Partnership in the Gospel
Partnership in the Gospel
There was a moment when the Gospel stepped into Europe for the first time. It happened in a swirl of divine directions and a dream, settling on a synagogue near the riverside and a woman named Lydia. God opened her heart and she opened her home. I like this combination! It was the foundation of the church in Philippi, a “partnership in the gospel” Paul calls it, the beginning of a “good work” that will continue until it is completed “at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Perhaps we here in Annapolis are a part of that continuing good work. Perhaps we are being called to such a partnership in the gospel.
Join us on Sunday to consider Lydia, the first Jesus-believer in Europe.
Steve E+
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Join other baseball fans from our Redeemer family to cheer on the Chesapeake Baysox at any or all of the following home game dates this summer. These nights will also include post-game fireworks. All games begin at 6:35PM.
Saturday, June 14, vs. Harrisburg
Saturday, July 12, vs. Reading
Friday, August 22 vs. Richmond
Purchase tickets at ticket-center.com or at the stadium.
Membership Sundays—June 29 and August 31
William Temple, an early 20th Century Anglican Archbishop said, “The church is the only society in the world that exists for the benefit of its non-members” This is a vital thing to remind ourselves of regularly.
The whole point of the Church is to bring the kingdom of God into the wider world. It exists for the tasks of witnessing to God’s saving, sovereign lordship over the world in whatever sphere it happens to inhabit. So, formal church membership isn’t checking a box or an end in itself. It’s making sure that we are working together in doing these things rather than just being a loose, vague convocation of people who happen to drift together some Sundays.
Membership is primarily about mission and vision.
It’s also about taking responsibility—along with the rest of the community—for the maintenance of the building, serving, the funding of ministries and salaries, ensuring that our ministries of benevolence to our neighbors are being generously and sacrificially carried out, and much more.
We will welcome new members to Redeemer Sunday, June 29 and Sunday, August 31 at our Fifth Sunday Potlucks. If you’re interested in finding out more about membership at Redeemer, simply write “member” on a Connection Card this Sunday and place it in the Offering. We will be in touch!
From our Bylaws:
“Membership in the Congregation shall extend to Christians who: have reached the age of majority; have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (and preferably Confirmed or Received by the Bishop); assent unreservedly to the three Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian); sacrificially steward their time, talent, and treasure in the furtherance of Redeemer’s Shared Vision*; regularly attend the public worship of Redeemer Anglican Church (regular attendance being here defined as at least monthly, to the greatest extent possible at a worship service, or if shut-in, to have received communion monthly); and, publicly sign the Redeemer Parish Registry (“The Big Green Book”).”
*“To proclaim and promote the Gospel; giving ever more time, talent, and treasure to seeking the flourishing of our neighbors.”
OTHER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Morning Prayer—Tuesday-Friday mornings, 8AM on Zoom.
Evening Prayer—Wednesdays, 7PM @ 1309
Women’s Bible Study—Saturdays, 9AM @ 1309
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7AM @ 1309
Photo: Divazus Fabric on Unsplash
