Of Dough and Olive Trees
Of Dough and Olive Trees
Our readings in Romans bring us to the fulcrum of the letter, chapters 9 – 11, which addresses the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the unfolding revelation of the Gospel. Before we leave our encounter with this letter to the Roman believers (“those who are loved by God and called to be saints”), I want to draw our attention to Paul’s passion for the Jewish people and his anguished grappling with the problem of their unbelief.
Why does this matter? That’s a good question. At the heart of the answer is the character of God. Is He faithful? Is He able to overcome unbelief? Does He keep his promises?
Paul was a missionary at the dawn of new age, the breaking in of the Kingdom of Heaven through the authority of the risen and ascended Messiah. His experience of God’s covenant with Jews and Gentiles was dramatically renewed through his relationship with Jesus and he was desperate to draw all those “who are love by God and called to be saints” into unity around the promise of God.
On Sunday, we will experience some of Paul’s best creative power as he works with the metaphors of dough and olive trees to convey the dynamics of covenant promise to Jew and Gentile.
Why does it matter? Because the Gospel of the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Steve E+
Next Sunday, August 27, 11:00AM!
We will gather at Annapolis Roads Overlook in Annapolis for worship, the blessing of students and educators, and a pot-luck picnic by the bay. We will not gather for worship at the church building that day. More details and sign-ups next week.
Fall Home Groups
If you haven’t done so already, please complete your Fall Home Group Survey here by next Monday, August 21.
By-Laws Amendments
Download our proposed amendments here. Download our By-Laws here. Email Steve Wishart (steve@redeemerannapolis.org) with comments about the proposed changes by September 16, 2023.
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)
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
Sunday, October 29–5th Sunday Potluck
Sunday, December 31–5th Sunday Potluck
Picture credit: Nazar Hrabovyi on Unsplash