Fast Fridays
Fast Fridays
During the penitential season of Advent, historically Christians have exercised the spiritual disciplines of fasting, praying, repentance, and almsgiving. These are important because they help keep the main thing the main thing during a season that culturally can too often entice us to excess and indulgence.
I am asking that you join me today and on the following three Fridays in skipping one meal and devoting that time to prayer.
As I said in my sermon Sunday, in praying for the Thessalonians, St. Paul sets an excellent example of prayer that’s:
Audacious: the expression of profound longing for something beyond what can now be imagined;
Enthusiastic: it’s “in God” as the word literally means…en theos. It’s rooted in and inspired by the character of God revealed in Jesus (in this way, even biblical lament can be said to be “enthusiastic”); and,
Firmly Fixed on the Future: it believes confidently that God will one day bring heaven and earth together in a new way, with the personal presence of Jesus as the central feature and light of this new world. God’s will will be done.
And if nothing audacious comes immediately to mind, join me in praying that God would miraculously provide a suitable permanent home for Redeemer and all the resources it will require.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Thanksgiving and Advent Giving
Redeemer is partnering with Light House Homeless Prevention Center during Thanksgiving and Advent to help provide for some of their most urgent needs. We’ll be receiving items for the next five Sundays. Simply drop them off when you come to church, and we’ll deliver them. Click here for a list of their most urgently needed food and sundry items.
A Little Greener
We’re hoping to reduce our paper use moving forward, and you can help. Consider downloading and using our weekly bulletin on your phone or other device. The link is always included in our Sunday morning 7AM email.
Seeking Paid Nursery Staff
We are eagerly seeking a friendly, qualified woman (18+ years old) compensated to work in our nursery weekly. This person will serve with at least one volunteer, and will help provide consistency of presence and care for children, and confidence for parents. We will guarantee at least two fairly compensated hours per week, likely more as we ramp up adult education once again (something we’re very enthused about!). A background check and references will be required. If you know of someone who might be interested, please notify us right away: steve@redeemerannapolis.org
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 12 following worship, live and online.
Christmas Eve Offering
Did you know that more Nigerian Christians have been killed in 2021—simply for being Christian—than in any other nation on earth? Mostly by Boko Haram and Fulani tribesmen, militant Islamic groups. Things have been especially violent in the Anglican Diocese of Zonkwa (this video contains some potentially disturbing images). As many of you will remember, Redeemer began its Anglican life with roots in both the ACNA and the Church of Nigeria. We will be taking an offering at our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve to directly benefit our sisters and brothers there. You can also give electronically here.
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols
5:00 PM.
Picture credit: Jacob Bentzinger on Unsplash