Two Vocations
Two Vocations
The English word vocation comes from the Latin, vocatio, which means “calling”. Early on, the Reformers argued strenuously that every believer in Christ has two callings, or vocations.
A primary vocation called discipleship, the bringing of all of one’s life—every aspect—under the Lordship of Christ. From the fulfilling of that vocation, then flows a secondary vocation; the divine call to the missio Dei—assisting in God’s mission in the world in four ways, by:
fulfilling the Creation Mandate (Genesis 1:28),
the building up of Christ’s church,
seeking the common good; and
the simple, but noble, pursuit of one’s ordinary day-to-day-work.
For some, educators and students alike—even young children—their secondary calling is worked out largely in colleges, universities, public and private schools, and the home.
This Sunday, not only will we consider the cost of discipleship, but as we begin a new academic year, we’re going to bless and commission those who are specifically called to the classroom.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Stewarding Time and Talent
When you hear a pastor say something like, “Please consider if the Lord might be leading you to volunteer in Children’s Formation” it generally means, “There’s literally no one watching your kids right now...it’s Lord of the Flies down there.” Generally. That is, however, not what I mean (or at least not what I mean this time).
What I mean is, we take ministry to our children very seriously, and our most urgent volunteer need for the fall is in Children’s Formation and the Nursery. And as some of our nearest and most precious neighbors, serving them is one very important way we flesh out our Shared Vision.*
There are other important ways you can steward your time and talent at Redeemer, too:
Children’s Formation—4 still needed.
Teacher: Lead the lessons, memory work, teaching times, and class discussions in God-honoring, true, and age-appropriate ways. Engage with the children and build relationships with them in accordance with our safe practices. Teach once a month. Interested in finding out more? Email Karissa Simmons here.
Teaching Assistant: Support the Teacher by encouraging students to focus, helping in presentations, and engaging in memory work. Engage with the children and build relationships with them in accordance with our safe practices. Assist once a month. Interested in finding out more? Email Karissa Simmons here.
Nursery—3 needed. Lead the children in abbreviated lessons, Bible stories, memory verse songs, and activities in God-honoring, true, and age-appropriate ways. Engage with, comfort, and build relationships with the children in accordance with our safe practices. Serve once a month. Interested in finding out more? Email Karissa Simmons here.
Website/Social Media—1 needed. Keeps our website and social media current and compelling. Website design and administration experience helpful. Interested in finding out more? Email Steve Wishart here.
Ushers/Safety—2 needed. The first hand of welcome, and the helping hand in need. This year our ushers are taking responsibility for more of our safety & emergency protocols, so the Usher team has a new name! Interested in finding out more? Email Tori Fox here.
Sound/Video Tech—1 needed. Also a first touch of welcome, since most visitors will watch online, sometimes for weeks, before visiting. Interested in finding out more? Email Steve Wishart here.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers—2 needed. Assists the Clergy in serving the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion. Interested in finding out more? Email Tori Fox here.
*To proclaim and promote the Gospel; giving ever more time, talent, and treasure to seeking the flourishing of our neighbors.
OTHER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fall Women’s Retreat with Chrystie Cole—Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25 @ 1309.
Children’s Formation, Nursery, and Usher/Safety Training Days—Saturday, September 20, and Saturday, September 27, 10:00-11:30AM (need attend only one)
Morning Prayer—Tuesday-Friday, 8AM on Zoom
Evening Prayer—Wednesdays, 7PM on Zoom
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7AM @ 1309
Photo: Getty Images
