Loving Sincerely
Loving Sincerely
In his book The Rise of Christianity, sociologist Rodney Stark chronicles how a tiny and obscure messianic movement from the edge of the Roman Empire came to dominate Western civilization in just a few centuries.
He tells the story of this ever-growing band of believers that had, to the Roman mind, a ridiculous-to-the-point-of-unthinkable way of living in community and of loving their neighbors. How they learned to love each other sincerely and literally became the kind of community God used to transform the Western world.
And so, as we continue reading through St. Paul’s letter to those same first Christians in Rome, we’re going to consider his instruction in this week’s Epistle reading and ask the question, “What kind of community has God called Redeemer to be?”
What is the quality of life we’re called to share one with another and with our Eastport neighbors?
Vestry/Leadership Retreat—Saturday, September 12. We will be working together to discern how God has called us to form our community and to serve our Eastport neighbors well—prayerfully discerning what the Lord might have us give focus and resources to over the next few years. Your prayers are coveted.
Youth Formation (ages 10-13) launches this Sunday at 9:00am in our Parish Hall.
Second Sunday Sandwiches—Sunday, September 13, following worship.
September Vestry Meeting—Sunday, September 13, following Second Sunday Sandwiches.
Annual Volunteer Training—Saturday, September 19, or Saturday, September 26 (choose one), 9:00am–11:30am. The first half will cover safety protocols for all adults who serve during the service time, regardless of the team. The second half will be training for individual teams.
Bible Study Fellowship 2026-2027: Romans—The book of Romans speaks to our deepest struggles—doubt, pride, fear, and guilt—and leads us to God’s grace. Written for ordinary people, Romans offers real hope for real life. In this study, discover how the God who saves also transforms, moving us from striving to surrender, from fear to faith, and from guilt to grace. Groups for men, women, and children in person and online. Sign up here.
Engineering Mission: Hale Simmons
This month I’ll be joining a team of engineers from around the world on a short term trip to central Asia. We will be designing a site development for a retreat center to serve the local population of Christians. These Christians are without much of their own infrastructure, as Islam dominates the region. My role will be to assist with the site surveying and full design of the grading, layout, and storm water of the proposed site to produce a full set of plans the construction crew can use to complete construction.
Cru is looking to gain a deeper connection and ministry to the central Asian area. Their ministry is ongoing, but currently much of their funds are being used on rentals and moving around between these rentals. A dedicated space where pastors, missionaries, athletes, college students, orphans and other groups can gather to worship, pray, and study not only helps with Cru’s financial standing. It helps to shift the entire focus towards the subject of worship, Jesus Christ.
I am asking for you to join me on this venture if willing, first and foremost with prayer—for safety and expeditious success with the engineering work our team is aiming to complete, and for the continued work of Cru in the area. I’m also looking to raise $3,000 in financial support—if you’d prayerfully consider financial support, instructions are below. Lastly and certainly not least, Karissa and the boys will be here and may need some help here and there—mostly with food as she’ll have babysitting help. If you’d like to help this way, grubhub gift cards are the easiest. I’m thankful for you prayerfully considering any method of support.
Find more information about my mission here.
In order to give towards Hale Simmons and his eMi project trip to Central Asia please follow these instructions:
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Click “I’d like to support” button and search for “Hale Simmons”
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Photo: Gabriela Clare Marino on Unsplash
