As Jesus stepped
out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. Jesus asked
him, "What is your name?" He said, "Legion"; for many demons had
entered him.' St Luke 8.27, 30
Thanks to
computerized special effects, today's movies and video games have a
horrific number of ghastly and truly frightening depictions of evil, in
all guises and forms. In truth, the dark side of human existence has
always been evident. We have witnessed the horrors of two world wars
in the past century, just for starters. We consider ourselves to be
members of a more sophisticated and reasonable civilization than in
earlier centuries. But have we really managed to banish the age old
demons from our culture and society? No.
What family (and which of us) hasn't had to come face to face with our
personal demons? The demoniac in the verses above answered absolutely
truthfully when he responded to Jesus' question, 'What is your name',
with a single word: 'Legion'. Face to face with this agonized and
suffering man gone mad, Jesus exorcised the demons. Within a few
years, Jesus himself would be tortured and hanging on a cross, face to
face with the fierce powers of evil in a desperate battle for
humanity's soul. That cross was the place of a victory which is ours
through faith in Christ.
Healed, we too are called to join the demoniac in sitting at Jesus'
feet in worship, and then going out into life and telling others what
God has done for us. No special effects needed; just our own upright
and honest lives.
THANK YOU
for the many cards sent to
Diane and me on the recent occasions of our anniversary and my
birthday! We feel loved and blessed by your kindness and care!
PLEASE REMEMBER
that our custom here at Redeemer when worship is over is
to honor all
those with mobility challenges to leave the sanctuary first with their
canes and walkers and wheelchairs. If you must leave in a hurry, then
please use the side aisles to exit, so that we leave the main aisle
open for those with walking impairments.
Thanks for remembering!
PASTOR'S SUNDAY ADULT CLASS:
During the summer months, Pastor will lead a study and
discussion of the
assigned Bible readings for Sunday worship. Because our regular
meeting area in the Commons Room is now sealed off due to the car crash
May 5, we will use the Holy Footprints room, just down the hallway from
the Library. Coffee is available near the kitchen. Join us for a
lively discussion and time of fellowship and learning!
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Our ongoing ministry to those in the military who
are stationed overseas is continually in need of contributions. Please
see the information in the newsletter and bulletin about items you may
wish to donate for this mail ministry..... Also, we ask that you
continue
to give food items for
distribution to the hungry in our area through Marion Polk Food Share.
Please place your donations into the red wagon as you come to worship
each Sunday.......
Habitat for Humanity needs people
who are willing to give of their time towards the new build here in
Salem. Please see Lorene Bartell for information..... Our new Redeemer Community Garden is asking for
volunteers to help in a variety of ways with upkeep of the garden.
Please speak with Jan Shearer or Tonja Snyder........
CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING
set for Sunday, June 27, right after worship.
This is an opportunity to participate in the important task of setting
our budget for fiscal year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Please
attend, make your voice be heard, ask questions, and help us craft our
budget. It's good to remember that a congregation's budget is a
monetary statement of our mission and ministry plan over the next 12
months.
FLOWER CHART HAS MANY OPENINGS:
If you have a special event coming up in your family or personal life,
you may wish to place flowers in the chancel to God's glory. Please
see the Flower Chart on the main bulletin board for open dates.
DATES AND EVENTS TO NOTE ~
Monday, June
21..........................7pm, Church Council
Sunday, June
27...........................Congregational budget meeting
August
8.........................................5th Annual Summerfest
August
20-22................................Church Campout at D Lake, Lincoln
City
August 28 - October 1................Pastor and Diane vacation in Europe
**Please
check the master calendar and weekly
bulletin for a detailed list of activities.
