A Deeper Point
A Deeper Point
The familiar story that’s told in this week’s Gospel reading—Jesus, then Peter walking on water—is replete with straightforward and practical lessons. And even if you read it fairly casually, you could point to most of them. Among them are:
Jesus refusing to be distracted from the necessity to be with the Father in prayer in the midst of an incredibly dynamic situation.
Peter, in a bold act of faith, stepping out of the boat and failing only when he took his eyes off Jesus.
And, of course, Jesus' presence calming the punishing headwinds for the disciples and the promise of the same for us.
All of these are helpful for framing the love of God and his desire to be “with us”, the power of stepping out in faith with our eyes fixed firmly on Christ, and the promise of Jesus’ presence and power with us in the midst of our own adversities. They’re all there, and they’re all valuable take-aways.
But if you read a bit deeper (pardon the pun), this passage also has a rich and vivid subtext that has some immediate and, candidly, demanding implications for us as we live our day-to-day lives.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Children’s Formation Volunteers
We are in immediate need of men and women to serve Redeemer's children in our Nursery and Children’s Formation Time on Sundays. No special skills are needed beyond a heart for children and the ability to serve one time per month. Those who serve are given the incredible opportunity to stand as witnesses of the Gospel to the children of Redeemer, and to learn new things about God both from the lessons we teach each week and the wonderful questions and responses these children offer.
It can be a fun and relationship strengthening opportunity for couples to serve together!
A simple background check and sexual abuse awareness training—both completed online—are required. For more information, please contact our Children’s Formation Director, Karissa Simmons (karissa@redeemerannapolis.org)
Fall Home Groups
It was a blessing to be together on Sunday to share our vision for Home Groups in the Fall. Our groups will begin the week of September 4th, directly after Labor Day Weekend, and continue through Advent (12 weeks total).
Bishop Julian Dobbs will join us on October 22nd and we will focus our Home Groups around the theme of catechesis in support of the Bishop's ministry of Confirmation that Sunday.
Our Anglican tradition recognizes that Scripture values public profession of faith for many reasons. It brings individual conviction to fruition in the life of our shared community where we can reaffirm our common faith, show solidarity, and experience the Holy Spirit's empowering, reconciling presence. The service of Confirmation is the liturgical expression of public witness.
Catechesis has been the historic preparation for Confirmation and though many of us have been Confirmed, we thought it would be beneficial for our entire community to be catechized together and experience our “new” Anglican Church of North America catechism To Be a Christian.
You can find copies for purchase or free PDF here. In the meantime, we will follow up next week with a survey that will provide more information on Confirmation and home groups times and locations.
We encourage everyone to participate in our Home Groups this season and share in the joy of learning how to love the Lord our God and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Peace,
Steve E+
Some Upcoming Events
Sunday, August 27—Worship, Blessing of Students and Educators, and Picnic on the Bay
Saturday, September 9—Bowie Baysox Baseball and Fireworks
Sunday, October 22—Bishop Julian Episcopal Visitation
Picture credit: Ivan Aivazovsky, Walking on Water. (1888).