ill and hospitalized... And otheropportunities that arise which call for our faithful and sacrificialresponse.
We do it because Jesus would do it. We do it because we love Jesus,and because Jesus loves people. We do it not for our own glory, butfor our neighbor's good and for the glory of God. That's a huge partof what Paul means by 'sharing in the gospel from the first day untilnow.'
MIDWEEK ADVENT VESPERS BEGIN WEDNESDAY: 7pm, Holden Evening Prayer worship. 6pm, Soup and Bread Supper. My theme for theseVesper services will be "Prisoners of Hope", a look at how people (inBiblical times and since) who were imprisoned kept their hope alive,and ignited hope in others. Come as you are to both Supper and Worship!
DONATIONSWELCOME FOR FENCE: Please use the envelopeattached to your yummy cookie on this past Sunday, and place a donationin it for the fencing we are purchasing from Concordia School. You mayput it in the offering plate or return it to the church office. Weneed to raise just over $300. Thanks for your help!
MINISTRY TO MILITARY: Box packing on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6pm here atchurch. If you can, please donate home baked and home madegoodies and gifts. Questions: contact Kathy Lisle, Jim Baker, CharlieJacobs, Arnie Marcoe.
KNITTING / CROCHETING PARTY DEC 4, 1-3PM AT CHURCH: "Do youknit or crochet? Do you want to learn? We are having our firstgathering at the oak table on Friday, December 4th, from 1-3pm. Pleasecome. Bring your supplies and patterns. We will supply a snack andtea and coffee."
NEWSPAPERDROP BOX: Pleasecontinue to 'feed' the big box on our parking lot. All thosenewspapers go to recycling, and the money raised goes towards feedinghungry people via Lutheran World Relief.
FOOD WAGON /BARREL: What a joy to see each week's wagon load offood donations wheeled to the altar for a Sunday blessing! Yourthankful and generous hearts result in these gifts of food to the poorthrough Marion Polk Food Share, our partner agency.
'WALK TOBETHLEHEM': Currently, wehave about 50 Redeemer members signed up! By tracking the miles wewalk forexercise each week, we hope to cover enough miles to complete a 'walk'to Bethlehem in time for Christmas. Please see Jonet Schutz, our FaithCommunity Health Minister, for information and for a pedometer to helpyou keep track of your miles.
DATES ANDEVENTS TO NOTE ~
Wednesday, Dec. 2...............6pm, SoupSupper / 7pm, Midweek AdventVespers
Friday, Dec. 4.......................1 - 3pm,Knitting and Crocheting here at Redeemer
Friday, Dec 4........................6pm, PackingChristmas boxes formilitary
Monday, Dec 7......................7pm, Boardsmeet
Saturday, Dec 12..................Habitat Build
Saturday, Dec 12..................2pm, Babyshower for Darcie French
Monday, Dec14....................7pm, Church Council
CHRISTMAS EVE DAY................12noon and 7pm worshipopportunities
