"I will
follow you, Lord, but..." St Luke 9.61
That little word 'but' is one of the biggest little
words in the English language. It generally introduces an excuse or an
exception in our thinking. When it comes to Christian faith, we're all
eager beavers to follow Jesus. But....each of us knows what holds us
back from being fully committed. As St Augustine prayed so famously
after his conversion to Christianity: "Lord, give me chastity, but not
quite yet."
Growth in our faith life comes as we identify our 'buts' to the call of
Christ, and then patiently pray and work towards eliminating those
'buts'. It takes time and a good deal of self-forgiveness, but it is
possible. What are your particular 'buts' that hold you back from a
whole-hearted love of Jesus and a life that shows it?
CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK AND 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. Please bring some food to share with others, and after
a fellowship meal we will get right down to business.
BUILDING RESTORATION WORK BEGINS:
The process of repairing and restoring the north end of our building
has begun. Work is expected to be completed by mid July. There is a
heavy plastic sheet covering the north end of the hallway. Please
remember not to venture beyond that point during the restoration work.
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 or checks
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........
PLEASE REMEMBER our
custom here at Redeemer: when worship is over,
honor all
those with mobility challenges by allowing them 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!
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 ~
Sunday, June
27...........................Congregational potluck and budget meeting
Monday, July 5.............................Office
closed for Independence Day
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.
