Our Group Identity—Joy Together Sunday 3
Our Group Identity—Joy Together Sunday 3
A few months ago, I was struggling with an “issue”—I can’t even recall what it was, but I was sure that I was managing it well. However, one evening as I sat in my home office, suddenly my sister and my wife appeared in my doorway, casually leaning against the door frame but with a certain focus—and I was in the center of the frame. Hmmm. The doorway was blocked; I had nowhere to hide; I was outnumbered. I tried to sound cheerfully composed: “Hey!” Didn't seem to fool anyone. My sister graciously acknowledged that I was trying hard to manage this issue, but it wasn’t working. Maybe I should be open to a different approach. She knew something about it and wanted to share what she’d learned. Maybe I could benefit from her experience.
Well, what’s a man to do against such odds? I put up a feeble attempt at self-justification but realized that the more I talked, the less sensible I sounded. I was beat. But not by malice or force or shaming. My sister and my wife love me and they were determined to remind me of who I am: a brother and a husband and a child of God.
And I learned, again, that I belong to people who don’t justify themselves when lovingly addressed by their trusted people, but listen and take it to heart.
I’m grateful that there are such people in my life. Character development does not happen by trying harder, but by abiding in Christ and being with His people. That’s where our identities are formed and our character is developed.
Our “Joy Together” Sundays are meant to help us experience and practice becoming a joyful community, a loving community, a hospitable and generous community, a trustworthy community. Our community is what God has provided for us and our broken world to experience the forgiveness, restoration, and hope necessary for lost souls to find their true identity in God’s love and in His family.
I look forward to practicing ways that we can strengthen our identities together this Sunday by reminding each other who we are.
Steve+ Engstrom
What is a Joy Together Sunday?
Home Baked?
Some folks have asked about providing home baked brunch items for our Joy Together experience. We would love that! Let Lauren know if you plan to provide some deliciousness—“what” would be helpful, too: wishartlauren@gmail.com
Redeemer Women’s Spring Tea—Saturday, May 6, 2-4PM
Register here! Feel free to bring along a tea-appropriate treat if you’d like—or just bring yourself! We eagerly anticipate sharing a spot of tea and conversation with you.
Children are invited to attend as well (minimum age of eight recommended).
2023 Q1 Financial Snapshot
Redeemer remains in sound financial shape through the first quarter of 2023.
Expenses have been held below budget by about 2%, and we anticipate the same moving forward. Income at the end the first quarter is about 5% below budgeted commitments. Some of this is due to the timing of some giving, some missed giving we anticipate being made up, and some is from a small drop in giving overall. Thanks be to God, Redeemer has the savings in hand to weather these variables. We want to avoid dipping into savings if possible, however, as the interest we earn on these accounts is very helpful to us.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support of Redeemer's Shared Vision: “To proclaim and promote the Gospel; giving ever more time, talent, and treasure to seeking the flourishing of our neighbors”. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can help us remain on a strong, steady, and healthy financial footing. You can give electronically here.
If you have any questions about our budget or our giving, contact our Treasurer, Jim Evans: treasurer@redeemerannapolis.org; (571) 814-0199 (cell)
Bishop +Julian Episcopal Visitation—Sunday, June 18
Picture credit: Tyler Nix on Unsplash