The Lord’s Patience
The Lord’s Patience
Patience has been described as, “The quality you admire in the driver behind you, but can’t stand in the driver in front of you.”
For most of us, the virtue of patience is hard…and not something we’re very good at. But in the time leading up to Advent, and during Advent itself, we’re told over and over again as part of our preparation to wait with patience for the coming (the advent) of the Lord, both first and second.
And so it’s a nice contrast in this Second Week of Advent, that we, along with the original recipients of St. Peter’s second letter are strongly encouraged not to work on our own patience, but to instead savor and rejoice in the gracious patience of the Lord as a fulfillment of his loving purposes.
Turns out he’s very good at it.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
News & Announcements
This Sunday, December 10—Annual Meeting
You won’t want to miss this crucial discussion about what’s happened in 2023 and our plans for 2024—our priorities, or budget, and everything you need to know about 1309 Bay Ridge Avenue. After a brief time of refreshment following worship, we will gather again for one hour to talk about these important things. Care for younger children will be provided.
Also this Sunday—The Big Green Book continued…
During Communion, we will have the book available again just outside the Sanctuary doors, visible to all, to record the names of those who wish to become Active Members. You can sign before you receive, after you receive, or just after we dismiss. We’re using the lobby—a very “public” space at Redeemer, even during the service—on this inaugural registration so that nobody feels any kind of pressure to join by coming to the front. Though we would love for everyone who meets our membership criteria* to join with us officially, we also want you to sign the book, or not, as you choose.
For families, the names of both adults and children living at home should be recorded each on their own line. So that we can do this expeditiously this week, we will backfill over the coming weeks with the additional information required in the Registry: birthdate and place, baptism date (month/year sufficient unless day known specifically) and place, and date signed and source (which for everyone on Sunday will be 12/10/2023, and “On request”). Our Administrator, Tori, will be at the table to help.
Important Upcoming Events
Sunday, December 24, 10AM—Morning Prayer on Zoom
Sunday, December 24, 5PM—Festival of Lessons and Carols
Monday, December 25, 11AM—Holy Communion
Sunday, December 31—Fifth Sunday Potluck
*From Redeemer’s By-Laws:
Article VIII, Section 2: Membership in the Congregation shall extend to those who:
1. have reached the age of majority;
2. have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (and preferably Confirmed by the Bishop);
3. assent unreservedly to the three Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian);
4. sacrificially steward their time, talent, and treasure in the furtherance of Redeemer’s Shared Vision;
5. 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 receive communion monthly); and,
6. publicly sign the Redeemer Parish Registry (The Big Green Book).
Photo Credit: Johan Funke/Unsplash
