Particulars and Patterns
Particulars and Patterns
There are basically two ways to enjoy a stained glass window. If you can get close enough, you can examine the intricacy of each uniquely shaped piece of colored glass and inspect the meticulous craftsmanship with which they’re joined, or you can stand back and let the sun shine through all the individual pieces, bringing the entire window to life as a glorious whole
As I’ve preached over the past several weeks—excluding last Sunday—I’ve been looking at the book of Romans up close, examining the particulars of some of the doctrine that’s meticulously developed in this letter.
This week, though, I’d like to stand back a little, because this week’s Epistle reading isn’t primarily about particulars, although there are some. This passage is about a biblical pattern…a glorious whole every particular has been pointing to.
See you Sunday,
Steve W+
Fall Home Groups
It was a blessing to be together on Sunday to share our vision for Home Groups in the Fall. Our groups will begin the week of September 4th, directly after Labor Day Weekend, and continue through Advent (12 weeks total).
Bishop Julian Dobbs will join us on October 22nd and we will focus our Home Groups around the theme of catechesis in support of the Bishop's ministry of Confirmation that Sunday.
Our Anglican tradition recognizes that Scripture values public profession of faith for many reasons. It brings individual conviction to fruition in the life of our shared community where we can reaffirm our common faith, show solidarity, and experience the Holy Spirit's empowering, reconciling presence. The service of Confirmation is the liturgical expression of public witness.
Catechesis has been the historic preparation for Confirmation and though many of us have been Confirmed, we thought it would be beneficial for our entire community to be catechized together and experience our “new” Anglican Church of North America catechism “To Be a Christian”.
You can find copies for purchase or free PDF here. In the meantime, we will follow up next week with a survey that will provide more information on Confirmation and home groups times and locations.
We encourage everyone to participate in our Home Groups this season and share in the joy of learning how to love the Lord our God and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Peace,
Steve E+
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’s 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).
Some 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
Picture credit: Jakub Pierozynski on Unsplash