Risking Some Things
Risking Some Things
Last week our Small Group gathered to share a meal, and it was both beautiful and joyful. Part of the discussion around the table was, “What was your favorite toy as a child, and what might that tell us about you?” It was illuminating. So many straight lines from favorite toy to vocation and interest decades later.
My favorite toy, by far, was a cowboy outfit consisting of a suede leather vest and chaps, a two-and-a half gallon hat (I was a lot smaller then), and two cap guns that looked like pearl-handled revolvers. I wore that outfit nearly everywhere till it was unwearable. A little later, my best friend, Peter, owned an American Quarter Horse named JR, which we spent a lot of time over several years grooming and riding. Today, I still watch just about every cowboy show I can, own an overpriced wool “cowboy” vest from Filson (the J. Crew of the cowboy world), and am currently saving to buy the equipment required for Cowboy Action Shooting.
Beyond the fact that I can be a little quirky, I think what this might say about me is that I have always been exhilarated by adventure. From surfing, to motocross racing, to snowboarding, to church planting, to flying airplanes for fun. I truly enjoy adventure, especially those that, like most good adventures, require risking some things.
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells of a time when his followers will be marked as criminals and outcasts. A time when they'll be on trial for their lives because of their allegiance to him. And this passage, so vital and precise in its reference to the first generation of Christians, also has something to say to you and me today.
Clearly, even though we may not face the same dangers right here, right now, following Jesus means risking some things.
But is it an adventure we’re up for?
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Thanksgiving and Christmas Giving Opportunities
We are gathering food items and delivering Thanksgiving meal boxes for the Lighthouse Shelter, and filling gift shoe-boxes for children to contribute to the Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child. (See AnnapolisLighthouse.org - "Everyone at the Table", and SamaritansPurse.org - "Operation Christmas Child", respectively, and we'll have further information available at church Sunday.) You can prepare and deliver either type of box on your own, or bring full boxes or items to contribute into boxes which we'll make up and deliver to Redeemer for distribution this Sunday.
We hope you’ll consider helping with these efforts, seeking the flourishing of our neighbors by providing memorable meals for our immediate neighbors, and giving fun and useful gifts to kids around the world who often go without.
Weekly Men’s Bible Study—begins Thursday, December 1
7:00-8:00 AM in Eddie Holt’s workshop. Register here.
Redeemer Annual Meeting
Sunday, December 11 following worship.
Second Sunday Sandwiches
This Sunday following worship.
Vestry Meeting
This Sunday following Second Sunday Sandwiches
Picture credit: Lee Pigott on Unsplash