Avoidance Strategies
Avoidance Strategies
Way back in the day—1984 to be precise—one of our best friends was days away from presenting her master’s thesis, and she had a lot of editing work to do. So, she arranged for a full day at home, her children and husband away, ostensibly to give her undivided attention to her task.
But how did she actually spend her day? Making eighteen elaborate napkin rings for the family’s Thanksgiving gathering.
So, for four-and-a-half decades now, “napkin rings” has been, for Lauren and me, a code phrase for an avoidance strategy: “You’re putting off something important, but hard.”
Many, if not most of us, when faced with something we know will be demanding and difficult, find ways of avoiding it (think about an important conversation you know will be difficult), even though we know we can’t put it off forever.
In this week’s Epistle reading, Paul is warning his young protégé Timothy—his “true son" and “dear child”—against any such avoidance strategies when it comes to the central task of witnessing to the gospel of Jesus, even in the face of social and political stigma and danger.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pollinator Garden Planting Day—tomorrow, October 11, 10AM-2PM
The beds adjoining our parking lot have been prepared for a native pollinator garden that supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here’s how you can help:
1. Donate plants: from your own garden, from a gardening friend, or purchase
2. Give toward the project today (select “Pollinator Garden” in the pulldown menu)
3. Help plant and mulch tomorrow! Refreshments and lunch provided. Kids welcome, with activities
RSVP or questions: Mary Sue Burgess
Second Sunday Sandwiches—Sunday following worship.
October Vestry Meeting—Sunday, 12:15PM
Haiti Motorbikes—Help us purchase critically needed motorbikes for our ADLW Mission in Haiti. You can give here today (select “Haiti Motorbikes” in the pulldown menu)
Women’s Retreat, “From Fractured to Flourishing” with Chrystie Cole—Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25 @ 1309. Register and pay online here (select “Women’s Retreat 2025” in the pulldown menu when redirected to our online giving portal)
Discovery Luncheons—Sunday, October 26 & Sunday, November 30 following worship. Open to all who are new to Redeemer or interested in membership. Email Steve Wishart in advance if you’re interested in participating
“Fifth” Sunday Potluck/Membership Sunday—November 23 following worship
Photo: Priscilla DuPreez on Unsplash
