Pastor Joels mid week reminders for May 11, 2010
This entry was posted on 5/12/2010 6:30 PM and is filed under Mid-Week Reminders.
'...beginning
from Jerusalem.' St Luke 24.47
Just
before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples that they were
to be witnesses of him to all nations. The starting point?
JERUSALEM. The city where Jesus died and rose. From that center of
salvation history, his followers would branch out, carrying the power
of the gospel to all the world.
Today, 2,000 years later, Christianity has penetrated most of the
world. But the mother church of all Christianity will always be the
little group of followers who began the great mission in Jerusalem.
This ancient city, convulsed throughout history by so much conflict,
central to three great world religions--Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam--continues to be in the news so often. In my month long visit
there in 1999, I was impressed by the vitality of the Christian witness
and the presence of so many Catholic and Protestant denominations,
working together in their mission despite so many obstacles. The Holy
Spirit continues to inspire and guide their gospel ministries of
compassion, justice, and mercy.
We cannot forget the mother church of all Christians, and this great,
holy city. Psalm 122 says it simply and completely: "Pray for the
peace of Jerusalem." Won't you do so?
BUILDING
DAMAGE UPDATE: We are
deeply grateful that the Lord spared the life of the woman whose car
went out of control and smashed into the north end of our building on
May 5. She walked away without a scratch. The building has been
shored up and stabilized, the insurance adjuster has viewed the damage,
we have a letter from our insurance company assuring us of full
coverage, the rubble is being cleaned up and hauled away, and bids have
come in from contractors for repairing the extensive damage. Please
continue to pray for all who are involved in restoring the building.
FINAL ADULT SUNDAY CLASS ON ISLAM:
After technical
difficulties this past Sunday, we will try again in showing the final
lecture in our 12 week study of Islam. The lecture for this coming
Sunday is entitled "The
Future of Islam".
This lecture concludes reviews the key
questions that are raised about Muslims and Islam today. We also look
at prospects for Islam and the West in the 21st century. Join us
for this
informative DVD and discussion class Sunday morning from 8:50am -
9:45am. We meet in the Holy Footprints room just past the Library.
REDEEMER
COMMUNITY GARDEN: This coming Saturday, our
community garden officially opens!
If you would like to be
included in sharing the veggies from plots reserved for Redeemer within
our
garden, please talk with Jan about purchasing a CSA
(Congregation Supported Agriculture) share for $40. This will
provide you with a basket of produce each week. On
Pentecost Sunday, May 23, we will dedicate our garden to the glory of
God and service to our community. Please note the calendar below for
upcoming dates in moving the garden towards productivity. See the May newsletter for important information and
request for tools, help, etc.
DATES AND EVENTS TO NOTE ~
Saturday, May 15........................ Redeemer
garden officially opens
Sunday, May
16.............................Potluck lunch and AED training
Sunday, May
23............................PENTECOST and Dedication of Redeemer
Community Garden
June 21 -
25..................................Vacation Bible School
Sunday, June
27...........................Congregational budget meeting
August
8.........................................5th Annual Summerfest
**Please
check the master calendar and weekly
bulletin for a detailed list of activities.
>From the Office
Please remember that articles for the June Spirit Call are due no later
than Thurs. May 20. Thanks, Sandy
