Blessing Our Neighbors
Blessing Our Neighbors
We have an opportunity to partner with some local Evangelical Presbyterian churches who organize a “Clothing Giveaway” or “Free Flea” event each spring and fall. They receive and sort gently used clothing, household goods (linens, tableware, and kitchen items), toys and books on a Friday evening, then host a Saturday event for the community that’s like a rummage sale—except that everything is free! The “shoppers” also receive Bibles, Christian literature and an invitation to church activities. Donations of Bibles are particularly welcome, but not furniture, electronics, children’s car seats or romance novels.
Please bring your gently used and clean items to the Rectory (the door nearest the Sanctuary) after worship this Sunday.
Surpassing Worth
I’ve spent a fair amount of time this season of Lent meditating on “St. Patrick’s Breastplate”, a beautiful and lyrical prayer of protection attributed to St. Patrick. I’m particularly drawn to the part of the prayer that gives itself to the “allness” of Christ. It expresses a kind of deep knowing that’s only possible in intimate relationship.
That’s likely why I was drawn particularly to this week’s Epistle reading from Philippians 3:7-16, where St. Paul writes, “Whatever gain I had, I count as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Paul doesn’t just want us to be right with God, but to know Jesus. Knowing Christ is the final, the ultimate, goal.
Jesus isn’t just the means to get you what you want (to be right with God), but Jesus becomes what—or more precisely, who—you want. Jesus is both means and end. This expresses a deep, personal knowing...real experience in real relationship. Intimacy.
That’s what I hope to explore Sunday. See you then.
Steve+
OTHER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bishop Julian Episcopal Visit—Palm Sunday, April 13, 10AM. We will host a brief presentation and Q&A with the Bishop following Second Sunday Sandwiches that day.
Holy Week:
Maundy Thursday Service—April 17, 7PM
Good Friday Service—April 18, 7PM
Holy Saturday Service—April 19, noon
Easter Sunday Service—April 20, 10AM
Redeemer Vestry—This Sunday, following worship.
Second Sunday Sandwiches—Sunday, April 13 following worship.
Discovery Dinner—Tuesday, April 29, 6PM. If you’re new(ish) to Redeemer, we’d like to get to know you—and you, us—a little better. Join Steve and Lauren Wishart for dinner and discussion in their home. RSVP here, or with a Connection Card Sunday (write “Discovery Dinner” in the comment section).
Morning Prayer—Tuesday-Friday mornings, 8AM on Zoom.
Evening Prayer—Wednesdays, 7PM @ 1309
Women’s Bible Study—Saturdays, 9AM @ 1309
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7AM @ 1309
Photo Credit: Jon Tyson/Unsplash
